Feodora Heavey

Biotechnology and beer might not seem the most likely of bedfellows, but for a modern-day brewer a science degree is the most common way to get a foot in the door. Feodora Heavey works as a brewer and process development technologist at St James’ Gate. She studied chemical and pharmaceutical sciences at Dublin City University before falling in love with brewing on an internship at Guinness. It was the unique brewing processes that really got her hooked. "I loved the skill, the innovation and the craft behind the beer. From then on, I knew I wanted to be a brewer when I finished my studies."

What advice would Heavey offer anyone thinking of becoming a brewer? “Be passionate about beer; to love brewing you need to appreciate it. There are a small number of courses that specialise in brewing but a good way to get into the industry is through science and engineering.” She cites working on the Brewers Project and “the physical part of the milling and mashing” as her favourite parts of the job so far, although just walking through the “Charlie and the Chocolate Factory-style gates” of the brewery every day is also a thrill. “The brewing equipment is unrivalled and St. James’s Gate is steeped in history. It's special to know that generations have brewed here and will continue to in the future.”