Biography

Jennifer O’Riordan is a native of Cork, Ireland and has been working at the Catholic University of America since 2013. In her role as Assistant Director of Irish Studies and instructor at the Catholic University of America, she teaches various levels of Irish Language and Culture. Professor O'Riordan also teaches French for the department of Modern Languages and Literatures, and works in the Certificate program for European Studies. There, she has designed course modules on migration and multiculturalism, examining their impact on contemporary notions of national identity in Ireland as well as a module on the transformation of the European city, specifically Dublin.

Professor O'Riordan is a co-director of CUA’s Irish Summer Institute and teaches the IRSH 110 course in Ireland during May and June. In the 2015-2016 academic year, she jointly received the “Advancement in Teaching” award with her colleague Dr. Patrick Tuite for their work on the Irish Summer Institute. CUA Provost, Dr. Andrew Abela noted that the institute was, “a wonderful example of interdepartmental cooperation and an innovative educational experience for our students.”

Professor O'Riordan is also advisor to the CUA Gaels (student club) and supervisor to the Fulbright Irish Language Teaching Assistant. She is involved with the expatriate Irish community in Washington, DC and has offered Irish language evening classes as well as language immersion days to the wider DC community.