Dr Benjamin Thébaudeau is the geopark geologist for the Joyce Country and Western Lakes aspiring Geopark based in Tourmakeady. He has a background in Physics, a MSc in Geophysics and completed a PhD in 2013 at the department of Geology of Trinity College Dublin. He also has experience in archaeology and has a strong interest in Irish, having recently completed a Diploma sa Ghaeilge in the Tuar Mhic Éadaigh Gaeltacht.
His current post in the project involves the telling of the geological story as well as linking it to the wider heritage of the region. Beside the production of outreach and education resources both printed and digital, he is also visiting schools, partnering with universities and delivering presentations to local interest groups in the wider area. He is a resident of Westport for the past 6 years and is looking forward to the first ambassador programme on Croagh Patrick where rocks and landscape are very important and interesting.