Tell us about your work
I’m a Reader in Computer Engineering and Director of Education (DoE) for the Joint Programme/Joint Education Institute with BUPT, China. Being DoE in a cross-institutional programme has many challenges which makes my job very interesting. I have been travelling to China since 2007 and make several trips each year for teaching, project supervision and DoE duties – I find it a wonderful experience!
Improving student engagement is one of my top priorities. I have also recently started looking at the use of Generative AI in higher education and am leading an EECS Scholarship Working Group sub-group on this topic. I’m a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and act as a mentor and reviewer with QM Academy’s Teaching Recognition Programme – this role allows me to meet and understand the work of colleagues from many different fields which is really valuable.
What inspired you to choose EECS and your career pathway?
I have always loved Maths and engineering seemed to be natural choice to me. I got my first computer when I was about 15 and learnt a bit of coding shortly after. I saw coding as teaching the computer to “think” like us and the way computers work fascinated me. I started my engineering degree back in Sri Lanka; joined QMUL halfway through when my family moved to UK. I then worked in the Telecommunication industry for a while which gave me new insights into what knowledge can do. I came back to QMUL for a PhD in Telecoms and progressed to an academic career. From my early childhood I have always found immense joy in passing on knowledge to others and take pride in being able to tell where others struggle. I feel lucky to be able to do this as part of my day job.
Why would you say women should consider a career in engineering?
I really don’t see why women shouldn’t go for engineering. It’s true there is some stereotyping, but this is changing. I sincerely hope this won’t actually be a topic in discussion in 10 years’ time. There were only a few girls when I did my BEng but I always saw this as a positive – I felt special!
Do you have a role model in the field who inspires you?
I have seen lots of amazing role models along the way and try to embrace things that I feel would help me progress and in turn make me more productive, both in terms of work and life in general.
What’s the best thing about your work?
It’s the people I work with, and the students we teach. Our team is very supportive and it’s always a pleasure to walk into the office and have a chat with those familiar faces:) And the appreciation from students is so rewarding, something money cannot buy. I will never forget overhearing a student in the BUPT campus canteen excitedly saying “She’s here!” when I first travelled over after the pandemic.
When not at EECS, what are your interests?
I love music and playing piano. Sometimes we do little panto-like productions at home with my son and daughter and always have a good laugh!