Reflecting on a personal journey that transitioned from a career in microbiology to computing. Was it ‘career by accident’ or planned? Focussing on how Professor Shushma Patel’s academic training supported the transition from one discipline to another and enabled interdisciplinary working and collaboration. This professorial inaugural lecture will look at the development of teaching and learning, student engagement, research and international collaborations.

Bio

Professor Shushma Patel joined De Montfort University in November 2020 as Pro Vice Chancellor and Dean, Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Media. Prior to this, she held various roles at London South Bank University, including Director of Research & Enterprise and Director of Education & Student Experience. She has led University wide initiatives in research & enterprise and learning & teaching. She holds a BSc (Hons) degree in Life Sciences from what is now University of Westminster and a PhD from the Faculty of Medicine (Institute of Dermatology), University of London. Her academic training has enabled her to lead interdisciplinary research in computing. She has worked with industry, in media, technology, music and manufacturing, on applied research projects to enable companies to exploit new concepts and technologies, and maintain a competitive advantage. As a researcher, she also collaborates with international partners on funded research projects and knowledge valorisation.

Shushma is passionate about promoting equality, diversity and inclusion. She has actively promoted women in STEM and leadership. She is a Chartered IT Professional, Fellow of the British Computer Society (BCS), Principal Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a National Teaching Fellow. She is an expert evaluator for H2020, a member of the BCS Academic Accreditation Committee and a QAA Quality and Standards Reviewer. She was a TEF subject panel assessor for engineering and technology.

Bookings will close 1 hour prior to the start of the event. Registrants will receive a link to join the online talk 24hrs before the event, via their provided email address.

Please contact the DMU Events Office on eventsoffice@dmu.ac.uk if you have any questions.

This event is open to all.