Tell us about your work
I teach on the Joint Programme (JP) with the Beijing University of Posts and Telecommunications. For several years I led the Multimedia pathway of the JP and designed and delivered several multimedia related modules (interactive systems design, 3D Graphics programming, multimedia systems, multimedia fundamentals). My research interests cover human computer interaction, multimodal interfaces, affective computing, immersive learning, learning analytics, and human robot interaction. Currently, I collaborate with colleagues in Japan on the design of robots (real and virtual) for use in education (we are designing robots that can act as public speakers, and intelligent virtual agents that can support the wellbeing of online learners). I am currently Program Chair of the Immersive Learning Research Network annual conference (iLRN), and the deputy director for development and scholarship of CAISE (the Centre for Academic Inclusion in Science and Engineering in the QMUL S&E Faculty).
What inspired you to choose a career in engineering?
I studied Math then Electronic Engineering in France in the 80s. My Masters degree was in Signal Processing and I did my PhD in a lab dedicated to Speech. Deciding to study Electronic Engineering was partly because it was a very trendy and very competitive field of study at the time (Computer Science degrees were a rarity then); and partly to fight stereotypes. In my Masters, only 2% of the students were female! Real interest for the subject came later and I never regretted my choice.
What brought you to Queen Mary?
I started my career in industry, completing two postdocs in Japan before coming to the UK to work at CRE (Canon Research Europe). However, joining academia had always been in the back of my mind. There were some connections between QMUL and CRE, as a few of my CRE colleagues had come from (what was at the time) the Department of Computer Science (DCS) at Queen Mary. When I saw a lecturer post advertised in DCS, I applied and got hired as a lecturer in human-computer interaction. The transition from industry to academia wasn’t an easy one and retrospectively I understand how much good mentoring is important for new staff. But again, I never regretted the move to academia.
What are the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in EECS?There is definitely a lack of role models for women, not just in EECS, but in the Engineering professions in general. This is creating extra challenges, especially around career progression. One of the things I am most proud of is to have recently initiated in EECS a discussion group about Scholarship. Scholarship is a contractual requirement for staff on T&S (Teaching & Scholarship) contracts, and until recently there was no “space” (formal or informal) to discuss Scholarship and get support for the development of Scholarship. The discussion group will soon officially become a new Centre within the School. It will have a strong emphasis on providing mentoring for T&S staff and supporting their career development. Although the Centre is not specifically for women, we are forced to note that they make up the majority of staff on T&S contracts and will be the prime beneficiaries.
Why would you say women should consider a career in engineering or computer science?
Engineering and computer Science are highly creative and versatile. Anyone enjoying solving problems, creating devices and applications, discovering hidden truths behind big data, or designing interactions between people and devices, will enjoy a career in engineering or computer science.What’s the best thing about your work?
I enjoy solving problems, creating devices and applications, discovering hidden truths behind big data, and designing interactions between people and devices! I also like teaching and working with students. Many of my publications are resulting from projects with JP undergraduate students. I like creating opportunities for them to apply in meaningful ways what they have been learning and to let other people know about their achievements.
When not at EECS, what are your interests?I have always enjoyed sports (hiking, skiing, scuba diving, running …), but Covid has made me discover bicycle touring. I live in Tokyo most of the time and my bicycle has allowed me to escape the big city during the last 2 years of Covid. On most weekends, I get on a train with my folding bike and go cycling in amazing and often very remote places in the country.