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Sangita Pokhrel

Lecturer and Module Director: Computer Science and Data Science DepartmentGroup Lead, Paragon Research and Innovation Research Group

London Campus

Contact details

My research

For a full collection of my research to date, please visit my RaY profile.

View my full RaY profile

I am a Lecturer, Module Director and a Research Group Leader in Computer Science and Data Science department at York St John University, London Campus. I am also a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), a Qualified External Examiner, and an emerging academic leader contributing across teaching, research, and external engagement.

I contribute to postgraduate teaching across the MSc Computer Science and MSc Data Science programmes, delivering modules aligned with industry needs and emerging technologies.

I serve as:

  • Module Director: Data Visualisation
  • Deputy Module Director: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML)
  • Deputy Module Director: Postgraduate research modules, including Dissertation and Applied Research Projects (60 credits)

I have teaching experience across a range of modules, including:

  • Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning
  • Big Data and Cloud Computing
  • Agile Software Development
  • Artificial Intelligence Concepts
  • Data Analytics and related areas

My teaching approach is research-informed and employability-focused, integrating real-world datasets, industry tools, and emerging technologies such as Generative AI and Large Language Models (LLMs). I emphasise critical thinking, problem-solving, and the practical application of AI in real-world contexts.

I supervise MSc dissertations and Applied Research Projects, supporting students in research design, implementation, and dissemination, with a focus on developing industry-ready and research-informed graduates.

Academic leadership and teaching

  • Module Director: Data Visualisation.
  • Deputy Module Director: Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning (AIML).
  • Deputy Module Director: Postgraduate research modules, including Dissertation and Applied Research Projects (60 credits).
  • Teaching across modules like Big Data and Cloud Computing, Agile Software Development, Artificial Intelligence Concepts, Data Analytics and related areas.
  • Supervision of MSc dissertations and Applied Research Projects, supporting students towards submission, publication and career progression.
  • Research-informed, employability-focused teaching integrating Generative AI, LLMs, and real-world applications.

My research focuses on Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and applied AI/ML, with an emphasis on responsible and practical applications across domains such as digital marketing, education, healthcare, and related areas.

I have published in international peer-reviewed journals and conferences, including venues associated with IEEE, Taylor & Francis, and SAGE Publications. My work is reflected in my Google Scholar profile and spans applied areas including machine learning in tourism, mental health analysis of international students, predictive modelling in agriculture, computer vision, and generative AI.

I lead and contribute to internally funded research projects, including SAAR (Student as a Researcher) and QR (Quality-related) initiatives, working across cross-school and cross-institutional collaborations with academic partners in the UK and internationally. I am also actively engaged in external research collaborations and the development of funding proposals in areas such as Generative AI, virtual reality (VR), digital health, and AI in education.

Alongside my research, I contribute to the academic community through roles including Conference Chair and Co-Chair, keynote speaker, reviewer, and technical committee member for international conferences and journals, supporting research quality and scholarly dissemination.

Research and innovation

  • Research Group Leader: Paragon Research and Innovation (PRI) Group: www.yorksj.ac.uk/research/paragon-research-and-innovation
  • Research focused on Generative AI, Large Language Models (LLMs), Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), and responsible AI, with interdisciplinary applications across domains such as digital marketing, education, healthcare, and related areas.
  • Publications in international peer-reviewed journals and conferences, including IEEE conferences and journals published by Taylor & Francis and SAGE Publications.
  • Contribution to internally funded (QR) research projects and cross-institutional collaborations, alongside active engagement in developing external research partnerships and funding proposals in areas such as virtual reality (VR), digital health, and AI in education.

Recent publications

I actively contribute to academic, industry, and interdisciplinary initiatives that integrate research, innovation, and real-world application of emerging technologies.

I lead and organises research and industry engagement initiatives through the Paragon Research and Innovation (PRI) Group, creating platforms for student research dissemination, interdisciplinary collaboration, and academic–industry interaction. These initiatives have supported student engagement, research visibility, and the development of industry-relevant skills.

I collaborate with academic and industry partners across the UK and internationally, including Middlesex University, Imperial College London, University of the West of Scotland, NSBM Green University, and SRM University, alongside organisations such as IBM and Google DeepMind.

I have contributed to internally funded (QR) research projects and cross-school collaborations, working with multidisciplinary teams on applied challenges in areas such as AI, digital health, and education. I actively collaborate with research groups within the institution and across external academic partners, contributing to interdisciplinary research, joint initiatives, and knowledge exchange. I am also engaged in developing external research collaborations and funding proposals.

I contribute to academic service through roles including reviewer, technical committee member, and Conference Chair/Co-Chair for international conferences, supporting research quality, peer review, and scholarly dissemination. I have also been involved in organising academic conferences, invited talks, and research events, strengthening academic networks, and collaboration.

I contribute to the wider professional community as an Academic Assessor for the Chevening Awards and serves as Secretary of the Society of Nepalese Engineers in the UK, supporting professional development, mentoring, and international engagement.

Industry and collaboration

  • Active collaboration with organisations including IBM and Google DeepMind.
  • Academic collaborations with universities including the University of the West of Scotland and University of Huddersfield.
  • Lead organiser of research, industry engagement, and student networking events.
  • Engagement with innovation platforms such as MakerVerse and The Dock, supporting experiential learning through VR and emerging technologies.

Professional and academic contributions

  • Academic Assessor for the Chevening Awards – British Council
  • Reviewer, Technical Committee Member, and Conference Chair/Co-Chair for international conferences and Journals
  • Secretary: Society of Nepalese Engineers in the UK (SONEUK, 2024-2026)
  • Nepal Lead: South Asian Women in Higher Education Network (SAWHE)
  • Participant, Aurora Leadership Programme by Advance HE (2025-2026)
  • Participant in mentoring and development initiatives, including the U-Connect Diversity Mentoring Scheme and the Global Majority Higher Education Mentoring Programme

Memberships

  • Fellow, Advance HE (FHEA)
  • Member, IEEE & IEEE Women in Engineering (WIE)
  • Member, British Academy of Management

My work focuses on advancing research-informed teaching, strengthening industry and academic collaboration, and applying AI to real-world challenges in education, business, and society.