I joined York St John University in 2025, bringing over two decades of academic and research experience in data science, machine learning, robotics, and computer science education. My academic journey began with a BEng (Hons) in Electronic Engineering (Systems) from the University of Sheffield, followed by a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Plymouth. Before joining York St John, I held senior academic and leadership positions at Keele University, where I served as Reader in Computer Science, Director of Education, and Deputy Head of the School of Computer Science and Mathematics.
My work is characterised by a passion for interdisciplinary innovation, bridging the gap between academic excellence and real-world application. I have led numerous research and enterprise collaborations across sectors such as healthcare, education, automotive, and agriculture, generating over £2 million in external funding in recent years. I am also a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (SFHEA), reflecting my sustained commitment to advancing learning and teaching practice.
At York St John, my vision is to foster an environment where Artificial Intelligence research and education empower creativity, ethical practice, and innovation. I am deeply committed to mentoring students and colleagues alike, building bridges between academia and industry, and advancing AI as a transformative force for societal benefit.
My teaching philosophy is grounded in the belief that computer science and AI education should inspire curiosity, creativity, and confidence. Over my career, I have designed and delivered a broad range of modules at undergraduate and postgraduate levels, spanning programming fundamentals, mobile application development, data science and machine learning. I place particular emphasis on developing students’ problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities, supported by authentic, industry-relevant experiences.
As programme director and director of education in the past, I led the redesign and expansion of academic portfolios, with the creation of new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes as well as apprenticeship and online programmes. I also developed partnerships with leading employers to co-design data science curricula, enabling apprenticeships and live project opportunities that enhanced employability and student engagement.
My dedication to excellence in education has been recognised through multiple student-led award nominations. As a Senior Fellow of the HEA, I remain committed to championing evidence-based, inclusive, and innovative pedagogy that prepares graduates to thrive in a rapidly evolving digital world.
My research integrates Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning, and Data Science to address complex, real-world challenges through interdisciplinary collaboration. I have published over 70 peer-reviewed papers and led high-impact projects funded by UKRI and privately by companies. My work applies AI techniques across diverse domains, including health and medicine, biology, education, farming/agri-tech, and industry.
A distinctive feature of my research is its translational focus, turning academic innovation into tangible societal and industrial outcomes. I have successfully led multiple Knowledge Transfer Partnerships (KTPs) and enterprise collaborations with organisations such as Bentley Motors, TMT First, London Stone, and RAFT Solutions. These projects have improved business processes, enhanced data-driven decision-making, and provided rich opportunities for students and researchers to engage with industry.
Beyond research income and outputs, I value collaboration and mentorship. I have supervised multiple PhD and MPhil students to completion and maintain active partnerships with clinical and academic colleagues in the UK and Europe. Looking ahead, my research aims to advance ethical, explainable AI applications that deliver measurable benefit to individuals, institutions, and communities worldwide.
