UCAmI 2024
16th International Conference on Ubiquitous Computing and Ambient Intelligence
November 27th to November 29th, 2024 - Ulster University - Belfast (Northern Ireland, United Kingdom)
Session Overview
Join us for an inspiring session dedicated to exploring the vital role of women in the Tech sector, particularly within the fields of Ubiquitous Computing and Ambient Intelligence. This session is designed to provide opportunities to learn, grow, network and to be inspired to advance both your professional and personal development.
Participants will engage with keynote speakers who will share their career stories, gain insights from expert panel members, and participate in open discussions. This session will highlight the significant contributions of women in tech, as well as addressing and overcoming the challenges and opportunities.
Objectives
- Highlight the contributions of women in the Tech sector
- Identify the challenges and barriers faced in the Tech sector
- Discuss strategies for promoting gender equality and career advancement in the Tech sector
Topics
- Inspirational Career Journeys: Hear from remarkable individuals as they share their journeys of success, resilience, and the obstacles they've overcome to embrace opportunities in the sector.
- Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI) in Tech: Explore how to build inclusive solutions, foster diverse teams, and create environments where everyone belongs.
- Career Advancement Strategies: Gain strategic insights and actionable steps to drive your career forward. Learn how to navigate transitions and overcome professional challenges.
- Networking Opportunities: Discover how to build and leverage a powerful network that amplifies individual presence and opens new opportunities to embrace.
- Well-being and Work-Life Balance: Explore tips for maintaining mental, emotional, and physical health while pursuing your career ambitions.
Panelist
Cliona O’Boyle.
Head of BT Ireland Innovation Centre, BT
Cliona has spearheaded a decade-long collaborative programme funded by "BT – Ulster University – NI Government (Invest NI)," aimed at establishing a joint Research and Innovation Centre within BT's Belfast Global Development Centre (GDC). The research focuses on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, data science, security, and the Internet of Things. Cliona boasts a multifaceted career in BT spanning Engineering, Architecture, and Business over the past 8 years. Her journey led her to her current role as the head of the Award-winning Innovation Centre in Belfast. Prior to joining BT, Cliona enjoyed a successful career in Corporate Finance with Natwest Group. In 2015, she took a different path, completing an MSc in Software Development at QUB, which ultimately paved the way for her current position.
Head of BT Ireland Innovation Centre, BT
Cliona has spearheaded a decade-long collaborative programme funded by "BT – Ulster University – NI Government (Invest NI)," aimed at establishing a joint Research and Innovation Centre within BT's Belfast Global Development Centre (GDC). The research focuses on cutting-edge fields such as artificial intelligence/machine learning, data science, security, and the Internet of Things. Cliona boasts a multifaceted career in BT spanning Engineering, Architecture, and Business over the past 8 years. Her journey led her to her current role as the head of the Award-winning Innovation Centre in Belfast. Prior to joining BT, Cliona enjoyed a successful career in Corporate Finance with Natwest Group. In 2015, she took a different path, completing an MSc in Software Development at QUB, which ultimately paved the way for her current position.
Paul O’Brien.
Director, Compton Innovation
Paul has over 30 years leadership experience in AI and telecommunications. His career has spanned many roles including software and systems development, technology venturing, management consulting and leading international research labs. As Director of Research at BT, he created an award-winning global team developing data and AI powered solutions to some of the most challenging telecommunications and digital problems. Paul is a fellow and board member of the Institute for Telecommunications Professionals, an organisation that champions greater female representation and careers in telecommunications. He is a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor in computing at Ulster University.
Director, Compton Innovation
Paul has over 30 years leadership experience in AI and telecommunications. His career has spanned many roles including software and systems development, technology venturing, management consulting and leading international research labs. As Director of Research at BT, he created an award-winning global team developing data and AI powered solutions to some of the most challenging telecommunications and digital problems. Paul is a fellow and board member of the Institute for Telecommunications Professionals, an organisation that champions greater female representation and careers in telecommunications. He is a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor in computing at Ulster University.
Jo Guthrie.
Chief People Officer, Napier AI
Jo brings a breadth of HR experience having worked within Financial Services and partnering with areas such as Global Banking, Risk and Compliance. She has gained expertise in senior HR roles previously held at both CITI and HSBC. Jo has developed her knowledge by working her way up through these companies to understand the importance and value that people bring to an organisation. Engaging, personable, and professional HR Business Partner with a proven track record in partnering with senior stakeholders across multiple geographies, lines of business and functions. Demonstrable experience across all aspects of HR with an ability to align business and people strategies, incorporating commercial savvy and appreciation of an evolving, dynamic environment which requires authenticity, empathy, integrity, and pragmatism.
Chief People Officer, Napier AI
Jo brings a breadth of HR experience having worked within Financial Services and partnering with areas such as Global Banking, Risk and Compliance. She has gained expertise in senior HR roles previously held at both CITI and HSBC. Jo has developed her knowledge by working her way up through these companies to understand the importance and value that people bring to an organisation. Engaging, personable, and professional HR Business Partner with a proven track record in partnering with senior stakeholders across multiple geographies, lines of business and functions. Demonstrable experience across all aspects of HR with an ability to align business and people strategies, incorporating commercial savvy and appreciation of an evolving, dynamic environment which requires authenticity, empathy, integrity, and pragmatism.
Li Zou.
Professor, School of Computer Science and Technology, Shandong Jianzhu University
Professor Zou is a disciplinary leader, adjunct professor at the University of Leicester, UK, director of the joint laboratory for international cooperation of artificial intelligence new technologies in Shandong province, and head of the national high-end foreign service program team. He is mainly engaged in basic theoretical research on artificial intelligence, and has chaired 4 projects of the National Natural Science Fund and more than 10 projects at the provincial and ministerial levels such as the Liaoning Provincial Natural Science Fund. She was selected into the program of outstanding young scholars in higher education institutions of Liaoning Province, won the third prize of China's Wu Wenjun Artificial Intelligence Natural Science Award and the first prize of Liaoning Province's Natural Science Academic Results Award.
Professor, School of Computer Science and Technology, Shandong Jianzhu University
Professor Zou is a disciplinary leader, adjunct professor at the University of Leicester, UK, director of the joint laboratory for international cooperation of artificial intelligence new technologies in Shandong province, and head of the national high-end foreign service program team. He is mainly engaged in basic theoretical research on artificial intelligence, and has chaired 4 projects of the National Natural Science Fund and more than 10 projects at the provincial and ministerial levels such as the Liaoning Provincial Natural Science Fund. She was selected into the program of outstanding young scholars in higher education institutions of Liaoning Province, won the third prize of China's Wu Wenjun Artificial Intelligence Natural Science Award and the first prize of Liaoning Province's Natural Science Academic Results Award.
Julie Robillard.
Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Dr. Julie Robillard is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of British Columbia and Scientist in Patient Experience at BC Children’s & Women’s Hospitals. She leads the Neuroscience, Engagement and Smart Tech (NEST) lab within Neuroethics Canada, where her research program evaluates the benefits and harms of current and emerging technologies that support brain health across the lifespan, and develops novel, emotionally-aligned tools to assist people with brain health conditions in living their best life.
Associate Professor, Faculty of Medicine, University of British Columbia
Dr. Julie Robillard is an Associate Professor of Neurology at the University of British Columbia and Scientist in Patient Experience at BC Children’s & Women’s Hospitals. She leads the Neuroscience, Engagement and Smart Tech (NEST) lab within Neuroethics Canada, where her research program evaluates the benefits and harms of current and emerging technologies that support brain health across the lifespan, and develops novel, emotionally-aligned tools to assist people with brain health conditions in living their best life.
Andreea Albeanu.
Second-year Computing Science student, Ulster University, Belfast.
Andreea Albeanu is a second-year Computing Science student at Ulster University Belfast and the Chair of the Computing Society at UUSU. Originally from Romania, Andreea moved to Northern Ireland five years ago with a passion for computing and technology. Eager to explore various tech fields, she aims to find her niche and excel.
Driven by a desire to challenge herself and make a meaningful impact, Andreea decided to take on the role of Chair of the Computing Society. She aims to organize numerous IT and social events for society members in the new academic year. Andreea is particularly passionate about promoting Women in STEM and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry. She believes that with hard work and dedication, barriers can be overcome, and she strives to be a role model for non-native English speakers and women in tech.
Second-year Computing Science student, Ulster University, Belfast.
Andreea Albeanu is a second-year Computing Science student at Ulster University Belfast and the Chair of the Computing Society at UUSU. Originally from Romania, Andreea moved to Northern Ireland five years ago with a passion for computing and technology. Eager to explore various tech fields, she aims to find her niche and excel.
Driven by a desire to challenge herself and make a meaningful impact, Andreea decided to take on the role of Chair of the Computing Society. She aims to organize numerous IT and social events for society members in the new academic year. Andreea is particularly passionate about promoting Women in STEM and advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion in the tech industry. She believes that with hard work and dedication, barriers can be overcome, and she strives to be a role model for non-native English speakers and women in tech.
