Blog posts

Spotlight on: Jenny Rae, Chief Information Officer

Jenny Rae

I’ve recently been appointed the role of Chief Information Officer (CIO)*. In this role, I lead the Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) Division at Imperial and I am responsible for all aspects of Imperial’s Technology Strategy which will support the organisation to realise its digital ambitions.

“My passion is in bringing product management practices to IT departments, with the goal of delivering business value through technology.”

How did I get here?

My passion is in bringing product management practices to IT departments, with the goal of delivering business value through technology, and that is why I joined Imperial in January 2022 in my first role in Higher Education (HE) as the Director of Digital Products.

Jenny RaePrior to this, I spent a large part of my career in the telecoms industry working for Vodafone, BT and OneWeb in a variety of product management and business transformation roles. I have fifteen years’ experience in product management and business transformation, and have worked for FTSE companies in senior positions, but I also have experience working in the start-up world, which has given me a greater understanding of differing organisational structures, values and their customers’ needs.

“Spend time understanding the organisation you are in and how it operates, this will help you to change the role of IT in the organisation and build relationships in teams outside of your own.”

I studied a Business and Operations Management degree at Oxford Brookes and have an MBA in Business Administration from Henley Business School – this gave me the knowledge to put into practice in my career, but I am always continuing to learn.

*Jenny was appointed Imperial’s interim CIO in 2022 and was appointed CIO in October 2023.

My future aspirations

I want to create amazing experiences for our Imperial students and staff, delivering this through cross-functional empowered teams who are all working towards the same vision.

My advice

You should focus on outcomes rather than output. Technology isn’t a standalone activity; it can transform an organisation when it is used to achieve an outcome.

Spend time understanding the organisation you are in and how it operates, this will help you to change the role of IT in the organisation and build relationships in teams outside of your own.

Bonus Material

https://www.everywoman.com/tech-hub/on-demand-webinar-why-universities-are-the-best-place-for-continious-learning-skill-development-and-strategic-planning/

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the lookout for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Spotlight on: Gemma Seabrook, Information Insight Team Lead

I lead the Information Insight team and we are responsible for managing the universities business intelligence product – Power BI.

I joined Imperial’s ICT division shortly after Power BI was released, and since then, I have seen significant change in the analytics space, moving away from a small central team of programmers to an ‘analytics for all’ approach. This has empowered Imperial staff to produce the analytics they need, when they need it. The key focus for our team is to enbable people, who may have a varied range of analytics experience, to make the best use of the tools we offer.

“Don’t be afraid to give something a go. Even if you fail, you will learn from it. Often, we learn more from breaking things (in a safe development environment of course!) than from getting them right.”

How did I get here?

Gemma Seabrook showcasing her work at the ICT ExpoFor someone who holds degrees in cultural studies I came to analytics through an unusual career route! A summer job in a space planning role at a major supermarket taught me a range of skills with spreadsheets that I put into good, and enthusiastic use, when I set out on my career in higher education. My passion for this type of work soon turned into colleagues saying, ‘Gemma likes spreadsheets, let’s give her this data task’, and this became my primary role. From there on I worked with various datasets including; university data, surveys, and longitudinal studies. I started combining data and project management work, and then progressed to enjoy working in business analysis.

My future aspirations

I believe strongly that the right technologies can enable people to achieve their goals, and this is a key focus for me. Data is key to making informed decisions at every level of the business, and this scale of need will lead to more people wanting to do even more with data. I want to provide an analytics product that will help people achieve that, while also putting in place structures and guidelines that will help keep that data, and the people analysing it safe.

“Find a working environment that respects and enables you.”

My advice

Follow your passions. The more you enjoy your work, the better you will be at it.

Find a working environment that respects and enables you.

Don’t be afraid to give something a go. Even if you fail, you will learn from it. Often, we learn more from breaking things (in a safe development environment of course!) than from getting them right.

Instead of fearing change, make it an opportunity for you to get where you want to go.

Bonus Material

Find out more about Gemma’s career journey on our everywoman in Tech webinar blog post – You should never be the one to tell yourself no!

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

 

 

 

 

Spotlight on: Michele Barritt, Head of HR and Finance Product Line

Michele Barrett

 

As Head of the HR and Finance Product Line, I am responsible for establishing a clear vision for each product in my portfolio, developing strategy and roadmaps for each product and working in partnership with key business stakeholders from the Human Resources (HR), Finance and Research Administration teams.

I am responsible for the end-to-end delivery of products within my product line. It is equally important when developing or implementing new products I ensure that they meet users’ requirements.

I collaborate with staff support networks across Imperial to ensure the products we deliver are inclusive to everyone.

I also have to manage resources and financial budgets to ensure that we have the right team in place to support the product lifecycle.

“If you invest in people then they will invest in you. Respect the unique worth of every individual.”

How did I get here?

Michele Barrett showcasing her work to a colleagueI am currently Head of HR and Finance Product Line and I have been at Imperial for four years already! It’s exciting to be working with teams on a business transformation programme, working to transform business areas that I support.

I think Imperial is a great place to work because I thrive on working in partnerships with colleagues from all over the organisation.

I joined at the beginning of May 2019 as the Team Lead for System Solutions in ICT responsible for the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) system, before progressing into my current role.

My career started out in HR in the charity sector, but this organically grew into a role in technology when the IT Director appointed me to manage the entire Oracle estate after managing a succesful implementation project. I was responsible for bringing on new products such as self-service and recruitment.

As part of my personal development, I completed numerous Oracle training programmes during this time, and I obtained the NVQ4 and 5 qualifications in Management.

I also hold an Institute of Leadership and Management (ILM) qualification and I am a member of the Chartered Institute for People Development (CIPD).

My future aspirations

Michele BarrettI am motivated to continue my career in digital and technology, in roles that contribute to making a positive difference, add value and let me grow as an individual.

I want to continue to champion the Imperial Values, and to be an ally to Imperial’s LGBTQ+, disability and BAME community and staff support networks, as well as other staff groups and forums.

I will continue to promote diversity and inclusion in the workplace, as well as promote attracting females into technology, and be a peoples champion.

“Respect the unique worth of every individual.”

My advice

The world of tech is exciting and has great opportunities.

If you invest in people then they will invest in you. Respect the unique worth of every individual.

Don’t be afraid of asking questions or of those that ask questions of you and want to learn from you. You are never too old to learn and grow.

Inspire and be inspired. Lead by example, collaborate and inspire.

Problems are challenges and there is always an answer!

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Under the Banner of collaboration

ICT’s Student Lifecycle Administration Product Line, led by Adrian Thomas have been collaborating closely with Registry to make improvements to the Banner Student System.

“Collaborative working between Registry and ICT benefits from complimentary experience and expertise, which enables us to get the requirements right, and communicate effectively between ICT and end users.” Eleanor Grant, Senior Systems Officer, Registry

What is Banner?

Banner is used to manage the information of our student applicants and student administration.

Together, ICT and Registry have been testing and getting feedback from our Banner users on some fantastic improvements to the Student Records Management application and Banner Student Enquiry Form.

The Banner Student Enquiry form is a bespoke form pulling together vital information regarding a student’s programme so that department administrators, senior tutors, Registry and others can easily view information around specific students in one place, such as:

  • Student person details
  • Programme and programme status
  • Student record information including year of programme, level, faculty and department
  • Progression information
  • Interruption of studies
  • Modules
  • Degree outcomes
  • Research information including milestones, supervisors and thesis title

Making improvements that work for all

Learning and teaching staff from the faculties have been supporting the testing and feedback to help identify issues with some incorrect content and the challenges relating to accessing the form on Apple Mac devices.

This collaboration between the Student Lifecycle team, with Registry and faculty staff to identify, understand and resolve issues means that now Mac users get the same experience as Windows users.

Registry’s Senior Systems Officer, Eleanor Grant, was integral to the project as a subject matter expert and dedicated to ensuring improvements were fit-for-purpose.

Eleanor said, “Registry (Student Administration) discussed feedback from university users on the Banner Student Enquiry Form with ICT, and teams worked together to deliver a solution. Collaborative working between Registry and ICT benefits from complimentary experience and expertise, which enables us to get the requirements right, and communicate effectively between ICT and end users. Registry and ICT work together in this way to deliver fixes and improvements across the Student Lifecycle Product Line.”

“It was great to see our digital ambitions and agile methodology in action, with the Student Lifecycle product line teams working together with Registry, faculty staff and suppliers to make iterative changes to ensure a better user experience. I look forward to continuous development and improvement for this and many of our student lifecycle products”.  Adrian Thomas.

Find out more about Banner Student System

Staff can access Banner through My Imperial.

You can find out more about the Banner Student System. or get training on the Student Records Management web page.

Further support

If you want to support or feedback on Banner and other Student Lifecycle applications, please contact our Student Lifecycle Team.

If you have any technical issues, please contact the ICT Service Desk.

Spotlight on Bouquette Kabatepe, Digital Accessibility Officer

In an increasingly digital world ensuring accessibility for all is paramount. Throughout my career I have been dedicated to championing accessibility, digital or otherwise, and fostering an inclusive environment. As the Digital Accessibility Officer, in ICT here at Imperial, it is my job to coordinate efforts to ensure accessibility compliance and promote inclusivity in both digital and physical spaces.

“You don’t need to be perfect, or excellent to be able to improve someone’s experience. You just need to care.”

Since February 2020, I have been entrusted with the responsibility of coordinating our digital accessibility compliance efforts. Reporting to the Head of Governance in ICT, my role involves policy and risk management, raising accessibility awareness, digital accessibility compliance approvals, stakeholder engagement, and providing advice and support on accessibility compliance.

By engaging with high-level decision-makers, including; Digital Teams across the university, ICT product line teams, student support services and teaching technology staff, I have been able to work towards embedding the best practices in inclusive digital design throughout the institution.

How did I get here?

I have lived and worked in four different countries, in a variety of roles from account management to leading high-octane sales teams. I have also worked in project management and mid to top management roles for non-governmental organisations and campaigning.

My future aspirations

Bouquette KabatepeThere is nothing more motivating and fulfilling for me than my current role as Digital Accessibility Officer. I truly wake up every day with a huge drive to continue working towards creating a more accessible environment for all.

You don’t need to be perfect, or excellent to be able to improve someone’s experience. You just need to care. Smallest improvements may help users immensely.

My advice

I would like to take this opportunity to invite you to join me in our efforts of making Imperial’s digital presence accessible for all needs. Not because we have to, but because we care.

Bonus material

You can contact Bouquette to discuss digital accessibility or find out what support is available at Imperial:

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Spotlight on: Tania Bozinovska, Network Infrastructure Lead

Tania Bozinovska

As the Network Infrastructure Lead, I am responsible for the physical network infrastructure – overseeing both wired and wireless connectivity across all Imperial campuses. My primary responsibility is to ensure that the university infrastructure is well-designed to meet its evolving needs in the long term.

“The brilliant support from my colleagues and the nurturing and collaborative culture at Imperial have been instrumental in propelling me to where I am today.”

How did I get here?

I arrived in the UK at 18 with the goal of learning English, which it turns out is a lifelong pursuit?

I studied Electronics and Telecommunication Engineering and began my career in the telecoms industry, where I initially worked as a Network Planning Engineer.

Later, I joined NTT Communications (a private telecommunications company) and entered the world of data centres, where I managed colocation sites across Europe.

Tania BozinovskaAfter taking a short career break to have kids, I then ventured into uncharted territory and established my own café and catering business. What began as a “lifestyle” venture to fit in with the family, soon grew into a successful operation, which I eventually sold.

I always had the intention to go back to the tech industry and continue with my career once my children were more independent, and that is how I moved over to Imperial nine years ago.

When I first joined the Network Infrastructure Team, I encountered a steep learning curve and the challenge of balancing work and my ever-growing family commitments. However, the brilliant support from my colleagues and the nurturing and collaborative culture at Imperial have been instrumental in propelling me to where I am today!

My future aspirations

Tania BozinovskaI am excited to be involved in implementing the next-generation Wi-Fi connectivity at Imperial, which is crucial for the development of a cutting-edge digital campus.

My aspirations revolve around leveraging technology to enrich education and foster a seamless connectivity experience across the university for both students and staff.

My advice

“With determination and the right support, you can achieve your goals in the tech industry.”

Embrace challenges and be open to new opportunities, even if they seem unfamiliar.

Surround yourself with supportive colleagues and employers who believe in your potential.

Your confidence may waver, but with determination and the right support, you can achieve your goals in the tech industry.

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Spotlight on: Kadijatu Kamara, Data Analyst Apprentice

Kadijatu Kamara

As a Data Analyst, I build and develop analytical dashboards and reports that provide valuable insights to support Imperial in accomplishing its mission. I’m committed to actively participating in our data strategy, which aims to foster a data-driven culture.

In ICT’s Data and Analytics Product Line, we are currently working on improving the way we utilise and leverage data within Imperial through our enhanced Unified Data Platform (UDP). Additionally, we also empower teams across the university by utilising the Power BI tool to enable business intelligence, supporting better decision making.

“Starting anything new has no expiration date. What truly defines your path is your enthusiasm and commitment, not your beginning point.”

How did I get here?

After graduating from university in 2019, with a bachelor’s degree in mathematics, I was unsure about what I wanted to do next. As a result, I decided to take a gap year to explore my options and see if pursuing a Master’s degree was the best path for me. During this time, I developed a strong interest in both finance and the tech industry.

While pondering my next move, I accepted a position in finance for a few months, only to discover that it didn’t entirely align with my goals. I had the fantastic opportunity to join Imperial as a Data Analyst Apprentice in September 2022, which has been highly rewarding for me.

“Being a part of the IT industry has been really exciting because it is constantly evolving, offering me new challenges and opportunities for personal development.”

Kadijatu Kamara in the ICT kitchen discussing technology Working as a Data Analyst offers me a sense of fulfilment knowing that I contribute to shaping Imperial’s decision-making processes.

Being a part of the IT industry has been really exciting because it is constantly evolving, offering me new challenges and opportunities for personal development.

My future aspirations

One of my future aspirations is to undertake roles where I can lead and manage data projects. Furthermore, I am eager about sharing my skills and experiences with women who may be hesitant to enter the tech profession.

My goal, whether through mentorship or blog postings, is to encourage and support others on their tech journeys.

My advice

Starting anything new has no expiration date. What truly defines your path is your enthusiasm and commitment, not your beginning point.

“Believe in yourself, stay optimistic, and remember that your goals are within your grasp.”

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

ICT’s EasyBuilders

Jörg Sassmannshausen, Research Computing Analyst at Imperial, hosted the EasyBuild User Meeting 2023 in April.

What is EasyBuild?

EasyBuild is an open-source software build and installation framework for installing scientific software on High Performance Clusters (HPC).

EasyBuild is a tool that helps provide consistent and high performance, and helps Jörg and team to save time by automating repetitive tasks, which can be tedious!

A quick overview of EasyBuild

How does EasyBuild work?

Jörg and his colleagues implement the software by means of several scripts, which can be best described as three different blocks:

  1. Framework is what holds the machinery together.
  2. Blocks give generic instructions of what to do with a particular installation type, e.g. unpacking a compressed file and copying the content to a directory. More complex installations have their own EasyBlocks, and can support 41 generic EasyBlocks and over 3085 different software packages (incl. toolchains, bundles).
  3. Config – EasyConfig files are the instructions sets of where to download the software from i.e. the home page of the software, what it is and how to install it.

Jörg and the Platforms Team is very actively contributing to configuration by either providing an EasyConfig file for a newer software version or simply creating EasyConfig files from scratch for  software which is currently not in EasyBuild.

Jörg says “Right now there are around  800 config contributions open in EasyBuild, with around 90-100 coming  from us in the Platforms Team.”

Jörg informs us, “Here at Imperial we are using EasyBuild for the software installation on our HPC cluster. So instead of  installing software manually, which is often not really reproducible and definitely time consuming, for software which is already included in EasyBuild we have a robot in place who does that work for us. Given we’ve got different CPU architectures on our cluster, we are building the software several times to these architectures.”

Building a community is easy

EasyBuild is not only the software, but also a large community. EasyBuilders come from all over the world, for example from the University of Birmingham and York University in the UK, to major international research centres, like Jülich or large computer networks like the Digital Research Alliance of Canada.

Easy Build community members group photo

EasyBuild User Meeting 2023

The annual meeting is a three-day event, and not only brings the users together, but it also the domain-specific experts together with interesting talks.

The talks are streamed live on the day via Zoom, so remote participants can ask questions, but are now available on YouTube.

Watch the content from the User Meeting online:

The second and third day were dedicated to a workshop of how to install EasyBuild, which was predominantly visited by UK system administrators.

Jörg said “Overall, we were really pleased with the event and both the meeting and the workshop were rated excellent in the user survey.”

As well as the EasyBuild meeting, authors can come along to TechTalks to discuss their particular software throughout the year.

Bonus materials

Easy Build interactive tutorial video – This video will provide a high-level introduction to the software build and installation framework EasyBuild (https://easybuild.io/). EasyBuild is focused on supporting the installation of software on High Performance Computing (HPC) platforms and is increasingly widely used as a tool to simplify this process. Jörg Sassmannshausen, Senior Research Analyst at Imperial College London, introduces how EasyBuild works with this interactive tutorial.

Audio Podcast – Listen to this Code for Thought podcast entitled ‘ByteSized RSE: Easy Does It – with easybuild’ with Jörg Saßmannshausen

Get in touch

If you want to find out more about EasyBuild User Meetings email: eum@lists.ugent.be

To discuss Imperial’s involvement or EasyBuild installation contact Jörg Sassmannshausen, Research Computing Analyst

Spotlight on: Maria Teresa Douglas, Product Owner

Maria Teresa Douglas

I’m Maria Teresa Douglas, the proud Product Owner for Data and Analytics here at Imperial.

I joined Imperial in January 2023, and in my role, I have the privilege of driving the development and enhancement of data and analytics products that fuel innovation and insights across our esteemed institution.

It’s an exciting journey where I get to leverage the power of data to enable evidence-based decision-making, which helps individuals at Imperial unlock their potential.

“Together, we will shape the future, where data insights drive transformative change, and our friendships make the journey even more meaningful.”

How did I get here?

Maria Teresa Douglas at the ICT ExpoI arrived in the UK in my early 20s, with little English but a passion for technology and embarked upon a degree in Computer Science.

On the back of this I have spent the past 25 years working in technology and data analytics for various companies; IBM, Microstrategy, Bank Santander, Sony, and Sainsbury’s. This journey has been a remarkable one, with each step contributing to my growth as a tech leader.

My homeland was originally Peru, once the home of the Incas. Funnily enough the Incas had an ingenious system called ‘Quipus’ for collecting and encoding data. They used intricate knotted cords to keep records and convey information, so maybe it’s in my DNA to work with data!

“It’s in my DNA to work with data!”

My future aspirations

As I continue my career path at Imperial, I am dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation and data-driven decision making.

My vision is not only to empower every member of our institution, but also to create a community of colleagues and friends who support and uplift each other.

Together, we will shape the future, where data insights drive transformative change, and our friendships make the journey even more meaningful.

My advice

To all aspiring women in tech, let me share with you the guiding principles I follow, drawn from the wisdom of inspirational figures.

“Be fearless in pursuing your dreams, ambitious in setting goals, and resilient in the face of challenges.”

Surround yourself with supportive allies and never forget your roots and the strength they provide.

Be fearless in pursuing your dreams, ambitious in setting goals, and resilient in the face of challenges.

Together, we can shape a future where women thrive and leave a lasting mark in the world of technology.

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.

Spotlight on: Caroline Carter, AV Installations Manager

Caroline Carter, AV Installations ManagerI am the Audio Visual (AV) Installations Manager for Imperial College.  I manage and control the delivery of complex technical installations in both new buildings and room upgrades/refurbishments.

I take responsibility for ensuring the needs and requirements of the users and departments are met and any change is delivered on time.

I am a subject matter expert on all AV matters at Imperial, representing this technical discipline as required within Imperial and at external events.

I coordinate with support partners and external suppliers to predict the College’s requirements and manage this to match market supply chain availability.  I help ensure that our students and staff have access to an evolving suite of products that meets their AV needs, as well as aligning future investments and technologies in a manner that supports the university’s overall progressive business strategy and desire for innovation.

“Show off your accomplishments, ask for feedback and take criticism as a positive.”

How did I get here?

AV team pointing at the word Ambition

You could say that I ‘fell into’ AV.  I joined Imperial as the Technology Manager in the Business School back in January 2003 where I was looking after IT in general.  When the new building was being built, we discovered that the AV as designed wasn’t fit for purpose.  Someone decided that AV was “techie, computer stuff” and so the problem was passed to me to solve.  I did what was asked and installed AV equipment that met the School’s needs.  On the back of this success, I was given 35 rooms across campus to upgrade to the latest standards.  This has snowballed into taking on more and more upgrades across lecture theatres, meeting rooms and teaching spaces to the extent that I have needed to establish a team to provide ongoing technical support.

I now have an amazing AV Team who I would be lost without.  

I have been at Imperial for 20 years! But before Imperial I had a number of different career highlights including;

  • Lotus Notes Database Administrator, Allsop LLP, London
  • PA to Residential Director/Lettings Co-ordinator, Allsop LLP, London
  • Media Assistant, The Collins Partnership, London
  • PA to Research Director, Institute of Practitioners in Advertising, London
  • Assistant to Account Holders, Russell Warren Advertising, London

I also managed to squeeze in a year out to go travelling across the Middle East and Australasia

My future aspirations

 

Caroline Carter AV Installations Manager

I am really excited to understand how the student of today and tomorrow is going to interact around campus with the technology in a variety of different spaces and how collectively we can make that experience more seamless, more enjoyable, more exciting and stimulating for the students. 

Not just in the context of one room or a particular technology it’s the whole eco system!

My advice

“Don’t be scared to speak out.”

Caroline Carter, AV Installation Manager testing a lecture theatre mic

I have learnt a lot in my 20 years at Imperial and here are some great tips I have to help you in your career:

  • Never stop learning or networking. 
  • Show off your accomplishments, ask for feedback and take criticism as a positive.
  • keep a good work/life balance and don’t burn out. 
  • Attend industry events to learn from others. 
  • Don’t be scared to speak out.

Bonus material

Want to join ICT?

We have some great and diverse roles in ICT, and we are always on the look out for the best tech talent.

If you want to join our team check out our current job vacancies.

Check out our Equality, Diversity and Inclusion pages and find out about or activities to remove barriers and create a great place to work.