I am a lecturer within the Divison of Cybersecurity with a focus on introductory programming, software development processes and HCI.

My background is in HCI and previous research has focused on accessibility and user centred design. My current research interests surround usability challenges involved in cyber security in particular the suitability of different authentication methods for children. I am exploring how best to introduce passwords to children and how to embed good cyber security habits in them from a young age. 

In addition I maintain an interest in the boundaries between a user's virtual and physical life and how they can protect their identity while engaging in online communities. 

CMP 104 - Programming with C++

The aim of this module is to provide students with the ability to develop simple programs in C++ that illustrate fundamental programming concepts.

CMP 102 - Software Design

The aim of this module is to provide students with the ability to developtheir skills in problem solving and to being to work towards more complex software programs.

CMP 311/308 - Team Project

(Program Specialist)

The aim of this Module is to provide the student with : the opportunity to develop a software product or technical solution by applying design, development and evaluation principles in a team environment.

My research examines the use of passwords by children, how suitable traditional authentication methods and education are for children at the begining of their school careers. At present, children are often expected to use passwords in a similar manner to adults, but recent research suggests that this often happens before they are developmently ready to use them. 

I am also interest the overlap between the online/offline worlds and how people navigate between the two. I am particularly interested as to how this relates to the millennial generation. These young adults are the first group of digital natives and are accustomed to sharing their lives inline. I am interested in how this shapes their identity and how they “manage” their online identity, particularly at times of transition.

In addition I maintain an interest in accessible design and the development of assistive technology for adults with complex and multiple impairments.

I was previously employed as a Postdoctoral Researcher on the Knowledge Exchange Hub Design in Action. Within Design in Action my principle research interests lay in developing collaborative approaches between diverse stakeholders and investigating the extent to which the environment around the stakeholders facilitates and shapes their collaborations and relationships.

• 2022 ACE CSE (CI) - £3476
• 2020 Northwood Trust (CI) - £67,645
• 2014 AHRC ECR Funding (CI) - £10,000
• 2014 AHRC Creative Economy Showcase (CI) - £10,000
• 2012 EPSRC Digital Economy Research in the Wild Grant (Named Postdoctoral Researcher) - £293,221
• 2011 EPSRC Digital Economy Research in the Wild Grant (Named Postdoctoral Researher) - £149,991
• 2010 James Caird Travel Grant worth £500
• 2010 ACM CHI Doctoral Consortium Travel Grant - £800
• 2008 ACM CHI Student Research Competition Travel Grant - £500
• 2007 Nuffield Undergraduate Research Bursary

Invited Panel Member, CybAlliance Flagship Workshop SUNRISE 2024, Bergen, Norway (2024)

Invited Keynote Speaker, The Role of Cybersecurity and Privacy in Promoting Child (Mental) Health and Wellbeing, Frankfurt, Germany (2024)

Invited speaker at 2018 North East TechFest - "Baby Photos & Identity Theft - the Role of Parents"

I was previously a Postdoctoral Researcher on the AHRC Knowledge Exchange Hub Design in Action. This project looked to support relationships between academia and industry. As a result of events run by this project, 17 businesses were created, with a turnover in excess of £2,000,000 and 105 jobs created. 

"Mitigate Mentor Manage -Parents and their child's cybersecurity" - Friends of Blackness Parents meeting

"Cybersquad" - local primary schools STEM week 2023

"Passwords Passwords Everywhere" - Skills Scotland Cyber Security event 2020

"Baby Photos & Identity Theft - the Role of Parents" - Invited speaker at 2018 North East TechFest