Sometimes we forget the humans behind the tech in our ever busy world. DSF is fortunate enough to know some incredible tech leaders across the world and has the privilege of hearing them present at our events. That being said, our Speaker Spotlight sets the stage to get to know our speakers on a more personal level and connect them with our growing community. Read the mini interview below!

A bit about Samantha:

Samantha Ahern is a Senior Digital Research Trainer (ISD) and Education co-lead and for Advanced Research Computing (ARC), UCL. Samantha leads the ARC research theme: Transforming Research Communities, is a STEM Ambassador, Fellow of the University of London Centre for Online and Distance Education (CODE), a member of the Society of Research Software Engineers EDIA Working Group, a Carpentries Instructor and Trainer and Co-Chair of the Software Carpentry Lesson Programme Governance Committee. Samantha is a co-author of the Learning Technologists’ Anti-Racism Tool, recently contributed to the CODE Navigating the Future project and has previously published papers focusing on learning analytics and student wellbeing.

How did you start out in your tech career?

My career is unexpected. At 17 I dropped out of 6th Form to work in a factory. I then spent 3yrs attending college part-time to complete initially a BTEC First Cert then an ONC in Engineering. After failing to get into both the RAF and the Navy I went to university to study Computer Science, after having initially applied for a Computing Systems degree. My BSc(Hons) at Kingston University included a placement year, during this time I was software engineer in the Xerox OPDU team. Although I did well, I didn’t enjoy my placement that much and decided that I would rather be a teacher than a professional software engineer. I completed a PGCE in Secondary ICT at the Institute of Education, now part of UCL, and taught secondary ICT for 8.5yrs to students across key stages 3 to 5. Whilst teaching I completed a PGDip in IT in Education (IoE), and started a remote part-time MSc in Intelligent Systems with De Montfort University. In January 2013 I joined UCL, initially as an IT Trainer, and the rest they say is history.

What are the signs of success in your field?

I am first and foremost an educator, so good learner feedback is the main marker of success. There are accreditations for learning technologists through ALT ranging from Associate to Senior Level. There is also a Professional Standards Framework for HE Educators through Advance HE.

What is the best and worst thing about your job role?

My role is quite unique, and as such I have the freedom to shape the role. This is both the best and the worst thing. It was initially quite difficult when I first started my current role as there was a lot to navigate. However, I really enjoy how the role is changing and shifting, and the variety of activities I engage in.

What can you advise someone just starting out to be successful?

Find something you enjoy. Be passionate about it. Learn as much as can. Don’t be afraid to defy any expectations. You don’t know, if you don’t ask.

How do you switch off?

I am very much an outdoors person. I enjoy paddling – kayak and SUP, swimming and cycling. Being active in nature is my way to pause and be present. I also enjoy reading.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Be more confident. You are more capable than you think.

What is next for you?

I’m not sure. In the immediate future I am looking forward to some whitewater SUP practice. There are potentially some interesting projects in the pipeline workwise.

If you could do anything now, what would you do? Why?

Manage my calendar more wisely. There are lots of exciting things I want to be involved in, and sometimes it’s not always possible to do them. It’s something I know, but a lesson I am still very slow to learn.

What are your top 5 predictions in tech for the next 5 years?

Predictions are hard, but there are hopes I have for tech in the next 5 years and these are:

    • Tech development, design and deployment is human centred
    • Digital accessibility is core to design and deployment, and not secondary
    • Privacy is by design for all
    • Significant cut in carbon footprint in the manufacturing of hardware through recycling, reuse and increased life of things such as accelerator cards
    • We have empowered everyone in our societies to enable them to make informed decisions about their data and move towards developing their own technosocial imaginaries.

Watch Samantha’s session at the Data Science Festival here.

Thank you to all our wonderful speakers for taking part in our Speaker Spotlight!

Want to become a DSF Speaker? Apply here!