About this day
Welcome to Computer Science in Action!
Get ready to experience the ultimate enrichment day designed specifically for A-level and IB students studying computer science! Computer Science in Action is an electrifying event that will leave you feeling inspired and motivated to excel in your studies. Throughout five exhilarating sessions, you’ll be introduced to a team of experts from both academia and industry who will delve into exciting and relevant topics that perfectly complement your curriculum. With an eye towards future careers, you’ll be given a unique glimpse into the exciting world of computer science, guaranteed to ignite your passion and inspire you to reach for the stars. And that’s not all – in our exam masterclass you’ll receive invaluable tips on how to ace your exams, equipping you with the tools you need to succeed in your academic journey. Don’t miss out on this unforgettable experience!
Host: Matthew Leeke (Professor in Computer Science)
“Brilliant, interesting and thought-provoking!”
Computing Teacher, November 2022
Programme & speakers
Smart Cities Matthew Leeke, School of Computer Science, University of Birmingham
Matthew will explore how state-of-the-art machine learning algorithms and the smart devices we use daily can solve some huge societal problems.
About Professor Matthew Leeke
Matthew is a Professor and Head of Education in the School of Computer Science at The University of Birmingham. He joined Birmingham as Chair of Dependable Systems in 2022, having spent 18 years at The University of Warwick.
Behind the scenes of app development Lyndsey Scott, Software Engineer, MSt AI Ethics at University of Cambridge
Discover the hidden tricks that software engineers use in order to make apps work like magic. Lyndsey will talk about making apps speedy and safe from cyber attacks and how by working with web accessibilty, we can make the internet a more inclusive place for everyone to use.
About Lyndsey Scott
Lyndsey is a software engineer and coding educator. She has worked at start-ups for the previous four years, alongside teaching coding in her spare time at non-profits to increase diversity in engineering. She is studying for a master’s in AI Ethics at Cambridge University to increase ethical awareness and accountability in the tech industry.
The quantum computing race Nic Harrigan, Physicist, PsiQuantum
Computing forever changed what we are capable of as a species: from arguing across the world, to making Harry Potter fashionable. But equally important applications remain fundamentally impossible for traditional computers. Nic will explain how quantum computers are able to change this, by processing information in entirely new ways.
About Dr Nic Harrigan
With over 15 years exploring the mysteries of quantum mechanics and quantum computing, Nic is only a little less confused than he used to be… Along the way he’s become adept at explaining the bizarre finer details, and how they might help find solutions to otherwise impossible problems.
Navigating UX Design: From Basics to Growth Mindset Katrina Dargel, UX Researcher
A journey from fundamentals to evolution, discovering its historical contact and fostering growth mindset’s role in innovation.
About Katrina Dargel
Katrina is an experienced Lead UX Researcher, Workshop Facilitator, and Speaker, globally, specializing in uniting product design and strategy. She has worked with major companies like Ford and Airbus, and now helps executives and leaders enhance their product development.
Exploring the potential and challenges of AI and ML in Education Wendy Yanez Pazmino, University of Birmingham
In this talk, we will explore the transformative power of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in reshaping education. Attendees will discover the promises of these technologies and delve into the ethical considerations, such as privacy concerns, data security, and data bias.
About Wendy Yanez Pazmino
Wendy Yanez is an Assistant Professor in the School of Computer Science at the University of Birmingham. She had an MSc in Computer Security and a PhD in Computer Science from the same university. She joined as a Teaching Fellow in 2021, having spent 6 years as a Lecture in Ecuador.