I am a Senior Lecturer in the school of EEECS and a researcher at the Centre for Secure Information Technologies, with a research background in applied cryptography.  I have worked on a variety of research projects with academic, government and industry partners in applied cryptography related topics. I am one of the three assistant directors of the EPSRC funded Integrated Quantum Networks Hub, led by Heriot Watt University and commencing in December 2024, one of four Hubs funded to align with the UK strategic priorities in quantum.    I lecture in the school of EEECS on cryptography and cyber security.

I have always been fascinated by mathematics, languages and secret codes.  As a child I made myself a basic shift cipher tool ('art attack' style!) to create secret messages. Then, during my PhD studies, whilst researching into cryptography, I read about different cryptographic schemes being proposed that remain secure in a future ‘post-quantum’ world, a world with quantum computers readily available, and this seemed like an exciting story. Post-quantum cryptography is fascinating, as it is a big shift in cryptography from our current classical cryptographic methods that we use every day on the Internet for example, based on hard problems like integer factorisation, towards a range of new quantum-resistant cryptosystems that use alternative hard problems. Contributing to the practicality and security of these schemes is something that I have enjoyed in my research.

The School of EEECS has supported my career progression from a PhD student up to Senior Lecturer, via opportunities such as the Teaching Fellowship scheme, which is open to post-doctoral staff across the faculty, PhD training programs, and leadership training courses, currently offered to female staff and students in the school. We also have strong support in the school and wider university from professional services staff, engineers, business development team, and technicians, who enable us to deliver research and teaching. I have found that the school and my colleagues have continuously supported me whilst I navigate working in academia and raising a young family.  Annual family events are one way the school makes me feel welcome and included, and that my family commitments are something to be celebrated.  

I am delighted to be the SWAN co-champion in the school of EEECS since September 2023 alongside by colleague Dr Ayesha Khalid.  This role allows us to support others within the school and beyond to lead research and teaching and contribute to important societal challenges.