Industrial Advisory Group
In April 2020, we launched our Computer Science Industrial Advisory Board (IAB), currently chaired by Matthew Collison. The IAB meet twice per year to act as independent advisors on matters of policy, education strategy and future direction of the Department of Computer Science. We would like to thank the members of our IAB for agreeing to give up their time in this way.
Please see below for some of our members and to find out further information about them:
Jon McNamara
Current organisation and role: IBM Senior Inventor & UK University Program Lead.
Experience and qualifications: 25 yrs of IT experience from mainframes & pl/1 to A.I. 10 years of international consultancy and currently leading the UK Senior Inventor community.
What was your motivation for joining the IAB: Learn the methodology and the skills that are delivered to the students and identify areas of mutual benefit between industry and academia.
How do you see the IAB contributing towards Computer Science teaching at Exeter: Identifying new ways of enabling students with the relevant skill to engage in industry (in employment and entrepreneurship).
What special expertise do you bring to the group: Innovation, client engagement, rapid prototyping.
What skills do you think are most important in a computer scientist: Learning how to learn as tech paradigms change frequently.
Marc Cohen
Current organisation and role: Google, UK Cloud Developer Advocate.
Experience and qualifications: 38 years experience as software developer, mentor, and tech manager.
What was your motivation for joining the IAB: To help shape CS education for future students.
How do you see the IAB contributing towards Computer Science teaching at Exeter: Giving students more practical hands on experiences, and helping improve Exeter's CS curriculum in general.
What special expertise do you bring to the group: Cloud Computing, Data Science, learning and teaching tools.
What skills do you think are most important in a computer scientist: Communication (verbal, written, and empathy).
Alan Hill
Current organisation and role: Chief Information and Digital Officer, University of Exeter.
Experience and qualifications: Over 30 years in IT, telecoms, through the British Army, now 4 years in this role.
What was your motivation for joining the IAB: support the student cohort in getting the best employment opportunities.
How do you see the IAB contributing towards Computer Science teaching at Exeter: Contribute to the direction of the teaching to optimise employability.
What special expertise do you bring to the group: I understand the opportunities within a medium size organisation, across all skills sets.
What skills do you think are most important in a computer scientist: Breadth of understanding of all technical areas, combined with a strong and creative motivation for their preferred area.
Greg Smith
Current organisation and role: Services Director, Crayon.
Chris Noring
Current organisation and role: Developer Advocate, Microsoft.
Rob Bassett-Cross
Current organisation and role: CEO, Adarga.