Colin Damm

BSc MSc MBCS CEng CITP

Principal Lecturer: Head of CEIS Marketing & Recruitment (Postgraduate)

My interest in computing started at school when a teacher delivered a short course in Fortran programming. From such small acorns a whole career has grown!

On leaving school, I studied Computing Science at Staffordshire University and on graduating worked for Ford Motor Company in their European Systems Office. It was there that I learnt about the manufacturing industry and the operations of a major global company. I then moved to Control Data Corporation, noted as a manufacturer of super computers – joining their training division.

Having realised that I enjoyed lecturing I then transferred into Higher Education – first at Glamorgan University, then returning as a member of staff to Staffordshire University. At Staffordshire, I was able to exploit my experience in computing and manufacturing to establish relationships with local industry, working closely with Business Links in Staffordshire and the West Midlands.  Through them I carried out a number of consultancy projects, and offered advice on applications in information technology to SMEs. I also obtained funding for a Teaching Company Scheme (TCS) programme and obtained significant backing from ERDF and RECHAR to support my work with industry.

In 1995 I moved to Northumbria University where I have delivered a major training programme to systems development staff at Northern Rock; delivered a second TCS programme; and obtained funding for a series of distance learning developments from ESF to support women returners. I continue to support the delivery of distance learning - being programme leader for MSc Computing & Information Technology (DL). My teaching is mainly in the areas of strategic management and project management. I am a member of the Business Information Systems area.

My focus today is more on teaching and my role as head of postgraduate recruitment in the School, but I still get a great deal of personal satisfaction seeing young people graduating with knowledge and expertise in their subject, ready to move straight into their careers in computing.

Being a parent with three sons left me little time for hobbies although I do enjoy walking in the countryside and along the beaches in Northumberland. I have recently invested in a new bike!