Dr Becky Strachan

Associate Dean for Teaching and Learning

Although I am now Associate Dean for Learning and Teaching in the School of Computing, Engineering and Information Sciences, my first degree was actually in Chemistry at the University of Sheffield. I then worked for Friends of the Earth setting up a recycling scheme for about two years before really getting into ‘computing’ by starting an MSc in Computer Studies at Sheffield Polytechnic. After this I worked for Midland Bank as a computer programmer before heading off to Leeds Polytechnic as a researcher to investigate the performance of computer networks and successfully gaining my PhD in 1991.

I became a computing lecturer at Leeds Polytechnic specialising in computer networks, and stayed there for several years before moving to Sheffield Hallam University to take up a senior lectureship. During this time I developed an interest in e-learning mainly through leading the postgraduate distance learning courses in computer networks. I also led on business development and spent some of my time as a professional trainer in the IT training facility. Following my appointment to Head of Postgraduate within the Faculty, I became responsible for the postgraduate student experience from those taking fine art degrees through to journalism, computing and materials engineering. I was delighted to take up my current role in 2008 here at Northumbria with the main focus on learning and teaching. I am an active researcher in this area and also maintain a strong subject interest in computer networks from both a teaching and research point of view, especially performance and quality of service issues for networks especially wireless networks.

I have very little time for hobbies with four children but like walking, gardening, reading and more recently have started tennis - I’m still at improver’s level.

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