Invited Speakers

Speakers Bios

Dr Soumia Ayyadi, University of Strathclyde

Soumia Ayyadi earned her Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering in 2014, followed by a Master's in Renewable Energies in 2016. In 2021, she completed her PhD in Electrical Engineering, further deepening her knowledge in the field. Currently, Soumia works as an R&D Engineer at the Power Networks Demonstration Center (PNDC) at the University of Strathclyde. Her research and development focus includes electric vehicle charging infrastructure, battery energy storage systems, fuel cell technologies, and EV smart charging strategies, where she contributes to innovative solutions for sustainable energy systems.

Dr Lina Stankovic, University of Strathclyde

Lina Stankovic obtained her BEng and PhD in Electronic Communication Systems from Lancaster University in 1996 and 2003, respectively. She worked on data acquisition and model fitting for optical storage with Philips Research as Research Associate, and started her academic career as Lecturer at Lancaster University in 2006. She joined the University of Strathclyde in 2007, where she is now a Professor in the Department of Electronic and Electrical Engineering. Her research focuses on Signal and Information Processing in the AI era, specialising on representation, signal processing, temporal and spatial information mining, and data management for a range of signal types acquired from sensors including electrical signals, seismic/geoscience, health/biological and other environmental sensor data. Her research is multi-disciplinary by nature and has a strong focus on tackling emerging challenges pertaining to climate change and United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.

Dr Maryam Hafeez, University of Leeds 

Maryam Hafeez is an Associate Professor in Communication Systems and Networks at the School of Electronic and Electrical Engineering, University of Leeds. Her main area of expertise is in spatio-temporal modelling of large-scale networks for enabling resource optimal design for communication and networking protocols. She has extensive background in exploiting Network Science concepts for the design and analysis of Intelligent Green Wireless Communication. She received her Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Leeds, U.K., in 2015. From 2015-2018, she was a Research Fellow at the Institute of Robotics, Autonomous Systems and Sensing (IRASS) at the University of Leeds, U.K. She worked as a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Engineering and Technology, University of Huddersfield from 2018-2023. Her current research is funded by the EU Horizon 2020 programme and various UKRI funding schemes.

Dr Nagham Saeed, University of West London

Since 2007, I have been deeply engaged in the realm of electrical and electronic engineering, seamlessly integrating teaching and research. In 2011, I successfully concluded my doctoral investigation, titled "Intelligent MANET Optimization System," at Brunel University in the UK. My scholarly pursuits encompass my core subject research and pedagogical exploration. My extensive research works delve into the realm of intelligent systems for smart cities, wherein I design online monitoring systems and apply artificial intelligence algorithms to drive modeling and optimization, resulting in publications in esteemed journals across telecommunications, modeling, industry applications, information, and smart power. I am also the head of the Internet of Things (IIoT) research group at my university and I've been an active contributor to Technical Programme Committees and Editorial Boards to many well-known international conferences and journals, my expertise extends to reviewing and editing for top-tier international scientific publications, including submissions to IEEE conferences and MDPI journals. I proudly recognized as CEng by the Engineering Council, a senior member of the IEEE, member of the IET, and a Senior Fellow of HEA. My commitment extends beyond academia, assuming key roles such as 2023 IEEE Women in Engineering UK & Ireland chair and I currently hold the position of Vice Chair (Chair-Elect) for the IEEE UK & Ireland Section for the term 2024-2025. I led female IEEE members from all over the UK and Ireland aiming to inspire the young generation. Additionally, I mentor aspiring engineers and academics who are early in their careers, while also championing the advancement of electronic and electrical engineering among young girls through diverse events and workshops. This dedication has earned me the 2021 University of West London Student Union Best Supervisor/Tutor Award and the prestigious 2022 IEEE Region 8 Outstanding Women in Engineering Section Volunteer Award.

Dr Mona Jaber, Queen Mary University of London

Mona Jaber is Senior Lecturer in IoT at the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science, Queen Mary University of London. Her research interests include zero-touch networks, the intersection of ML and IoT in the context of sustainable development goals, and IoT-driven digital twins. She has published over 25 articles in the areas of ML for intelligent wireless communication, sustainable energy, smart mobility, and privacy-preserving e-health in flagship IEEE journals including IEEE Transactions on Wireless Communication, IEEE Transactions on Vehicular Technology, IEEE Internet of Things Journal, and IEEE Communications Surveys & Tutorials. As part of her industry research collaboration efforts, Mona established a ground-breaking project that uses optical fibre systems for the detection and classification of active travel – a robust, scalable, and privacy-preserving method that informs smart city and transportation planning. Additionally, she is the founder and director of the ‘Digital Twins for Sustainable Development Goals’ research lab at QMUL. So far, Mona authored four industrial patents on wireless communication and mobility. She was awarded the title of ‘N2Women Rising Star in Computer Networking and Communications in 2022’ and is member of the executive committee of the IEEE UK and Ireland Women in Engineering Affinity Group and the IEEE Communication Society Coordinator for the IEEE Women in Engineering Global. Mona is a Transportation Committee member of the IEEE Public Safety Technology Initiative, and Associate Editor of IEEE Transactions on Machine Learning in Communications and Networking.

Prof. David Owens, University of Glasgow, Virgin Media O2

David describes himself as an engineer who loves bridging the gap between business and technology. As Head of Technical Trials at Virgin Media O2, he leads the testing and development of new telecommunications technologies, always looking to push boundaries and improve network performance & customer experience. In addition to his work at VMO2, David is also a Professor in Practice at the University of Glasgow’s James Watt School of Engineering. There, he helps connect academia and industry by encouraging collaboration and focusing on projects that have real-world impact. David has delivered numerous government-backed projects through the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, including 5G VISTA, 5G DRIVE, and 5G MoDE. Outside of engineering, he’s a skilled FPV drone pilot, with some of his aerial footage featured by major networks like the BBC and CN.

Dr. Wenjuan Song, University of Glasgow

Wenjuan Song is a lecturer in Propulsion, Electrification & Superconductivity Group, and head of CryoElectric Research Lab in James Watt School of Engineering, University of Glasgow, UK. Dr Song's research aims to accelerate i) net-zero transition in Transport sector, including aviation, high-speed rail and marine system electrification, and ii) sustainable and highly efficient renewable energy systems using innovative superconducting technology and artificial intelligence techniques. She has more than 50 research papers in international high-impact journals and highly-rated conferences. Dr. Song is the Vice-Chair in IEEE PES Women in Power Committee, elevated from the Event Lead after two years. Dr. Song is the lead divisional coordinator in ASC division from 2023. Dr. Song was endorsed as "Global Talent" by UK Royal Academy of Engineering in 2021. Dr. Song was featured and interviewed by European Cooperation in Science and Technology (COST) Action under Hi-SCALE CA19108: High-Temperature SuperConductivity for AcceLerating the Energy Transition, in 2022. She was the lead Guest Editor for a special focus in a Tier 1 journal, Superconductor Science and Technology from 2022-2023. She was the Technical Editor of special Issue in IEEE Transaction journal. She was the Session Chair for flagship international conferences in ASC2022, USA, EUCAS2023, Italy and ASC2024 USA.

Sophie Lupton, Virgin Media O2

Sophie is a recent Biomedical Engineering graduate from the University of Reading, currently working as a Technologist in the Mobile Technical Trials Team at VMO2. She began her professional journey with a year in industry at Virgin Media, working in the Wireless Performance Team, and continued her development in the technology graduate scheme at VMO2. Throughout the scheme, Sophie gained diverse experience through placements in Programme Management, Technology Strategy, and Data Analytics across four different areas of the business. Passionate about promoting Women in Engineering and STEM, she has been an active volunteer as part of the Women’s Network Leadership Team and was a featured panellist at the Women in Technology 2023 Conference. Eager to develop her leadership skills, Sophie served as President of the Future Careers Committee at VMO2, representing graduates, interns, and apprentices across the company. This role provided her with numerous opportunities for professional growth and allowed her to advocate for and support early-career professionals

Prof Caroline Gauchotte-Lindsay, University of Glasgow

Caroline is a Professor in Environmental Chemistry and Engineering at the University of Glasgow. My diverse and thriving research group carry out research at the interface of biotechnology and analytical chemistry, developing innovative solutions to the world’s most pressing environmental challenges, particularly towards the sustainable development goal 6, clean water and sanitation. Our work is anchored in real-world issues through solid partnerships with industry and policy makers. I am also committed to creating a future where every researcher can thrive and reach their full potential, this is why I have led the visNET programme and I am a co-director of the EPSRC DiveIn CDT. 

Dr Carol Marsh, Celestia Technologies Group UK

Dr Carol Marsh OBE is the Engineering Director at Celestia UK, a Visiting Professor at Edinburgh Napier University (ENU), a Senior Member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE), Deacon of the Hammermen of Edinburgh, a Trustee and Vice-President of the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET), Vice-President of the Royal Scottish Society of Arts (RSSA), Treasurer of Engineering Scotland and a member of several boards. Carol graduated with an HND in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from ENU in 1985 and was awarded a degree of Doctor of Engineering in System Level Integration from the Universities of Glasgow, Edinburgh, Heriot-Watt and Strathclyde in 2011, so she is an alumnus of 5 Scottish Universities. She has worked in the field of electronics for 40 years, specialising in programmable logic. Carol has published 11 papers including 3 journal papers, been featured in newspapers and magazines and presented many times including at the Edinburgh Science Festival. A winner of many technology, and diversity awards she was Strathclyde University’s Alumni of the Year in 2022, received an Honorary Doctorate from ENU in 2023, was inducted into the Scottish Engineering Hall of Fame in 2023 and was awarded an OBE in 2020 for services to Diversity and Inclusion in Electronic Engineering. Carol is a Chartered Engineer, Fellow of the IET, IES, RSSA, and the Women’s Engineering Society (WES), Past President of WES, a Burgess of the City of Edinburgh, a STEM Ambassador, a Fellow Advisor and a Professional Registration Advisor and Interviewer.

Dr. Rabia Khan

Dr Rabia Khan (Doctor of Science, PhD, CEng, CC) is currently employed as a Telecom Design Engineer at Scottish and Southern Energy (SSE), Scotland, UK. She previously worked for several years as a Research Engineer at the Power Networks Demonstration Center, University of Strathclyde, focusing on cybersecurity, 5G, IoT, IIoT, data analysis, and integration. She also served as a Research Engineer at National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University (TPU), Russia, and has held roles as a Research Associate and Lecturer. Dr. Khan holds both a Doctor of Science from Saint Petersburg University and a PhD in 6G Communications, Networks, and Cybersecurity from National Research Tomsk Polytechnic University. She earned her MS degree in Telecom and Networks with distinction and completed her MSc and BSc (Hons) in Physics. Her areas of expertise include 6G communication, cybersecurity, and data science. Dr. Khan is an active reviewer for various journals and conferences, including Elsevier and IEEE Surveys and Tutorials (Impact Factor: 37). In recognition of her outstanding contributions to reviewing papers, Elsevier awarded her a certificate of appreciation. Her research interests encompass 6G communication, cybersecurity, data science, machine learning, and artificial intelligence.