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The IT Girl: An Interview with Professor Sian Hope

by Sali Earls

Sian Hope is one of very few women that have achieved the position of Professor of Computer Science. With her posts of Head of Department at University of Wales Bangor, Director of the Centre for Advanced Software Technologies and working as Co-ordinator of ITWales in Bangor, Sian certainly has her hands full, but the contagious enthusiasm she expresses for her subject, and boundless energy allow her to take it all in her stride.

Following her talks at ITWales' celebration of International Women's Day in both Swansea and Bangor, Sian found time in her hectic schedule to talk to Sali Earls about her career and plans for ITWales in Bangor.

How did you get where you are today?
Initially I wanted to study maths, then decided on accountancy. Part way through the first year of my course, I was introduced to computing and changed my degree course. I opted for a sandwich course, which meant it was another four years of study - at the time I made the decision, I thought I would be ancient by the time I finished, but in hindsight it was the best thing I could have done. The course gave me useful hands on industrial experience, and on graduation I received lots of job offers.

I started my career at British Aerospace at Filton near Bristol. This was followed by time spent teaching maths and computing science at a comprehensive school. The move to North Wales followed, and I worked at Infotech before applying for the post of software engineer at UWB. Initially I was the only person with a Computer Science background, so my post evolved to include teaching students, getting involved in research and devising degree courses. I started on a research project, did a research degree and became a lecturer.

At each stage in my career I have waited until I thought I was "bullet proof" before applying - this also happened when the Chair was advertised internationally, I waited until I was sure I would get the job before applying. Perhaps I've been too cautious, but unlike men women often feel that they have more to prove.

What is your field of interest in Computer Science?
Software engineering, particularly evaluating methods and techniques used in research and seeing how they can be applied to SMEs - technology transfer.

Having worked in industry and academia I can see things from both perspectives, and always try to ensure that our knowledge and skills reach businesses.

Why do you think there are so few women in IT?
That's a difficult question. I think it has something to do with the way computers are used - degree courses are mostly set around programming. But women tend to use computers more as a tool, we're very practical; we can build systems and look at things from a different angle. There is a perception that IT and computing revolve around programming, and that programming doesn't allow you to be creative, which isn't the case.

At the University of Wales Bangor we offer courses such as Computer Science & Business Studies, and Computer Science & Psychology, and these tend to attract a far higher percentage of female students. I think we need to look at the way other disciplines that are traditionally male dominated have changed - for example chemical engineering here has seen an increase in female students. Another way to approach it academically is to add more generalist MSc courses, but I think it will be a gradual change.

From an industrial perspective, employers need to appreciate the benefits of having diversity in teams - men and women approach problems from different angles and this can be useful and healthy for the business.

What are the plans for ITWales in Bangor?
We're currently focussing on introducing the project to the business community, and we have a big push underway to promote it with the WDA and North Wales Techniums. We want to provide hook-ups to companies that may otherwise not have had call to work with the School of Informatics at UWB. We're also going to look at the media industry, which is flourishing in North Wales, and has huge IT requirements.

The Swansea project is so successful, we want to emulate that success and best practice, and we also plan to work in conjunction with the Swansea team on some large events using technologies to allow us to broadcast on the web so businesses across Wales, and indeed internationally, can take part.

In what ways do you feel that businesses in North Wales will benefit from ITWales?
Businesses can benefit from the connection with the University, giving them access to research; funding routes for collaboration; access to resources via our Research & Development Projects that introduce them to students who could go onto become employees. Through the Business Club, businesses can benefit from the exciting events programme, and also through the opportunities for business networking.

As Director of CAST - the Centre for Advanced Software Technologies, based at Parc Menai in Bangor - I'm happy to say that businesses can gain even more through the people and activities there, with access to companies, research and development, and powerful computer equipment.

The introduction of ITWales in Bangor is extremely positive and I look forward to working with businesses to take the project forward.

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