The University of Bedfordshire has announced two new professors in the areas of education and computing will be joining them.
Professor Julie Brunton, who holds the position of pro-vice chancellor of education and student experience has been named as professor of higher education teaching and learning.
Professor Enjie Liu – undergraduate portfolio leader with the School of Computer Science and Technology and postgraduate research lead with IRAC (the university’s Institute for Research in Applicable Computing) – has become a professor of networked applications.
Before joining Bedfordshire almost three years ago, Professor Brunton held senior academic and directorial positions with Sheffield Hallam University, Leeds Trinity University and the University of Nottingham (China).
She is a principal fellow of the Higher Education Academy and helped investigate major European Union funding grants and secure strategic provisions for sports to enhance the student experience in over 70 universities worldwide.
As part of her executive role with the University of Bedfordshire, Professor Julie Brunton will lead on the education and student experience Strategy.
Professor Brunton said: “I’m very pleased to be the first Professor to gain this achievement via the teaching, learning and student academic experience pathway. I hope to encourage and support other staff to achieve professorships or associate professorships, via this route.”
Before joining Bedfordshire in 2003, Professor Enjie Liu obtained a PhD from Queen Mary’s University and has published over 100 peer-reviewed papers, making her a key figure in her field of healthcare-focussed computer science research.
She has helped to shape technical aspects of her field – such as network management and wireless network protocols – and has contributed to projects with a number of influential organisations, including EPSRC (Engineering & Physical Sciences Research Council), European Union and Nuffield Health.
“After this promotion, I will focus on advancing my research in the field of AI and AI-enabled vertical applications for 5G and 6G. I will lead and contribute to research in these areas and continue to generate impactful outputs,” said Professor Liu.
Supported by their fellows, Professor Andrew Church, pro-vice-chancellor for research and innovation, added: “I am delighted we are able to recognise the vital and impactful work of female colleagues at the University through these two new professorships.
“Celebrating their achievements underscores our commitment to fostering excellence and diversity in academia at the University of Bedfordshire.”
