Dr Mollie Ward
PhD In Computer Science | Head Of Digital Evolution
Manchester
Summary
Highly accomplished Computer Scientist with expertise in computational neuroscience, AI and cloud computing following a MSc from the University of Oxford in Neuroscience and a PhD from the University of Manchester in Computer Science. As the Head of Digital Evolution at UA92, I drive digital transformation initiatives through integration of advanced AI technologies across digital programmes. I am recognised for academic excellence and potential with a Presidential Doctoral Scholarship (UoM) and a nomination for The Future List in the 2024 Northern Power Women Awards. My academic background in computational neuroscience and AI, combined with practical experience in DevOps and Cloud Implementation strategies positions me uniquely to drive impactful digital change.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
9
9
years of post-secondary education
Work History
Head of Digital Evolution
University Academy 92 (UA92)
12.2021 - Current
Current role at UA92 involves:
- Providing strategic leadership for implementation of UA92's digital strategy focusing on cloud solutions, particularly Microsoft Azure, aligning with UA92's business objectives to drive efficiency and innovation.
- Leading a tech team awarded the Outstanding Performer Academic Partner at the 2023 CompTIA EMEA Conference.
- Developed and maintained strong Academy Partnerships with key tech vendors, including Microsoft, ensuring alignment with the latest cloud technologies and educational frameworks.
- Leading on the development and delivery of bespoke curricula for AI Data Specialist and DevOps apprenticeship programmes gaining substantial experience in AI, DevOps, Data Analytics, Cyber Security, Cloud Computing, Web Development and App Development.
- Strategic establishment and development of the apprenticeship programme on the Register of Apprenticeship Training Providers (RoATP) ensuring we meet ESFA, Ofsted and Awarding Organisation requirements.
PhD in Computational Neuroscience
University Of Manchester
09.2019 - 09.2023
- Research involved design of biologically plausible mathematical models of neurons for Spiking Neural Network implementation.
- Simulation of SNNs featuring custom built neuron models on SpiNNaker neuromorphic computing platform.
- Application of machine learning algorithms to networks incorporating custom built neurons, trained in image recognition ML tasks.
- Research formed part of the neuromorphic pillar of the worldwide Human Brain Project.
- Work is published in Frontiers in Neuroinformatics (2022) and was presented at The Human Brain Project Student Conference 2021.
- Funded by EPSRC and was also in receipt of a President’s Doctoral Scholar Award from the University.
Lecturer in Computer Science
University Academy 92 (UA92)
10.2021 - 12.2021
- Lecturer and course leader for a Back End Development on the Computer Science degree at UA92 alongside PhD studies.
- Responsibilities included development and delivery of University course material, leading and teaching a class of Level 4 students for the duration of the module and marking all assessments
- Course material included database concepts, PHP programming, installation of LAMP stack, Linux skills and website development.
Education
Ph.D. - Computer Science
University of Manchester
Manchester, UK 09.2019 - 09.2023
Master of Science - Neuroscience
University of Oxford
Oxford, England 09.2018 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Science - Natural Sciences
University of Bath
Bath, England 09.2014 - 09.2018
Skills
DevOps technologies: Automation and orchestration tools, AWS, Azure, CI/CD pipelines, containerisation tools - Docker and Kubernetes, version control
undefinedInterests
Sport has always played a central role in my life. I play field hockey to a high level in England. I am also a keen runner and organise runs with a variety of groups, looking after a team of runners. I supplement my sporting activities with visits to the gym and regular games of tennis. I have also completed a number of triathlons and a 24 hour hike up 15 peaks in the Welsh Snowdonia National park. I am a keen skier and also play the piano to Grade 8 in my spare time.
Accomplishments
Vendor qualifications
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals (AZ900)
Microsoft Certified: AI Fundamentals (AI900)
Publications
2022 - Ward, M. and Rhodes, O. (2022) ‘Beyond LIF Neurons on Neuromorphic Hardware’, Frontiers in Neuroscience, 16. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3389/fnins.2022.881598.
Conferences
2021 - 5th Human Brain Project Conference on Interdisciplinary Brain Science - February 2021 - poster & presentation. Available at: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oipqZC4evnc
2020 - Neuromatch Academy 2020 - online computational neuroscience workshop
2020 - Human Brain Project Summit - Athens, Greece
Awards and achievements
President’s Doctoral Scholarship (PDS) award holder
A.M. Bozman Prize for Mechanics
UA92's Resilience Award
Grade 8 Piano
Brown Hockey Cup & Captain of 1st XI Hockey Team
Northern Power Women 2024 Future List Nomination
Timeline
Head of Digital Evolution
University Academy 92 (UA92)
12.2021 - Current
Lecturer in Computer Science
University Academy 92 (UA92)
10.2021 - 12.2021
PhD in Computational Neuroscience
University Of Manchester
09.2019 - 09.2023
Ph.D. - Computer Science
University of Manchester
09.2019 - 09.2023
Master of Science - Neuroscience
University of Oxford
09.2018 - 09.2019
Bachelor of Science - Natural Sciences
University of Bath
09.2014 - 09.2018
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