Speaker

126 presentations delivered since 2006

I have spoken to audiences in industry, academia, professional institutions, schools and at national and international conferences. More than 50 of these have been invited presentations, alongside keynote addresses, annual university lectures, conference presentations and my Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor inaugural presentation.

My talks span electronics and digital engineering, programmable logic and FPGAs, satellite communications, engineering careers, leadership and professional development, as well as women in engineering and the history of women in technology.

Some presentation titles recur, particularly where I give an annual lecture or have been invited to speak on the same subject to different organisations. I rarely give exactly the same presentation twice, normally adapting and updating the content for each audience.

Speaking Topics

Engineering & Technology
Digital electronics, programmable logic and FPGAs, engineering processes and certification, PCB design, systems engineering and satellite communications.

The Changing World of Engineering
How electronics and engineering have changed during my career and the importance of continuing to learn and adapt as technology evolves.

Engineering Careers
Different routes into engineering, career choices, taking opportunities, professional registration and lessons from my own career.

Leadership & Professional Development
Engineering management, leadership, mentoring, developing engineers and supporting progression within the profession.

Women in Engineering & Engineering History
Gender balance and inclusion, women in computing and engineering, positive action, and the contribution of pioneering women engineers.

Keynote Speaking

2026 – Women in Computing, plus my career

Cyber Marathon – Closing Keynote
A presentation combining the history of women in computing with reflections from my own career in electronics engineering.

2023 – Tracking the Future

IEEE CAMAD – Keynote, Edinburgh
A presentation looking at the changing world of technology and engineering and considering what the future may bring.

Selected Invited Presentations

2025 – Importance of Net Zero Networks to Industry
Advanced Net Zero Innovation Centre opening

2024 – Sustainable Gateway
IEEE Communications Society, University of Glasgow

2024 – Bias in AI Pictures
IEEE MetroXRAINE

2023 – There's More Than One Way to a STEM Career
IEEE NEWCAS / WiCAS, Edinburgh

2022 – Supporting Students to Transition into Future Careers
Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professors Conference, Aston University

2018 – Certification of Programmable Devices for the Airborne Environment
Adaptive Hardware and Systems Conference, University of Edinburgh

2015 – The Pros and Cons of Positive Action
Society of Women Engineers European Conference, Amsterdam

2014 – International Conference of Women Engineers and Scientists
Los Angeles – three different presentations at the same international conference

Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor

2020 – A Career in Engineering

Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor Inaugural Presentation
Edinburgh Napier University

My Visiting Professorship developed into continuing engagement with engineering students through technical, career, professional development and engineering-management presentations.

Annual & Recurring Presentations

Alongside conference and invited speaking, I give a number of recurring university presentations. These are not fixed lectures reused from year to year: I update the material for each cohort and to reflect changes in technology, industry and my own experience.

At Edinburgh Napier University, my continuing involvement as a Royal Academy of Engineering Visiting Professor has included annual and recurring lectures on engineering management, digital design, engineering processes, PCB design, careers and satellite communications. I have also given recurring invited presentations to students at Heriot-Watt University on engineering careers and leadership.

Watch Me Speak

The Future of Satellite Communication

Institution of Engineers in Scotland

Watch presentation
More interviews, talks and recordings on the Media page