Dr Hanaa Abumarshoud she/her

I am passionate about advancing the technology that can enhance the quality of our lives and revolutionise the way we interact with each other and with the environment, while safeguarding the resources of our planet for the benefit of future generations. For that reason, my research is focused on LiFi technology, which allows high-speed Internet connectivity using LED lights, offering a sustainable, green, and safe solution for supporting the connectivity demands of the future.

I would like to join a multidisciplinary project in which I can integrate my expertise in projects related to real life applications. LiFi offers a great solution to meet the connectivity demands in industrial plants, space applications, as well as in the healthcare sector. Demonstrating the capabilities of LiFi in various applications can open the door for accelerating market adoption of this technology and enhancing the UK capabilities. The project would also ideally involve partners from the lighting industry and Internet service providers to develop a business model for the adoption of light-based services, as well as partners investigating the health and psychological effects related to modulating the ambient light in various setups.

I actively work on advocating for EDI and accessibility in Engineering. Growing up in a conflict-affected region, I had to face multiple challenges from a very young age, including limited access to basic services, mobility restrictions, and interruptions in education, all on top of the psychological impact of living in a war zone. For that reason, I aspire to support others who face difficult circumstances or come from underrepresented backgrounds. In fact, one of my PhD students has a hearing disability, and I strive to create an accessible and inclusive environment to support his personal and educational development. I also act as the EDI and Accessibility coordinator for the joint educational programme between the University of Glasgow and UESTC China, working with both institutions to establish a culturally sensitive approach for embracing EDI. I actively participated in peer mentoring and support throughout my career. For example, as a postdoctoral researcher, I acted as a Representative for the postdoctoral community in the School of Engineering at the University of Edinburgh. I was also a peer mentor in the EPSRC VisNet project, which aimed at creating better professional development opportunities for female postdoctoral researchers in UK universities.