Mrs Joanna Emery

(she/her)

BSc (Hons)

Overview

Having a background in Mathematics and extensive experience in industry enables me to operate effectively at the interface between business, industry, and academia. In my current role, I lead the School’s Placements and Employability team, the Outreach team, the Industry team, and the delivery of our Research Impact strategy. This combined portfolio allows me to oversee activities that connect our students, staff, and research to external stakeholders in meaningful and mutually beneficial ways.

I oversee the Industry team, which forges strong links between industry and our students, facilitating engagement through collaborative projects, dissertations, and academic research partnerships. Working closely with industry partners—both nationally and internationally—I raise awareness of the School of Computer Science and identify opportunities for collaboration with academic staff and students.

I also manage the Outreach team, which delivers workshops to local schools and community groups and runs bespoke events throughout the year. These activities are designed to inspire future generations, promote digital skills, and highlight the importance of studying Computer Science at higher education level. This work plays a vital role in widening participation and strengthening the School’s connection with the local and regional community.

Through regular engagement with current and prospective partners, I promote the School’s research strengths, student skill sets, and innovation capacity. This ensures we maximise opportunities for industry-linked research, student placements, collaborative projects, and outreach initiatives.

By managing the full lifecycle of these relationships—from initial contact through to long-term collaboration—I align industry needs with the School’s academic expertise, enhance graduate employability, broaden research impact, and strengthen our reputation within the wider community.