I’m retired now, but was a computing academic for my working life. It was a pretty straightforward path in some ways: University of Glasgow for undergraduate, PhD, and a bit of post-doc. Then a couple of short-term lecturing posts to build experience, followed by 27 years at the University of Stirling, working my way from lecturer to professor. Of course, being an academic is a many-faceted job so you’re constantly on your toes learning new skills and adapting to a changing environment. That’s exciting but exhausting.  

I had three big life changes. First was realising at 19 that while I had gone to university to do music and maths, I was much better at computing, and I enjoyed being good at it. The second was realising in my thirties that I am gay. The third was being diagnosed as autistic at 50.  

What would you tell your teenage self?

You are autistic. That’s why the world seems really confusing. Knowing that you’re autistic will help you find ways of managing people and emotions.

What has been the biggest challenge in your life, work or otherwise?

I’m a people-pleaser so I struggle to say no. It took me a long time to learn to protect myself and say no in a positive way. I’m still working on it. 

Who has been a big/biggest inspiration in your life (doesn’t need to be career focused)?

Professor Dame Muffy Calder has been my role model since I was as an undergrad. She showed me how to be a successful woman in computing. 

Does your Mum know what your career is?

Vaguely! She was always good at listening to me explain what I was doing, even though she didn’t get the details. 

If you were ruler of the world for a day, what would you change first?

Can I wave a magic wand so that first, all the people with privilege really understand how privileged they are and what it’s like to be victims of sexism, racism, ableism, homophobia, or misogyny?

The second wave of the wand would mean that everyone understood inclusion and how being more inclusive makes the world better for everyone. 

What makes you angry?

Arrogant people who think they know best. 

What makes you happy?

Making something beautiful, whether it’s music, art, a happy plant, or a tasty meal. And spending time with my lovely partner Pat.