Julie is a 'geordie on tour', working as a lecturer in Computer Science at the University of Nottingham. Her research involves the creation of 'artificial immune systems' to fight computer viruses and the use of technology in understanding human emotions. This has included the analysis of how people behave on rollercoasters, meaning that she rides rollercoasters in the name of science. When she is not playing with computers (as her Mum calls it) Julie plays in a local brass band and is a committed musical performer.
As a lecturer Julie often speaks in public, both in terms of her regular teaching and for spreading the word about her research. "Lecturing is a lot like a stand up show", she states, " including having to respond to your audience to keep things interesting". One of her talks was arranged to enthuse and inspire undergraduate women attending the BCS Lovelace Colloquium at the University of Leeds in April 2009. Inspiring young women to get involved in Computer Science is a far cry from stand up comedy but she's taken to the Challenge like a pro!
Julie is raising money for the Angelus Foundation with the help of Women in Technology and she still needs your support. Watch this clip from her performance here:
