Tell us about your work
My work explores the intersection of generative music composition, emotion-driven story telling, and human-computer co-creativity within the realms of film and video game media. My research looks at bridging the gap between traditional compositional techniques and computational methodologies with a focus on enhancing narrative immersion through music. I draw from musicology, music theory, and music cognition principles.
What inspired you to choose EECS?
My background is in music, I never studied computer science prior to the PhD. During my undergraduate degree I started learning about (and creating) generative music AI systems, and I became very passionate about it to the point of deciding to do a PhD on this topic. I am currently in my 3rd year of the AI+Music CDT in EECS. I chose AIM and EECS because of the expertise in this area, the fantastic research group and the sense of community and support within it.
What are the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in EECS?
I want to say first of all that AIM has done a fantastic job of making sure diversity within the research group is a priority. However, it can be quite difficult to be in a male dominated field/research group. For example, I find that for me it can heighten my imposter syndrome.
On the other hand, I have seen incredible support between women in EECS, sometimes driven by knowing that we are in a male dominated field and therefore making it a priority to support each other.
Why would you say women should consider a career in engineering or computer science?
I’d say to do whatever you want to do and don’t let anything stop you. Yes there might still be a stereotype but it has been great seeing many more people who identify as female join the field.
Do you have a role model who inspires you?
Coming from a very different field, I had to learn the basics of Machine Learning. The first course I took on ML was taught by Rebecca Fiebrink. She’s such a big name in her field. She inspired me to become a researcher in AI and Music.
What’s the best thing about your work?
My favourite thing about my work is finding creative solutions to problems, and using my twenty plus years of experience in music to bridge the gap between music and computer science. It’s also the absolute best to get to work alongside so many amazing people.
When not at EECS, what are your interests?
I’m quite into sports! I am a competitive powerlifter and hold the title of British champion in equipped bench press. I also do live sound engineering in my spare time. I seem to keep wanting to break stereotypes. 😅
I still write music, although not as often. Currently I am learning to crochet!