UWTSD Applied Computing Blog

The start of the new academic year has seen Colin the University Cat (also known as Telford) appointed to the role of Senior Student Ambassador at the University of Wales Trinity St David’s Mount Pleasant Campus in Swansea.

The SU has awarded Colin his new job title in official recognition of the sterling service he has been performing over the years in student liaison. “He’s very affectionate, and enjoys keeping the students company in the library,” said a member of staff. “He can tell if anyone’s feeling homesick or lonely, and makes a special fuss of them. Colin’s always there for the students, and is a real asset to the life of the University.”

As well as the major contribution Colin makes to enhancing the student experience and reducing people’s stress-levels, he can be regularly spotted patrolling the campus to make sure everything’s in order. He also works tirelessly on marketing, and can be relied upon to meet and greet visitors on Open Days.

Described by a recent graduate as “the best cat in the world”, Colin – who has his own Facebook page and Twitter account – has been busy so far this term making new friends among the freshers, and is currently spearheading a campaign to recruit new members for his team of Student Ambassadors.

Pictured is Director of Operations Hywel Griffiths presenting Colin with his ambassadorial T-shirt.

Professor Ian Wells, Head of the School of Applied Computing, is pictured receiving his certificate after serving as Chair for the IET Wales South West Local Network Committee for the 2015/16 session.

The IET, the Institution of Engineering and Technology, has two main Local Networks which provide a range of general interest engineering-related events throughout the year.  Their two Young Professional Sections are tailored specifically towards students and early-career engineers, while their three existing specialist sections organise events related to Electronics, Manufacturing and Power. More recently, their new Healthcare Specialist Section has been added to this list.

Typical programmes include technical lectures, family events, social and networking opportunities, CPD sessions and of course the IET annual South Wales dinner.

Further information is available on the IET website.

Continuing SoAC’s proud tradition of marking its notable achievements and milestones with food, a Tardis cake materialised in the departmental office this morning.

This worthy inductee into the School’s Cake Hall of Fame was brought in by lecturer Tim Bashford to celebrate his recent birthday and PhD.  Congratulations, Dr Tim!

In a first for the world of archaeology, Dr Nik Whitehead (pictured) recently took the School of Applied Computing’s laser survey scanner to a top-secret Bronze Age dig in the North West of England.

The technology had never been applied in the field in this way before, and was used to scan finds in situ as they emerged from the ground encased in mud. When the data captured onsite has been processed and analysed, it’s hoped that it will reveal information about remains and artefacts which can’t be seen with the naked eye.

Nik was also lucky enough to uncover an interesting find herself during her visit, a fragment of rock quartz excitingly labelled as “small item 74, found in context 2 of trench 2.”

To prevent plundering, the location of the dig is a closely-guarded secret. The site was discovered in 2013, when two metal detectorists found a small but well-preserved Early Bronze Age hoard – extremely uncommon in this part of Britain.  An assessment of the area by the Portable Antiquities Scheme sparked great excitement; the discovery of jet, worked flint, cremated bone and charcoal confirmed that the detectorists had located something highly significant.

The site has been identified from the evidence as a prehistoric burial mound, or round barrow, in use between the Late Neolithic and Late Bronze Age, a remarkable 1,200 period waiting to be explored. But the really exciting thing about this one is that it was intact.

Most barrows were severely damaged by 18^th and 19^th century antiquarians, who dug into them indiscriminately looking for treasure.  So archaeologists rarely have an opportunity to excavate one that’s completely untouched – which makes the Lancashire barrow of major importance.

Thursday 7th July 2016

Having achieved the Bronze Award in the NUS’ Green Impact programme for 2015/16, the School of Applied Computing’s Green Team (Gaynor Thomas, Sue Maw and Sue Williams) were awarded with their certificate in a recognition ceremony this morning in the Round Reading Room in the Alex Building.

A variety of teams from UWTSD’s Swansea campuses attended the Swansea event, which applauded good practice and innovation in sustainability across the University.

Green Impact is an initiative which aims to raise awareness of sustainability issues in the working environment.  To reach Bronze level, the SoAC Green Team have worked hard over past months introducing a range of measures to reduce waste and encourage recycling, including the introduction of collection points for used batteries, Tassimo pods, ink cartridges and postage stamps.

SoAC’s Green Team don’t intend to rest on their laurels, though; already preparing new ideas and initiatives for the 2016/17 campaign which launches in early August, they’re aiming to achieve at least Silver Level in the next academic year.

Interested in joining the SoAC Green Team and/or finding out more about sustainability?  Contact Gaynor Thomas or Sue Maw for further information.

There’s a new noticeboard on the third floor of main block …

As a complement to the recent programme of “Girls into ICT” school visits to SoAC, the School of Applied Computing has created a noticeboard celebrating the contribution of women to STEM disciplines.

Designed to appeal to prospective students on school visits and Open Days, the informative and lively board will feature a selection of different notable women over the course of the academic year.

In the spotlight this month is computer scientist Margaret Hamilton, the  NASA coder who made the moon landings possible.  Future displays will highlight computing heroines such as Ada Lovelace, “Amazing” Grace Hopper, Jocelyn Bell Burnell and Megan Smith.

It’s hoped that raising awareness of the achievements of women in STEM will encourage more girls to consider computing as a career option, a discipline frequently viewed as heavily male-dominated.

The board is located next to the School Office on the third floor of main block. Check it out and find out more about Margaret Hamilton … and also  read Dr Carlene Campbell’s inspiring story.

Dr Carlene Campbell