School of Computing and Engineering welcomes new Dean
Professor of Quantum Electronics Paul Harrison now leads the University's School of Computing and Engineering following the retirement of the former Dean, Professor Stephen Donnelly
THE School of Computing and Engineering has been left in good hands following the appointment of a new Dean who possesses a wealth of experience in leading innovation and a long track record of promoting research.
Professor of Quantum Electronics Paul Harrison has joined the University following the retirement of the School’s former Dean, Professor Stephen Donnelly earlier in the year, and has wasted no time in getting to know staff and students within the School.
To date the professor’s illustrious career has included being the Pro Vice-Chancellor of Innovation and Engagement at the University of South Wales, a role he carried out alongside also being Dean of their Faculty of Computing, Engineering and Science. Prior to that he was Pro Vice-Chancellor for Research and Innovation at Sheffield Hallam University which followed immediately after being the Dean of Postgraduate Research Studies at the University of Leeds.
Throughout his places of work, his leadership has led to an increase in publications; a rise in completed PhDs and a growth in research grant applications.
Described as a senior strategic leader with an outstanding academic research and teaching background, he said he is looking forward to the challenges ahead.
“For me personally, instilling a sense of community within the School is extremely important,” said Professor Harrison.
“I want our students, academics and professional support staff to feel comfortable here and be happy in our buildings, enjoy coming to work, enjoy coming to study here and to never feel shy about asking a question or approaching somebody for help, because in that environment our staff and our students will do their best work and achieve their full potential,” he said.
“I hope to bring some insights into how we can grow research and inspire and motivate academics to help them fulfill their potential, just as I have done at previous universities.”
Professor Paul Harrison
A greater emphasis on enhancing the quality of the student experience is another area Professor Harrison will also be focussing on.
“The School has great facilities. The newly refurbished Laura Annie Willson Building, which now houses most of our research facilities is magnificent and the School overall has had really good investment over the last few years, so we want to continue on that track.
“In terms of research, I hope to bring some insights into how we can grow research and inspire and motivate academics to help them fulfill their potential, just as I have done at previous universities,” he added.
Professor Harrison’s career into higher education began at the University of Hull where he worked as a postdoctoral researcher before gaining a University Research Fellowship at the University of Leeds in 1995.
During that time he applied his research experience in semiconductor physics to develop quantum mechanical-based physical models of optoelectronic devices such as quantum cascade lasers and quantum well infrared photodetectors.
He became Professor of Quantum Electronics at the University of Leeds in 2002 and subsequently led the School of Electronic & Electrical Engineering to the top of the Research Assessment Exercise in 2008.
In terms of his own research, whilst he understands his current role as Dean is going to keep him extremely occupied, Professor Harrison is determined to stay as research active as possible and to meet the criteria of being submitted to the next REF.