Academic Spotlight on Dan Bard

We spoke with Dan Bard, Lecturer in the School of Computing, to delve into his perspective on everything you can expect as a student in the School of Computing, from Canterbury sights and student societies to cutting-edge facilities and alumni career pathways! Dan shared his important insights into the incredible amount of support on offer for students, including a full-circle moment for him as a Kent graduate.

What is your academic area of expertise? 

Originally, my expertise was in cybersecurity, particularly quantum cybersecurity. However, I’ve moved more onto computational education and the internet of things-based devices. It's important to understand and explore things-based devices, as it's literally all around us. In our Internet of Things module, we build smart home devices, which is why I have so much fun with it! 

Why should someone pursue a degree in Computing? 

I think the computational education side offered on our Computing degrees is really important. I would encourage all future students to engage with it, as no matter what industry you go into after gaining your Computing degree at Kent, you will need to teach people with limited understandings all about various aspects of Computing and related technologies. This includes teaching managers and their new clients how the technology works, which is a vital skill.  

What is your biggest academic achievement? 

I've supervised a bunch of really cool projects, both third year Undergraduate projects and MSc projects. One of the projects I supervised was an AI-fuelled cooking app that included all the normal features of a cooking app, but also featured a webcam that pointed at your cooking surface. It would detect when you'd finished a step and would auto-move onto the next step for you, without you needing to wash your hands to touch your phone to do so. I was really happy with how that turned out! I love teaching students who I know are going to go on to do great things, and knowing that I helped set them up for that brings me joy. 

Are you involved in any exciting modules that you can share? 

Our Internet of Things module involves building devices and makes great use of our Hackspace facility, which is based in our Computing building Kennedy. Computing in the Classroom is a third-year Undergraduate module where we send students out into placement schools. It's separate from our placement year but gives our students the chance to get a taste of teaching, which either makes them want to pursue it in their career, or they've just had a fun experience! 

What do you love most about the University of Kent?  

I did my Undergraduate degree in Computing here at the University of Kent, and when I was looking around universities myself before choosing Kent, I distinctly remember visiting here for the first time and feeling totally welcomed. The great atmosphere has continued since my first visit – whether that's chatting to lecturers from a student perspective, or vice versa – everyone is so friendly. The campus is also beautiful, especially in this woodland area where Kennedy is. 

What are your top tips for prospective students in writing their applications for Computing at Kent? 

For any course you're applying for, the key thing to show in your applications is why you want to do it and why you're interested in it. For example, in Computing, it might be: I want to make video games. That's an awesome reason, and we've got modules that will cater to that! Mentioning modules, or even just topic areas, is great too. I also love reading about people's first programming or computer experiences in their applications – or wherever they found the passion for what they want to do. 

What careers can you go into with a degree in Computing from Kent? 

Every single company on the planet has some kind of IT need. In terms of concrete places our alumni have joined, that ranges from consultancy firms like Deloitte, various banking firms including Monzo, plus government and council-level roles. We've also got a student who works for the Norwegian Air Force designing fighter jets. There is a wide variety of careers you can choose from!  

What kind of communities can students join when they arrive at Kent?  

At Kent, we have hundreds of societies (that vary from year to year) but range from sports societies and martial arts societies to Quidditch! We also have our own TinkerSoc and Makerspace society. It works out of the Hackspace and is run once a week on a Wednesday evening, with technician support. They run different events, which in the past included a Robot Wars battle! They also run tutorials and workshops, so it's a chance for students to also work on their own projects. It's also open to all Kent students, not just those who study in the School of Computing. For Postgraduate students especially, we also have a bunch of mature student societies including the Mature Student Network.  

Are there areas for Computing students to study quietly or access useful equipment? 

For Postgraduate students, we have a bespoke MSc room for them to have their own quiet space away from any Undergraduate students, which is kitted out with high spec PCs. And for anyone commuting in, it also has lockers and other facilities, including card access only for MSc students. Other spaces in Kennedy include our three PC labs (which will soon all have high spec PCs in them), the robotics lab, a biosensing lab, and then the Hackspace which has 3D printers, laser cutters, milling machine – all the gear! Our technician Keith keeps it open throughout the summer break, so that students can still use it.  

What support is on offer for students struggling with something academic or personal during their degree? 

I'm the Deputy Senior Tutor for the School of Computing, and everyone on the Senior Tutor team makes a big effort of being seen and not just locked away in our offices. I'll always make the effort to chat to students and get to know them. Every student, including Postgraduate students, are allocated an academic advisor – someone you can talk to at any point about anything. You've also got peer support through informal support sessions with other students and mentors. We have an open-door policy in Computing, which allows me to continue the friendly and welcoming atmosphere that first attracted me towards the University of Kent – a full circle moment!  

What are your favourite parts of Canterbury and the surrounding area? 

In terms of drinking establishments, the Thomas Tallis Alehouse has a great selection of distinct beers and ales. The Penny Theatre is a lively location, but it's a classic favourite. The Ye Olde Beverlie pub has a lovely walled beer garden, and great food. Canterbury has so many coffee shops and roasteries, and my top recommendation for that is the Micro Roastery. Restaurant-wise, Kokoro's hearty bowls are amazing and they're on Deliveroo, so can be delivered to campus! For students with family visiting, the Korean Cowgirl does amazing food with very generous portions. My favourite part of Canterbury is the countryside all around us. The Crab and Winkle Way trail takes you to Whitstable, you've got Blean woodland, the city parks, and the gorgeous riverside walk to Chartham from Westgate Gardens – the best of city and countryside!