Dr Mona Jaber

Tell us about your work

I am a lecturer in IoT and mostly teach in Beijing on the joint program with BUPT. When I’m not teaching, I work on my research and supervise the progress of my PhD students. Having previously worked as a radio network planning consultant, part of my research, in collaboration with industry partners, examines the application of machine learning (ML) to automate tedious planning and optimisation processes towards zero-touch networks. Joining academia after 20 years in industry, I am still driven by real-life problems, in particular, the promotion of urban active mobility for happier and healthier urban living. To this end, I have started a research group at EECS which specialises in leveraging IoT data using ML techniques to inform on interrelations between urban planning, policy making, and eco-friendly living.

Tell us how you got into Electronic Engineering?

I knew I wanted to study engineering since I was little and got my Bachelor of Engineering in Computer and Communication in 1996 at the time when internet and wireless communication were still a 'novelty'. After graduation, I worked in the telecom field for 21 years. I started my journey as a consultant for the deployment of GSM mobile networks in the 90’s and ended up working for my PhD on 5G backhaul technologies using ML techniques at the University of Surrey 5G Innovation Centre (2014-2017). It was time for me to move on to a new challenge in which I build on my telecom knowledge while exploring the potential of ML and data analytics in automation.

What brought you to Queen Mary?

After completing my PhD, I joined a research centre where I continued my work on ML-driven network analytics and setup a new research group with academic collaboration and in partnership with network operators. However, I found that industry-led research felt more restraining and harder to accommodate after having spent three fulfilling years during my PhD defining and researching my own project. Two years later, I was given the opportunity to join QMUL as a lecturer and I did not hesitate for a second as it was the perfect place for me to carry on with my research and connect back with the academic freedom for innovation and exploration. I have never witnessed such warm welcome and genuine support! Despite the abrupt interruption of face-to-face interaction, the team spirit, friendship, and infinite support from everyone at EECS carry on. Working in EECS, I truly feel I am valued for my work as a person which is extremely rewarding. In a previous job, one of my managers always felt compelled to explain to me ‘complex’ concepts by analogy to food recipes and cooking.

What’s the best thing about your work?

It's difficult to select one best thing. I feel very privileged and enjoy the opportunity to shape the minds of young students and guide them in their journey to becoming engineers. I also enjoy research and am driven by the infinite potential of harnessing the powers of ML in IoT data analytics. Similarly, I enjoy supervising PhD candidates in their studies and find it utmost rewarding to follow their progress and achievements.

When not at EECS, what are your interests?

I love music and often organise outings with my friends to jazz venues. I like to read about various topics such as anthropology, history and philosophy, and whatever books my son recommends to me. My husband and I love taking long walks in London streets and magically discover new fascinating neighbourhoods every week! The rest of the time, I’m conversing with my cat!