Innovate Summer Academy: Faculty Profiles
At the heart of the Innovate Summer Academy’s success is its team of distinguished faculty members. Our faculty are more than just educators, they are experts in their fields, experienced professionals, and passionate mentors dedicated to guiding students through a transformative learning experience.
Each member of our teaching team embodies the Academy’s mission to provide students with specialised academic knowledge, hands-on skills, and industry-focused learning. Our faculty inspire students to push boundaries, think critically, and engage deeply with real-world issues, ensuring they leave the program with the confidence and competencies needed for future academic and professional pursuits.
Dr. Nadine Randel
University of Cambridge
“For students aspiring to pursue careers in Biomedical Science or related fields, my primary advice is to cultivate curiosity and perseverance. While academic excellence is important, developing strong communication skills, seeking mentorship, and building a professional network are equally vital... ”
Dr. Nadine Randel earned her Master’s degree from the University of Rostock, Germany, and went on to specialise in neurobiology through her research at the Max Planck Institute for Developmental Biology. She completed her PhD in Biology at the University of Tübingen, Germany, and was awarded the prestigious Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship, enabling her to continue her research at the University of Cambridge. Her professional experience and expertise in brain function, advanced microscopical techniques, and brain activity, will provide students with a comprehensive understanding of how science can be applied to real-world medical challenges. Dr. Randel has published her research in renowned journals, such as ‘Science, Nature Methods’, and ‘eLife’, and has presented her findings at international conferences around the world. Dr. Randel’s teaching philosophy centres on interactive learning, with a strong emphasis on research experiences and active engagement. She is passionate about mentoring the next generation of scientists, helping students to cultivate critical thinking, problem-solving skills, and the confidence to succeed academically and professionally.
Faculty of Medicine, Health, and Biomedical Science
Dr. Katty Wadda
University of Cambridge/ St George’s University of London
“Take the initiative to learn about diverse areas within medicine and biomedical science. The fields are diverse and constantly evolving, offering many career opportunities to explore.”
Dr. Katty Wadda earned her PhD in Medical Science from the University of Cambridge, following her MSc in Chemistry: Drug Discovery from the University of Bath. She has been recognized with several academic awards at both the MHRA Student Symposium in 2023 and the American Society of Tropical Medicine and Hygiene’s Young Investigator Award. Her research focuses on immunology, molecular biology, and translational medicine. Dr. Wadda has conducted significant work on malaria immunology, host-parasite interactions, and immune cell phenotyping in disease, with applications in chronic inflammatory diseases. Her work has been published in leading scientific journals and presented at numerous international conferences. At the Innovate Summer Academy, Dr. Wadda’s philosophy revolves around fostering curiosity and critical thinking by connecting theoretical knowledge to real-world applications, ensuring students are well-prepared for future academic and professional pursuits. She is passionate about mentoring students and helping them build confidence through a supportive, collaborative learning environment.
Christiane Cladrowa
University of Edinburgh
“Resilience and passion is essential in pursuing biomedical sciences, and it will not always be easy. Once one allows themselves to dive into the topics more deeply, they will meet equally interested and supportive people that all follow the goal of trying to understand this beautiful world that surrounds us all…”
Christiane Cladrowa is a PhD candidate in Infection Biology/Virology at the University of Edinburgh, where she is engaged in advanced research in virology and infection biology. Christiane’s academic journey has been complemented by a strong record of teaching experience including areas such as molecular and cell biology at the University of Edinburgh. Christiane also serves as a LEAPS Transition Instructor and is an Associate Fellow of the Edinburgh Teaching Award (EdTA). Christiane is currently an Associate Fellow at Zhejiang University in China, teaching both theoretical and practical aspects of virology and infection biology to undergraduate students. Her research interests lie primarily in virology, immunology, genetics, and the microbiome, with a focus on understanding viral pathogenesis and the mechanisms of host-virus interactions. She has contributed to various research projects, notably a reverse genetics system for human coronaviruses. At the Innovate Summer Academy, Christiane is committed to fostering independent learning and critical thinking in her students, and she approaches teaching with a focus on student engagement and active learning.
Faculty of Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence
Dr. Anita Karsa
University of Cambridge
“We work in a highly interdisciplinary field where collaboration between clinicians, physicists, and software engineers is key. Starting to develop your science communication skills as early as possible will go a long way..”
Dr. Anita Karsa earned an MRes and PhD in Magnetic Resonance Imaging Physics at University College London (UCL). A Fellow of the UK’s Higher Education Academy, she brings extensive academic expertise and a passion for teaching to her role at Innovate Academy. With a focus on computational methods in medical imaging, Dr. Karsa’s research has contributed to advancements in software that assist in medical diagnosis and support basic research. Her work has been published in leading journals, including Magnetic Resonance in Medicine and IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging, and she has developed licensable tools such as the SEGUE software for MRI data analysis. Dr. Karsa’s teaching philosophy emphasises critical engagement and interactive learning. She encourages students to ask questions, think deeply, and revise their understanding to achieve mastery. Her experience includes leading workshops for first-year engineering students at UCL, where she demonstrated her commitment to fostering student success and intellectual growth. Passionate about mentoring students, Dr. Karsa highlights the importance of building communication skills and embracing collaboration with professionals from diverse backgrounds, including clinicians, physicists, and engineers, to address real-world medical challenges.
Dr. Sanaa Hamid Mohamed
Kings College London
Dr Sanaa Hamid Mohamed is a Research Associate in the Department of Engineering, at King's College London. Her research focuses on advancing the energy efficiency of future computing systems and communication networks, optimizing data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, and modelling and optimizing cloud and edge computing systems. She also explores the use of AI to enhance communication and computing systems. Dr Sanaa earned her BSc (honours) in Electrical and Electronic Engineering from the University of Khartoum, Sudan, in 2009, followed by an MSc in Electrical Engineering from the American University of Sharjah, United Arab Emirates, in 2013. She completed her PhD in Electronic and Electrical Engineering at the University of Leeds, United Kingdom, in 2020. She was awarded a full-time graduate teaching assistantship in the MSELE program, American University of Sharjah in 2011. Her doctoral research was supported by a Doctoral Training Award (DTA) from the UK Engineering and Physical Sciences Research Council (EPSRC) in 2015. Over the course of her career, Dr Sanaa has held research and teaching positions at several esteemed institutions, including the University of Khartoum, American University of Sharjah, Sudan University of Science and Technology, Khalifa University, University of Leeds, and King’s College London. Dr Sanaa has been an active IEEE member since 2008 and is affiliated with the IEEE Computer Society, IEEE photonics Society, and IEEE Communications Society. She is also a member of the IEEE standards association. Additionally, she has contributed to the academic community as a Technical Program Committee (TPC) member for numerous IEEE conferences.
Faculty of Law and Global Justice
Helen Tung
Barrister & Senior Legal Lecturer
“For any student interested in law, my advice is to look beyond the horizon and visualize where you see yourself in 20 years. Get curious, ask questions, and explore what truly excites you. Pursuing a career in law opens many doors and with all the technological changes, future lawyers also need to adapt quickly so I encourage you all to explore and engage the legal community sooner than later’
Helen Tung is a barrister, senior counsel, and teaching fellow with over 18 years of strategic legal experience spanning commercial contracts, intellectual property, maritime and shipping law, space law, ESG, construction, employment, and regulatory matters. Her career has equipped her with deep insights into complex, multi-jurisdictional cases and the evolving needs of modern industries. Helen’s global expertise includes serving as a qualified barrister in England and Wales, a registered practitioner in Abu Dhabi Global Markets, and a foreign registered lawyer in Victoria, Australia. She has represented stakeholders at prestigious international organizations, such as the International Maritime Organization (IMO), the United Nations Office of Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). As the Founder of NewSpace2060, Helen supports startups and companies in the space sector, leveraging her passion for innovation and law. Her teaching roles include being a Teaching Fellow at The College of Law, Australia, where she specializes in international arbitration. Helen’s professional achievements are complemented by her commitment to mentoring aspiring legal professionals. She is a board member of the International Institute of Space Law and an active participant in international initiatives like UN AI for Good. Helen’s research has been widely published, covering topics such as environmental law, data protection, and space law, and she continues to push the boundaries of legal practice in emerging fields like AI and space exploration. Helen’s teaching philosophy is rooted in encouraging students to take ownership of their learning journey, explore their interests, and develop a strong foundation in critical thinking and problem-solving. Her classes at Innovate will draw on her vast experience, preparing students to navigate the challenges and opportunities of a dynamic legal landscape.
Faculty of Engineering and Science
Dr. Faiza Habib
University College London
Dr. Faiza Habib earned her PhD in Materials Chemistry at University College London (UCL), where her research focused on metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) and their biomedical applications in collaboration with Novartis. Dr. Habib has received multiple accolades for her contributions to STEM education, including the Mahatma Gandhi Pravasi Samman Award. She is also a Fellow of Advanced HE and has been the recipient of the Overseas Research Scholarship and the Schlumberger Foundation’s Faculty for the Future Fellowship. With extensive experience in research and teaching, Dr. Habib has taught courses in engineering, materials science, and chemistry. As an Experimental Officer at UCL, she played a key role in teaching practical chemistry, ensuring students not only grasped theoretical concepts but also applied them through hands-on laboratory work. Dr. Habib’s research specialisation includes materials chemistry, crystallography, and structure determination using advanced techniques such as the Crystalline Sponge Method (CSM). Her work in this field has contributed to the development of novel hydrophilic crystalline sponges for pharmaceutical applications, published in leading journals such as CrystEngComm. Passionate about student-centred learning, Dr. Habib fosters curiosity, critical thinking, and collaboration in her teaching. She integrates interactive methods—such as live polls, group discussions, and presentations—to create an inclusive and dynamic learning environment. By leveraging technology-driven tools for real-time feedback, she ensures that her teaching is adaptive and engaging. Dedicated to mentoring the next generation of scientists, Dr. Habib strives to equip students with the skills and confidence needed for academic and professional success.
Javier Sánchez Fernández
Imperial College London
"Never forget that we serve society, and our designs must always reflect this responsibility...
Javier Sánchez Fernández is a researcher at Imperial College London, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council. His research focuses on advancing geotechnical integrity testing methods and optimizing ground energy sourcing using machine learning algorithms. An Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, Javier is an educator with extensive teaching experience across civil engineering modules, including Structural Mechanics, Professional Engineering Practice, and Civil Engineering Design. He has led tutorials, workshops, and field trips, fostering a collaborative learning environment and equipping future engineers with the skills to tackle real-world challenges. Beyond academia, Javier is a civil engineer with a strong commitment to bridging research and real-world impact. As a founding member of Nova Talent's UK expansion, he actively supports the development of talented individuals within the engineering profession. He has made contributions to community-focused projects, such as designing and constructing a steel footbridge in rural El Salvador. Javier is an active member of professional bodies, including the Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE), the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE), and the International Association for Bridge and Structural Engineering (IABSE).
Dr. Yaser Tahmasebi Birgani
Imperial College London
"Master the fundamentals, embrace sustainability, and gain hands-on experience through internships and research. Develop interdisciplinary skills in areas like robotics and data science, and stay curious about emerging technologies. Network through professional organizations, focus on soft skills like teamwork and communication, and commit to lifelong learning. By combining technical expertise with innovation and a focus on sustainability, you can build a rewarding career that makes a meaningful impact on society and the environment."
As a researcher at Imperial College London, Dr. Yaser Tahmasebi Birgani has dedicated his 18-year career to advancing research and education in civil and environmental engineering. His expertise spans sustainable and resilient environmental management, watershed management, and environmental modelling using machine learning and artificial intelligence. As an Associate Professor and Core Member of the Environmental Technologies Research Centre, Dr. Birgani has led research projects and collaborated with industry and government on innovative solutions to environmental challenges. As Head of the Commercialization Department at AJUMS, Dr. Birgani spearheaded initiatives to bridge academia and industry. In this capacity, Dr. Birgani oversaw the translation of academic research into practical, market-ready solutions, fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders and driving innovation in areas like sustainable infrastructure and environmental technologies Dr. Birgani’s teaching philosophy is centred on preparing the next generation of civil and environmental engineers to tackle real-world challenges with creativity, teamwork, and confidence. He fosters a student-centred, interactive learning environment that bridges theory and practice, integrating hands-on projects, real-world problem-solving, and interdisciplinary approaches. Through mentorship and a scaffolded approach to learning, he encourages students to develop technical expertise, critical thinking, and professional skills in areas such as sustainable infrastructure and environmental impact analysis. With a strong commitment to research and industry collaboration, Dr. Birgani brings invaluable experience in sustainable engineering and emerging technologies. His work at Innovate will align with the program’s focus on innovation, sustainability, and industry partnerships, ensuring that students gain the knowledge and skills to shape the future of environmental engineering.
Dr Shamas Tabraiz
Imperial College London
"Environmental engineering is more than just a career, it’s a mission to protect our planet and shape a sustainable future for our generations coming to live on our planet after us. If you aspire to make a real impact, master the fundamentals of engineering, chemistry, and biotechnology/microbiology, but do not stop there- dive into cutting edge fields like carbon capture, bioenergy, and AI-driven environmental solutions. Seek internships, hands-on lab work, and industrial collaborations to bridge theory with practice. Build a network, engage with professionals, and never stop learning because the challenge of climate change, water scarcity, and pollution demand bold, innovative minds. Whether designing advanced wastewater treatment systems, green infrastructure, pioneering green energy solutions, or influencing policy, your work as an environmental engineer will define the next century! So, start now, stay curious, and lead the change! "
Dr. Shamaz Bhatti is an esteemed academic and researcher with extensive expertise in environmental engineering, hydrology, and sustainability. Currently, he serves as a Research Associate at Imperial College London, where he is engaged in pioneering studies on sustainable water management and climate resilience. Dr. Bhatti earned his PhD in Civil and Environmental Engineering from Newcastle. He has also completed two postdoctoral research fellowships at Imperial College London and Canterbury Christ Church University. Additionally, he holds a PGCert in University Teaching and Learning from Imperial College London and is an Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, UK. He was awarded the prestigious PhD Commonwealth Fellowship in recognition of his academic contributions. As a dedicated educator, Dr. Bhatti’s teaching philosophy is rooted in a student-centred and experiential approach. He integrates constructivist learning theory, Bloom’s Taxonomy, and Universal Design for Learning principles to foster inclusive and effective learning environments. He places strong emphasis on experiential learning, engaging students through industry visits, real-world projects, and problem-based learning (PBL) methodologies. Dr. Bhatti has an impressive research portfolio, specializing in environmental engineering, hydrology, wastewater treatment, and sustainable infrastructure. He has authored 47 peer-reviewed publications in leading international journals and continues to contribute to cutting-edge research in water resource management and biotechnology. His work is highly cited, with an H-index of 16 and an i10-index of 26. His contributions extend beyond academia, with consultancy experience in sustainable wastewater treatment and urban drainage system design. At Innovate, Dr. Bhatti brings a wealth of expertise to courses such as Hydrology, Drainage, and Hydraulics; Ethics and Sustainability in Engineering. His experience in guiding BSc, MSc, and PhD students in research and design projects ensures a rigorous, interdisciplinary, and hands-on learning experience. His passion for engineering education and commitment to sustainability equip
Faculty of Business, Finance and Enterprise
Professor Anna Chechel
University of Cambridge
“My advice to students is to stay open to new ideas, continuously improve their knowledge, and embrace challenges. Developing leadership skills, learning foreign languages, and participating in international programs are key to success...
Professor Dr. Anna Chechel is an accomplished scholar and educator, currently serving as a Visiting Academic at Cambridge Judge Business School, University of Cambridge. With over 20 years of professional experience, she is a leading expert in public policy, strategic leadership, and decision-making. In 2017, Prof. Chechel completed the Harvard Kennedy School Executive Program "Emerging Leaders," and in 2018, she participated in an internship as a researcher and observer at the Harvard Kennedy School’s Senior Executive Program for State and Local Government Officers. From 2022 to 2024, Prof. Chechel was awarded the Ukrainian Academic Support Scheme at the University of Cambridge, where she advanced her research on social entrepreneurship and community sustainable development. As a Visiting Academic at Cambridge, Prof. Chechel has conducted pioneering research and led seminars on topics such as social entrepreneurship, climate change, systemic leadership, and sustainable development. Prof. Chechel has authored over 100 academic publications, contributing extensively to fields such as sustainable development, social business, ethical governance, and strategic management. Her work is featured in leading journals, including Economic Affairs, International Scientific Journal of Universities and Leadership, and Eastern-European Journal of Enterprise Technologies. Prof. Chechel's teaching philosophy focuses on fostering an interactive and dynamic learning environment. She integrates theoretical knowledge with practical application through real-world case studies, collaborative group projects, and critical discussions. Her goal is to inspire students to think creatively, engage critically, and develop the skills needed to tackle complex global challenges.
Dr. Pengzhan Qian
Royal Holloway, University of London
"Be curious. There are always new things to explore!’
Dr. Pengzhan Qian obtained his PhD in Economics from Queen Mary University of London. He previously earned a Bachelor of Science in Pharmacy, giving him a unique interdisciplinary perspective that spans both the life sciences and economic research. Pengzhan’s professional background includes extensive industry experience in the pharmaceutical and green energy sectors. His expertise in labour economics, macroeconomics, and structural estimation has led to significant research contributions, particularly in analysing labour markets in developing economies, with a focus on China and Sub-Saharan Africa. His work has been presented at major conferences such as the IAAE, RES, and EEA-ESEM, and he has served as a reviewer for academic journals including Economic Modelling and the Eurasian Business Review. Dr. Qian's teaching philosophy emphasizes accessibility and engagement, ensuring that students from all backgrounds can benefit from his courses. He has delivered lectures to a diverse audience, ranging from undergraduate students to professional economists at institutions such as the Bank of England. His teaching experience spans econometrics, macroeconomics, and machine learning for finance, equipping students with the skills needed to navigate the complexities of modern economic analysis. Committed to fostering student success, Dr. Qian encourages students to develop strong quantitative reasoning, problem-solving skills, and an interdisciplinary mindset.