Let's Meet... Usman Naeem

Tell us a bit about yourself and your role

I have several roles! One is Deputy Director of Education in the School of Electronic Engineering and Computer Science.

I’m also the Queen Mary Academy’s lead for Learning Engagement Analytics, something I’ve been doing for almost four years now. This is a real passion of mine. It’s all about helping educators make data-driven decisions to improve the student learning experience.

On top of that, I lead the rollout of the Employability Framework across the Faculty of Science and Engineering.

What interesting projects are you currently working on? 

I’m working on quite a few projects at the moment, all linked to my passion for improving the student learning experience.

One that I’m especially excited about has just received funding from the President and Principal’s Fund for Education Excellence. We’ve been developing it for some time - it combines gamification and learner analytics to better support our students. While gamification is often used to motivate learners, we’re also exploring how it can help us identify students who might need extra support. Over the past year, we’ve done extensive work in this area, and the next step is to help colleagues across the university use this approach to enhance their own students’ learning experiences.

I’m also working with different schools in our faculty to implement the Employability Framework. This has been a real pleasure, as I’ve had the chance to collaborate with colleagues from a range of disciplines. There’s a strong tech element too, as we’re preparing to pilot an e-portfolio graduate attributes tool next year, which will allow students to track their skills and reflect on their progress.

Another project I’m deeply involved in explores how generative AI can support students in developing their critical thinking skills, particularly in programming modules. I’m collaborating with universities in Norway and Finland, as well as colleagues here at Queen Mary. Together, we’ve carried out several studies, uncovered some fascinating findings, and developed a survey tool that educators can use to measure behavioural change in students.

There are plenty more projects on my plate, but these - student engagement, employability, and generative AI - are especially timely right now. I’m really happy to be working on initiatives that I believe can make a genuine difference for our students.

What are you favourite digital tools to use in your teaching? 

I use quite a wide range of digital tools in my work. On QMplus, for example, I make good use of the Level Up plugin. I’ve been using it for a couple of years now to monitor student engagement and identify those who might be struggling.

For data analysis, especially when I’m working with module data and want to uncover key insights, I rely heavily on Jupyter Notebook. It’s a go-to tool for processing and visualising information.

When it comes to creating clear diagrams or visualisations, I often use OmniGraffle - it’s excellent for producing polished, professional figures.

And for presentations, I have to say I’m a huge fan of Apple Keynote. I don’t use PowerPoint at all; I swear by Keynote. It’s clean, modern, and I’ve had consistent positive feedback from students on how my presentations look. I honestly can’t recommend it enough.

Anything else you'd like to share about your work?

I take a lot of pride in the projects I work on at Queen Mary because I know the impact they can have on our students. I’m always thinking about how we can use tools and technology to help students reach the next level and improve their learning experience. As in the words of Uncle Ben, “With great power comes great responsibility”, and I think that applies to us as educators. We owe it to our students to create learning environments where they can truly flourish, and digital tools play a huge role in that.

Since my first academic role in 2009, I’ve always looked for ways to integrate technology into my teaching to enhance engagement. I also believe educators need to take risks - to step out of their comfort zones and explore new approaches that might improve learning. I try things, learn from them, and encourage my students to do the same. Even if it doesn’t work perfectly, there’s always something to learn. After all, we’re all on a lifelong learning journey, and that’s something I try to model in my work every day.

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?

I’m a huge fan of cricket and football. I also love building with Lego. I’ve spent the past few years working through lots of sets, and I find it really therapeutic. It doesn’t matter whether you’re a child or an adult - I’d definitely recommend it.

Most importantly, though, is my daughter. She’s only seven months old, but spending time with her has quickly become the most important and rewarding part of my life.

Quick-fire round!

Favourite holiday destination?

We often end up going to Dubai, mainly because the weather is great and it has a unique mix of East and West. I’ve been there several times and really enjoy it.

What’s your comfort food?

I’d say my comfort food is fish and chips, the kind you get from a proper chippy, wrapped in paper and drenched in vinegar.

What’s the last TV show you binged?

I’d have to say Chuck. I’ve watched it at least three or four times, and I still find it amazing. I love the underdog story, where a lovable, geeky Stanford dropout accidentally downloads a top-secret government database into his brain. It’s clever, funny, and full of pop culture references, which is probably one of the reasons I enjoy it so much.

What’s your hidden talent? 

I’d say my hidden talent is setting up smart homes. My house is fully automated, and I’ve been building it up over the years. I really enjoy figuring out how to make everything work seamlessly, such as blinds that close at sunset, and sensors that turn on bedside lights when I get out of bed at night. I love sharing tips and helping others to set up their own smart systems. I’m definitely a bit of a smart home enthusiast!