Ghita Kouadri Mostefaoui

What is your job role and how long have you worked at UCL?

I am an Associate Professor and have been working at UCL since 2015.

What do you do in your role?

I mainly teach postgraduate students but also occupy several administrative positions such as Admissions Tutor and Deputy Programme Director of the MSc in Computer Science.

What’s the best thing about working in the Computer Science department?

We are surrounded by ambitious and creative people. It’s an intellectually stimulating environment.

What challenges have you had in your career and how did you overcome them?

I have worked in different countries. Most of the time in a male-only environment. The major challenge is to break existing stereotypes on Muslim Arab women.

Organised Islamophobia and political propaganda is not helping. In most cases, ignoring inadequate comments/behaviours is the most appropriate reaction.

In other cases, inviting people to read about history from its true references is necessary.   

What things do you wish you’d known before starting your career?

“If you look for perfection, you'll never be content.”

What advice do you have for people who want to do what you do?

Never stop learning.

What’s the best thing about your job?

Students finishing the academic year, happy that they gained new knowledge, new skills and more self-confidence.

What does equity mean to you?

To consider all human beings – despite their differences - as worthy of respect and consideration and as creatures of feeling even if it’s not always obvious.

What is the best advice you have ever been given?

Everything shall pass good or bad!

Who inspires you and why?

I am a big fan of all great men and women from all cultures and times. People who are innovative, creative, and perseverant.

What professional achievement are you most proud of and why?

Overall, I am proud that I have been through several world-class universities, as a student, researcher and instructor. Collaborating with competitive people is intellectually satisfying.

Where would you like to be in 5 years?

Since my main interest is how to improve computer science teaching, I would like to be leading a research group on computational neuroscience in learning and education. Trying to understand the connection between learning and brain activity.