Spotlight on Priya Singh

This week the spotlight is on Dr Priya Singh, Director of Education, UCL Ear Institute.

What is your role and what does it involve?

I am a senior lecturer in Audiology, and oversee all the taught courses in Audiology.  It is a multi-faceted role which includes education, research, management and public engagement.

A typical day usually requires me to don several different hats depending on whether I am lecturing, supporting staff or students, or representing the UCL Ear Institute on either an internal or external project.

I am also an external examiner for another university and a sections editor for an international ENT and Audiology publication.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I have been at UCL for about 6 years now and previously headed Audiology services in the NHS and for a private hospital, providing both clinical and management roles.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

It's very difficult to pin-point a single initiative that I am proud of but at the top of the list are memories of happy patients and students and parents at graduation!

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of you to-do list?

As part of a personal goal and public engagement role for the Ear Institute I will be in Nepal for a few weeks in March.  I will be helping with training and expanding the Audiology services at a new ENT hospital in Pokhara.  

I am going via a charity called EarAid Nepal.  I have been raising money to fund the trip, and have received overwhelming support so far from commercial partners, colleagues, friends and family. I am also part of a new research project that will be started there and am taking over a prototype device to help get the project started.  

You can track my progress or contribute via my GoFundMe page.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

I have very eclectic tastes in music and love anything from rock to house to classical but have to say that the one band I am always keen to listen to are Coldplay, who are all UCL alumni!

My favourite film…I am not a big movie boffin but if I had to choose it would have to be Top gun with Tom Cruise!

I love autobiographies, and love him or hate him, it had to have been Lance Armstrong's that I could not put down years ago.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

I wouldn't dare…I am not sure you would be allowed to print it.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Michael Palin to regale me with his funny travel stories, Michael Schumacher because I wish he wasn't injured and would love to hear about his career, Dawn French as I think she's hilarious, my Mum to do the cooking and Tom Carling, my lovely other half who always makes sure my glass is never empty!

What advice would you give your younger self?

I could write a book! But I guess mainly, don't be afraid to say NO! And remember to take time out for yourself!

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I competed in endurance motor racing in South Africa when I was in my twenties.

What is your favourite place?

In water, anywhere!