Spotlight on... Emma Cardinal-Richards

What is your role and what does it involve?

I'm the Enterprise Architect for Research so I work in both ISD and ARC. My role involves co-creating the vision and roadmaps to respond to the needs and strategies of UCL, specifically how we provide digital research and innovation services and tools. It involves collaboration across the organisation, tons of communication, looking for patterns and opportunities, and drawing the odd picture.

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

I've been at UCL since April 2013! My first role at UCL was as a network engineer, after a few years I took on the Network Architect role. I wanted to push myself out of my technical comfort zone, so I moved to my current architectural role supporting Digital Research.

Before UCL I worked at another HE institution where I made the leap from being a medical secretary to work in IT, I had a somewhat natural affinity with technology, so it felt like a logical choice!

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

This is such a tricky question as in each different role I’ve had exciting challenges and responsibilities, always given with the encouragement and support I needed. I’m proud of the early days as a network engineer scrambling around in comms rooms all over UCL's vast campus to now as an Enterprise Architect in the fascinating Centre for Advanced Research Computing, it's been an exciting journey!

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

Much of my time recently has been spent helping to develop the Digital Strategic Plan, focusing on how it supports Research at UCL. It has been an extremely interesting time, speaking to a broad range of stakeholders at UCL and learning more about the amazing work that's involved with supporting our amazing research and innovation activity. I'm excited about the ideas we are developing for making things better at UCL and the enthusiasm of all those involved.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

My favourite band is Spoon, tricky to pick one but I think I'd go for their Gimme Fiction album.

For film and novel, it's so difficult to choose across genres! I think for film I'd have to go for The Dark Knight (Batman is the best superhero and I will take no questions at this time) or LA Confidential, such an amazing cast.

For my novel, Richard Matheson – I am Legend (the less said about the film adaptation the better) or more recently, Salt Lick by Lulu Allison. Female writers are so good at my favourite genre (post-apocalyptic fiction).

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

I'm a huge fan of Blackadder's sarcasm, one of my favourite lines is…

Lord Melchett: Ah Blackadder, talking to yourself, I see.

Blackadder: Yes, it's the only way I can be sure of intelligent conversation.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

I think I'd like a mixture of funny and interesting, good storytellers! Richard Ayoade, Rowan Atkinson, Anne-Marie Imafidon, Britt Daniel (see favourite band), Olivia Colman, and Thierry Henry.

What advice would you give your younger self?

That it's a strength to recognise and be comfortable in what I don't know. It's better to be curious, ask questions and develop than pretend you know everything, and to remember that most people who act like they know it all often don't!

What would it surprise people to know about you?

I have a weird phobia, it's called trypophobia, it's an aversion to the sight of repetitive, asymmetrical patterns or clusters of small holes or bumps. Lotus seed pods, barnacles and fungi make my skin crawl! Even 3 wick candles seem a bit wrong.

What is your favourite place?

Anywhere with water. By the sea, a lake… maybe even just a swimming pool.