Our Competency Centres are growing

There has been a steady increase in demand for support from Oxford’s Competency Centres, and to support that demand the team is expanding. 

The AI and ML Competency Centre has welcomed four new members of staff to help colleagues from across the university understand how AI and ML can be used to improve their experience at work and ensure that they are using the technology in line with the University's guidelines. Two new members of staff have also joined the Workflow and Automation Competency Centre. The new staff will allow even more colleagues across Oxford to realise the potential of automation alongside improvements to working practices.  

We asked each of the new starters to tell us a little bit about themselves, their role and what brought them to Oxford.  

Dominik Lukes – Lead Business Technologist  

I’m starting as the Lead Business Technologist at the AI and ML Competency Centre to focus on building AI capacity at University. I’ve been at the University for seven years, moving to the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) as the Assistive Technology Officer in 2021. While at the CTL, I started and ran the Reading and Writing Innovation Lab. After studying Natural Language Processing in the early 1990s, I started looking closely at AI again in the mid 2010s, when the technology started showing promise in improving speech recognition and speech synthesis in ways that it could start helping people with disabilities.  

Xavier Laurent – Training Lead  

My role as a Training Lead in the AI and ML Competency Centre involves developing, sourcing, and managing training programmes to meet users' needs. I am passionate about developing innovative training programmes that go beyond basic instruction, looking into the technical aspects of generative AI and related research. Another exciting aspect of this role is the opportunity to build new connections across the University to share different perspectives and facilitate knowledge exchange. 

For the past nine years, I have been a Learning Technologist at the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) and in IT Services at Oxford. I am also a psychology tutor at Lady Margaret Hall, which helps me stay connected to my academic interests in cognitive sciences. 

What excites me most about Oxford's digital transformation and the Competency Centres, especially the AI and ML Centre, is the opportunity to simplify complex technologies for colleagues across the University. My experience as a Learning Technologist at Oxford has shown me the value of making advanced digital tools accessible and understandable.  

Vera Gahlen – Research Software Engineer 

I am currently a Research Software Engineer within the AI and ML Competency Centre, where I support various Machine Learning projects across research, administration, and teaching. 

Before joining the Centre, I worked in banking regulation and as part of an ML research team for a startup focused on computer vision. I hold a PhD in Algebraic Topology with a focus on studying and classifying geometric shapes. 

Deep Learning and Large Language Models are my primary areas of interest. I am especially enthusiastic about interdisciplinary projects and collaborative work at the AI and ML Competency Centre, I’m looking forward to sharing ML knowledge and experience throughout the University. 

Mustabshira Zia – Automation Developer  

My role in the Workflow and Automation Competency Centre involves streamlining processes using Power Automate solutions and maximizing the benefits of technology to improve efficiency and effectiveness in departments across Oxford. 

I come from a background in Robotic Process Automation (RPA), having worked with American Axle and manufacturing (AAM) In US Virginia. I recently graduated with a Master’s in Data Science and Artificial Intelligence from the University of Hull. My primary focus was to develop, maintain and support automations.  

I'm really excited about being part of Oxford's digital transformation. Everyone at Oxford has already been extremely welcoming and helpful, making my transition smooth and enjoyable. The University is doing amazing things with its Competency Centres, helping people in all departments become confident in using new technologies, which aligns perfectly with my passion for using technology to make a difference. I can't wait to put what I’ve learned into practice here. 

Haseeb Ahmad - Research Software engineer  

I work as a research software engineer at the AI and ML Competency Centre. It involves partnering with colleagues from across the university to boost the success of their projects by using AI/ML effectively.  

I will be researching and building AI/ML solutions and training and advising colleagues across the University on different AI/ML tools that fit their unique needs. The opportunity to work on cutting edge technology, in an academic environment and to enhance research and education for others excites me about the AI and ML Competency Centre.  

I’m new to Oxford, starting on July 8 2024, hoping for an exciting journey working with the AI and ML team. Before joining the University, I worked in Industry, researching and developing AI/ML solutions. I moved to the UK less than a year ago, so I’m touring lots. 

Louis Gilmour - Automation Developer  

I provide technical leadership in designing, building and testing automated solutions within the Workflow and Automation Competency Centre. I actively consult and engage with stakeholders to explore and expand the boundaries of what is possible with automation. In combining technical expertise with strategic consultation, I’m here to help unlock the full potential of automation to help stakeholders achieve their operational goals. 

I joined Oxford from the University of Plymouth, where I spent nearly a decade. Since 2021, I played a key role in developing the Robotic Process Automation (RPA) Centre of Excellence, transforming the automation project from an internally hosted, third-party managed system to a cloud-hosted, internally developed solution. I helped develop the RPA strategy, defined key objectives, and established governance while engaging stakeholders to identify and prioritise automation opportunities.  

I recall preparing for my job interview, diving deep into everything I could find about the Digital Transformation programme and Competency Centres. One mandate stood out: "Show me, skill me, help me." This powerful ethos of empowering and uplifting staff through enhanced technological understanding is what sets Oxford apart. The easiest path would be for us to become technically brilliant and keep that knowledge to ourselves. But here at Oxford, the mission is to uplift, share, and empower, creating and harnessing a culture of collective growth and innovation. 

If you are interested in working with either of the Competency Centres to support your project, you can contact each of the centres directly.  

Submit an expression of interest form for the Workflow and Automation Competency Centre.  

Submit an expression of interest form for the AI and ML Competency Centre.