May Stow

Head of Department for Computer Science and Informatics, Federal University Otuoke

Please tell us about your current role and employer

I currently serve as the Head of Department for Computer Science and Informatics at Federal University Otuoke in Bayelsa State. In this role, I provide academic leadership to five programmes; Computer Science, Cyber Security, Data Science, Software Engineering and Artificial Intelligence. I oversee curriculum development, research direction, and the mentoring of staff and students, while ensuring that our programmes remain aligned with global standards in emerging technologies.

Alongside my administrative responsibilities, I am an Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence. My work focuses on scientific machine learning and the development of computational methods for solving complex environmental and engineering problems. I lead research projects that explore climate modeling, hydrogen prediction, power grid vulnerability analysis and explainable machine learning. One of my recent papers on multi scale pattern analysis in power grid data received personal commendation from Professor Eamonn Keogh, the founder of the Matrix Profile method, whose work was central to my analysis.

My role allows me to combine research, teaching and leadership. I guide student research projects, supervise postgraduate work and support early career colleagues in building their academic paths. I also work closely with institutions and government agencies on projects that apply artificial intelligence for malaria prediction, clean energy exploration and broader sustainability challenges in Nigeria. Through this work, I aim to strengthen computational research capacity in my institution and contribute to national progress in science and technology.

What does a typical day in your current role look like?

A typical day in my current role blends academic leadership, research activity and student engagement. My mornings usually begin with reviewing departmental matters; coordinating with programme leaders across our five areas, and ensuring that ongoing activities align with our academic calendar and strategic goals. I often meet with faculty members to discuss curriculum improvements, accreditation requirements or student support needs.

Teaching and mentoring remain central to my day. I spend time preparing lectures, supervising postgraduate research and guiding undergraduate students who are working on artificial intelligence and data science projects. These interactions allow me to stay connected to the enthusiasm and curiosity that drive learning in our department.

My afternoons are usually devoted to research. I work on scientific machine learning projects that explore challenges in sustainability, health and energy. This includes developing computational models, analysing data and collaborating with colleagues within and outside Nigeria. I also set aside time for writing manuscripts, reviewing student drafts and responding to academic collaborators. My recent work in multi scale pattern analysis and hydrogen prediction often forms the backbone of these sessions.

Towards the end of the day, I handle administrative responsibilities such as reviewing reports, planning departmental initiatives and responding to institutional correspondence. I also dedicate time to supporting younger colleagues, offering guidance on research directions, grant applications and professional development.

Each day brings its own demands, but the combination of leadership, teaching and research makes the work deeply fulfilling. My role allows me to contribute to the growth of the department while continuing to advance research that addresses real challenges in Nigeria and beyond.

What was your journey to getting a job after graduating from Birmingham?

My journey was guided by both preparation and a strong sense of purpose. I have wanted to become a lecturer for as long as I can remember. I grew up in an academic family, and my father, who is now late, was an Associate Professor of Geography. He also studied at the University of Birmingham, where he completed both his Masters and PhD degrees. His academic journey and his deep commitment to education shaped my early aspirations and helped me understand the value of teaching and knowledge creation.

After completing my degree at Birmingham, I returned to Nigeria and spent about eight months developing my academic profile, strengthening my research direction and preparing for opportunities in higher education. I was determined to build a career that mirrored the academic excellence I witnessed through my father and experienced first-hand during my time in the UK.

Around this time, Federal University Otuoke had just been established in Otuoke, the hometown of former President Goodluck Jonathan. As a brand new federal university, the recruitment process was highly selective because the institution wanted to build its foundation with the strongest possible faculty. I applied for a position in the Department of Computer Science, and I believe that my degree from the University of Birmingham played a significant role in distinguishing my application. The reputation of the University and the depth of training I received provided credibility and confidence in my abilities.

I was appointed as an Assistant Lecturer, which is the entry level role in Nigerian academia. Over the past thirteen years, through consistent research, committed teaching and professional growth, I have progressed through the ranks and I now serve as an Associate Professor of Artificial Intelligence and the Head of the Department of Computer Science and Informatics. My journey has been deeply fulfilling, and it carries an added sense of continuity knowing that I followed a path that my father walked before me at the University of Birmingham.

How do you feel the learning experience on your course helped to prepare you for your career?

The learning experience on my course at the University of Birmingham prepared me for my career in ways that continue to influence my work every day. My time in the programme taught me far more than technical content. It reshaped the way I think, the way I approach difficult problems and the way I understand the purpose of research.

A defining part of my learning came from working under the supervision of Professor Peter Tino. My project on the memory capacity of recurrent neural networks required deep theoretical understanding, careful experimentation and a willingness to explore ideas that did not have straightforward answers. Professor Tino guided me with a style that encouraged independence. He asked questions that pushed me to think beyond the surface, search for deeper explanations and defend my ideas with clarity and evidence. His approach transformed me into an independent thinker and a resilient problem solver. The intellectual discipline I gained from that experience has stayed with me throughout my career.

The programme also provided a strong and practical foundation in computational modeling and machine learning. The rigorous training I received allowed me to transition into research work where I developed models for clean energy prediction, power grid vulnerability analysis and climate related health challenges. The methods I learned in Birmingham became the basis for many of the scientific machine learning projects I lead today.

Another important part of my learning was the international and collaborative environment. Working with classmates from different countries taught me the value of diverse perspectives, especially when dealing with global challenges such as sustainability and energy. This experience has shaped my ability to collaborate across disciplines and cultures, both within Nigeria and internationally.

The academic culture at Birmingham also emphasised clarity and purpose. Every assignment required me to connect theoretical knowledge with practical impact. This has guided my work as a lecturer, a researcher and now as Head of Department. It influences the projects I pursue, the way I mentor students and the way I lead my department toward innovation and societal relevance.

In many ways, the learning experience at Birmingham laid the intellectual and professional foundation that supports my work today. It strengthened my curiosity, sharpened my analytical abilities and gave me the confidence to take on complex research problems that address real needs in Nigeria.

How did the University's support services (e.g. Careers Network) help to prepare you for your career?

The support services at the University of Birmingham played an important role in preparing me for my career. Even though I had a clear desire to become a lecturer, I needed guidance on how to present myself professionally and how to translate my academic training into a strong and competitive profile. The Careers Network and other student support units provided exactly that foundation.

The Careers Network helped me understand how to position my strengths, especially my interest in research and teaching. They provided guidance on academic career pathways, helped me refine my CV and taught me how to communicate my technical work in a clear and confident manner. These sessions were especially valuable because they introduced me to international academic standards and expectations, which later helped me stand out when I applied for my first position.

The University's academic support environment also strengthened my confidence. Access to tutorials, writing resources and seminar discussions improved my ability to present ideas clearly and respond to complex questions during interviews. The consistent feedback culture trained me to articulate my thought process, a skill that has remained essential in my teaching, research supervision and departmental leadership.

Beyond practical skills, the supportive environment at Birmingham encouraged personal growth. Staff were approachable, willing to listen and genuinely invested in student success. This gave me the confidence to return to Nigeria, apply to a new federal university and begin building an academic career from the entry level.

The support services did not simply prepare me for employment. They prepared me for long term academic growth. They helped me understand how to build a research agenda, how to showcase my work and how to navigate the early stages of an academic career. Looking back, the guidance I received was an important part of the journey that eventually led me to the position of Associate Professor and Head of Department.

What are your top tips for students graduating today?

My first advice to students graduating today is to remain endlessly curious. The world is changing quickly, and the people who thrive are those who never stop learning. Every new skill you gain will open a door you did not even know existed. Curiosity is one of the most valuable strengths you can carry into your career.

My second advice is to treat your foundation seriously. The habits you develop early in your professional life will follow you for decades. Build a strong work ethic, seek feedback, and allow yourself to grow through both success and failure. Excellence is not a single achievement. It is a pattern that forms over time.

My third advice is to value relationships. Many opportunities arrive through people who believe in your potential. Be kind, show respect, and contribute positively to every space you find yourself in. Collaboration will take you further than competition ever will.

My fourth advice is to embrace challenges. Difficult problems are often the ones that reveal your true capabilities. When I began my career in a newly established university, nothing was easy, but every challenge became a stepping stone that prepared me for leadership and advanced research. Growth rarely happens in comfort.

My fifth advice is to be guided by purpose. Ask yourself what impact you want your work to have on others. When your motivation is anchored in service, your journey becomes more meaningful. Purpose will carry you through the long nights, the complex decisions, and the moments of doubt.

Finally, I encourage new graduates to believe in the value of their stories. No path is too small, and no beginning is insignificant. I started as an Assistant Lecturer and grew into an Associate Professor and Head of Department because I stayed consistent, stayed curious and stayed open to possibilities. Your own story will unfold in powerful ways if you commit to growth and remain faithful to your goals.

What were the best things about your course?

The best parts of my course were the depth of academic rigor and the quality of mentorship I received. Working under Professor Peter Tino challenged me to think critically and to approach problems with independence and creativity. The programme combined strong theoretical training with practical exposure to real research questions, which strengthened my confidence in computational modeling and machine learning. I also valued the international environment, where diverse perspectives enriched classroom discussions and broadened my understanding of global challenges in science and technology.

What was your biggest achievement during your course?

My biggest achievement during the course was finishing with a distinction despite facing significant personal and academic challenges. The programme was demanding, and I initially struggled with the Java Software Workshop modules. However, the support I received from the teaching assistants during the lab demonstrations made a profound difference. Their patience and clear explanations helped me rebuild my confidence and master the material. Earning a distinction under those circumstances was not only an academic achievement but also a personal milestone that reminded me of the strength that persistence and support can provide.