Telling Lorraine Underwood's Story: Making Physical Computing Visible, Playful, and Learnable

So Lorraine, Tell us Your Story

Hi! I'm Lorraine… I was volunteering as a scout leader and realised I was really passionate about teaching children… I eventually ended up as the Computing At School regional coordinator at Lancaster University… I’ve gone from centre coordinator to PhD student to researcher… There are so many opportunities out there… Build your community of good supportive people and take them with you on your journey.

What first sparked your interest in engineering or science?

I first got interested in physical computing when I did a Raspberry Pi ‘Picademy’… The course was my first introduction to physical computing… I was really inspired by the idea that you could code multicoloured lights.

Was there a defining moment when you knew this was the path for you?

When I was on Twitter… my RGB LED weather controlled stairs… got lots of likes and retweets and people still talk to me about those stairs to this day! The excitement of making the stairs was exciting, but people's reaction… was thrilling!

How has your career evolved from where you started to where you are today?

I don't think anyone's career goes in a straight line but mine has stayed around education and Computer Science (CS)… After a few years of teaching in the classrooms I moved to Lancaster University to support less qualified teachers and now my research evolves around physical computing.

What keeps you curious and motivated in your work?

I'd love to say the kids!… but really it's the teachers! Being able to support teachers to teach CS creatively in the classrooms keeps me motivated in my work.

Can you tell us about a project you’re especially proud of?

Besides the shiny stair lights it has to be the shiny cube of lights! :D Cubert was a 1 metre squared cube of 512 ping pong balls with RGB LEDs… I made it interactive so you could play games like snake or pacman on it.

What inspires your ideas, inside or outside of work?

Definitely other people and their projects… I'm also inspired just by little problems in life that annoy me  I love to try and find technical fixes for things.

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

I definitely suffer from self‑doubt… I've struggled with accepting that I'm the expert in the room! I've been really lucky to have supportive colleagues and family and friends that regularly remind me how amazing I am and push me forwards in my career.

Have you ever experienced self‑doubt, and how did you push through it?

Ah! See previous question!

Have you had mentors or role models who shaped your leadership style?

My supervisor at Lancaster University Professor Joe Finney and my previous line manager Lynne Blair… And my friend Rachel Lancaster… I try to be more like them, because they just light up the room with their positive outlooks and supportive nature.

How do you support or mentor the next generation of engineers and scientists?

I try to talk to students like I'm talking to my younger self… encourage them to apply themselves, to believe in themselves. To go for the things they want.

How has inclusion (or lack of it) impacted your career journey? How can organisations better support women in STEM?

I think organisations should try to have a better understanding of the pressure women are under… I often find myself excluded from 4pm meetings because I want to be home for my children… I've been lucky with my current job where my supervisor knew the days and times I wanted to be home for my children and avoided meetings around these dates.

What advice do you wish someone had told you when you were starting out?

Careers aren't a straight line… Be open to opportunities and experiences that could lead somewhere else.

What would you say to girls or young women considering STEM careers?

It's great! It's fun! Try it out, you might love it. Bring a friend! 

What are you most excited to work on next?

I've just finished my PhD and I'm excited to continue my research in physical computing, especially with the micro:bit and projects with the element14 Community!

What else has Lorraine Worked On?

We feel that Lorraine has been more than modest in telling us about her efforts and career, so let us present a little bit more for you. Lorraine has worked as a consultant for the FutureLearn course for the Raspberry Pi foundation, laying groundwork for teaching Computer Systems to GCSE Computing teachers. Lorraine has also published her own book! "Save the world with code - 20 fun projects for kids using Raspberry Pi, micro:bit and Circuit Playground Express" - you can find copies of it on Amazon. and with Micro:bit Educational Foundation, travelling to Qatar to run a 4 day workshop at Doha Learning Days.

We're very proud and honoured to have Lorraine share her work and expertise with us, and you can also check out her element14 presents projects here on the Community!