Dr. Sarah Clinch

About Me

I'm a computer science researcher and Senior Lecturer in the human-centred systems group in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Manchester, UK. My research spans a variety of human-focused applications of mobile and ubiquitous computing, and includes both user and systems elements. I am passionate about research that: (a) creates robust systems or software that can stand-up to long-term, real-world deployment, and (b) follows best practice for open data and open science

To date, my research has incorporated four key areas: (i) technology that augments (or otherwise influences) the human mind and behaviour, particularly human memory, but also eating disorder, intrinsic motivation, and behaviour change; (ii) platforms for personalisation of networked digital signage; (iii) issues of trust and consent for mobile systems; and, (iv) the use of cloudlets and virtualisation as a platform for personal data and personal computing environments.

Outside of research, I'm also passionate about promoting the inclusion and success of under-represented groups in computer science. I am a keen knitter, and a parent to two young children.

Ph.D. Students (=primary supervisor):

Current:

  • Hasinah Alzahrani (Y3)

Previous:


I'm keen to hear from enthusiastic prospective Ph.D. students or post-docs wishing to work on topics that closely align with my interests. I welcome Ph.D. applicants from a wide range of backgrounds, including computer science and psychology, and expect all applicants to include a short research proposal with their application. Sample proposals can be found here and here (with thanks to Maddy Steeds and Ahmed Ibrahim respectively). Email contact about potential applications is welcome, but applications must be made online.

Publications

You can view my publications list on Google Scholar.

Previous

I was previously (2014-2016) a post-doctoral researcher in the School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University (UK) and have held visiting positions at the University of Cambridge (2016); TU Dresden (2015); and Carnegie Mellon University (2009).

I hold a Ph.D. from the School of Computing and Communications, Lancaster University, awarded in 2014 (Thesis Topic: Supporting User Appropriation of Pervasive Displays). Prior to my Ph.D. I worked as a Developer at Wide Area Communications.