Dorothy Monekosso facts for kids

Dorothy N. Monekosso is a British professor who works with computers. She teaches computer science at the University of Durham. Her research helps people by creating smart systems like smart homes and assistive robotics. These technologies are designed to make life easier and safer, especially for older people or those who need a little extra help.

Professor Monekosso started her career working on space technology. She helped build computers and other systems for small satellites and spacecraft at a company called Surrey Satellite Technology. While studying for her PhD at the Surrey Space Centre, she became very interested in how computers can learn, which is called machine learning. This led her to develop smart and robotic systems for security and healthcare.

In 2015, she became a professor of computer science at Leeds Beckett University.

In March 2020, Professor Monekosso was one of 40 black women professors featured in a special photo exhibition called Phenomenal Women. Also in 2020, she received an important award called an Honorary Fellowship from the British Computer Society. This award recognized her work on Smart Homes that help people living with memory problems like dementia. It also honored her efforts to encourage more different kinds of people to join the technology field.

What is Computer Science?

Computer science is a field where people study computers and how they work. It's about designing and building computer systems, writing programs, and figuring out how computers can solve problems. It includes many exciting areas like artificial intelligence, robotics, and creating smart devices.

Smart Homes and Robotics

Professor Monekosso's work focuses on making our homes smarter and using robots to help us.

• Smart Homes: Imagine a house that can help you remember things, turn lights on when you enter a room, or even remind you to take your medicine. This is what smart homes can do! They use technology to make daily life easier and safer, especially for people who might need extra support.
• Assistive Robotics: These are robots designed to help people with tasks they might find difficult. For example, a robot could help someone pick up an object, or remind them about appointments. These robots are built to be helpful companions.

Promoting Diversity in Tech

Professor Monekosso is also a champion for diversity in the technology world. This means she works to make sure that people from all backgrounds, including different genders and ethnicities, have opportunities to work in technology. She believes that having many different perspectives helps create better and more creative solutions.

Publications

Professor Monekosso has helped write and edit several books about intelligent environments and security systems. These books share knowledge with other experts in the field.

• Intelligent environments: methods, algorithms and applications (2008)
• Innovations in defence support systems. 3, Intelligent paradigms in security (2011)
• Contextual analysis of videos (2013)