Stuart Cunningham
Wrexham Glyndŵr University programme leaders Dr Mandy Robbins and Dr David Skydmore have been appointed professors.
Professor Robbins represents Psychology of Religion and said she was “honoured” to receive the title, feeling the position would add further prestige to the discipline.
Professor Skydmore, awarded the Chair in Rural Policy, added: “The study of rural policy is crucial to the rural economy, food security and conservation.
“This Chair recognises the importance of these topics to our local communities and those across Wales.
“I aim to be taking an active role in the University at its Northop campus, contributing to the communities of Flintshire and Wrexham.”
Meanwhile, Dr Stuart Cunningham is now a Reader in Audio and Affective Computing, Bo Liu a Reader in Computer-aided Design & Electronic Design Automation, and Dr Yuriy Vagapov was successfully selected to become a Reader in Electrical Engineering.
A delighted Dr Cunningham said: “I’m excited to be taking on this role, which will help support the University as it develops its research culture and impact in the coming years as we move towards the next REF and research degree awarding powers (RDAPs).
“In the last 12 months I’ve been working to form the Affective Audio research group and this is now really taking shape, particularly with the inclusion of new PhD students in the last two months.
“Our recent research activities into affective uses of sound and music, computer game audio, and immersive technologies has been published in an array of excellent journals, books, and conferences.
“This role will give me the opportunity to build on these successes and get us on the road to becoming a centre of excellence.”
He added: “I couldn’t have done this without the support of many excellent colleagues and students around the University and that’s something that I want to continue; so please come and have a chat about research ideas and collaboration.”
Dr Liu also thanked his fellow academics for their support and vowed to make further contributions to the institution in research and collaboration with external partners.
The appointments will commence as of August 1.
