Rhian Taylor

Rhian was struck by a demo in the Department of Computer Science on her first visit to the University. It showed how technology is working towards offering more independence to people with Alzheimer's and dementia. 

Impressed by the care that went into the work, she decided to study BSc Computer Science with Industrial Year, eager to develop her own ideas about technology and healthcare.

Rhian's placements changed her outlook towards her career, resulting in receiving job offers before graduating.

“Going into final year with a placement behind you – well, that changes you. I felt so switched on, and I was able to treat my final year like a nine-to-five routine.

"There is so much value in a placement, in terms of networking and experience. It gives you a professional attitude and confidence that drives you towards success. My placement changed everything, and I came back knowing I was going to get a first-class degree!” 

After her placement year, Rhian pursued an ambitious month-long summer programme in Beijing with Huawei Technologies. There, she learned Mandarin and took an intensive technology course at the firm's headquarters in Shenzhen.

Rhian is now back at Reading starting her new chapter as a PhD student. Her research focuses on recognising depression in university students who use social media. She sees herself working in industry but aims to bring her experiences back to academia through research and teaching.  

“I'm interested in data analytics in healthcare, and will probably focus on Alzheimer's patients. Technology could take some of the strain off the NHS by keeping people independent for longer and by diagnosing earlier.

"My industrial placement with Eli Lilly, one of the leaders in the fight against Alzheimer's, strengthened both my knowledge and interest. 

"I believe technology will help us with society's intractable and growing problems. It must be our tool going forward. In the UK, researchers are lucky because we can access a unique pool of NHS data. Using this with our digital advantages can help us find sorely needed solutions.”