Dr Dimitris Kalogiros, Lecturer in Data Science | Academic Advice Champion | Director of Student Experience in Degree Apprenticeship Programmes | Author of “Αγαπήχημα”
Meet Dr Dimitris Kalogiros, Lecturer in Data Science. In this profile Dimitris tells us about his role as a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and trained Mental Health First Aider, winning ‘Academic Advice Champion’ award and presenting at the Advance HE Teaching and Learning Conference in Sheffield.
Can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how long you’ve worked at Queen Mary?
I joined Queen Mary a few years ago and I currently teach across undergraduate and postgraduate programmes, as well as the Data Science Degree Apprenticeship at the London City Institute of Technology. My academic background is in applied mathematics and mathematical biology, with research ranging from plant root modelling to mathematical neuroscience and epidemiology.
I am a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a trained Mental Health First Aider, because I believe education is about supporting the whole person as much as delivering a syllabus. Alongside my academic work, I am the author of Αγαπήχημα, a non-fiction book written in Greek that explores the intersection of human experience, life, science, words and storytelling.
Describe your average day/week
My work is incredibly varied - and this is what I love about it. I design, create and deliver modules in areas like Data Science, Data Analytics, Cloud Computing in AI and Machine Learning.
Beyond the classroom, I serve as Director of Student Experience for the Degree Apprenticeships programme, Academic Lead for Learner Engagement Analytics and the incoming Director of Graduate Outcomes and Employability. I also organise seminars for the Centre for Education Research and set up the Learning and Teaching Education (LATEE) Café - a space for colleagues to share innovations and challenges.
You won the ‘Academic Advice Champion’ award. Congratulations! Can you tell us more about what this means?
Thank you! This award from the Students’ Union means a lot to me because it came directly from students. It recognises going above and beyond to guide and mentor - whether that is in academic matters, career advice or helping students find confidence in themselves.
I believe university should be “with students, for students, by students,” and I try to make sure every learner feels heard, supported and empowered. This changes the way they see assessments, careers and their own potential.
You recently presented at the Advance HE Teaching and Learning Conference in Sheffield. Can you tell us about that?
Earlier this summer, I was invited to present at the Advance HE Teaching and Learning Conference. Alongside student Yusuf Mohammad, we shared an approach to innovation in higher education teaching - a fantastic opportunity to engage with national leaders in the sector and contribute to the ongoing conversation around effective and inclusive pedagogy!
The presentation showcased the Queen Mary Machine Learning Society, a unique student-led hub that brings together learners from diverse backgrounds, including degree apprentices, to collaborate, share experiences, and build skills through hackathons, career events, and peer-led sessions. This initiative has strengthened connections across campuses, enhanced employability and fostered a vibrant, supportive learning community.
This work highlights how empowering students to take ownership of their learning - with academics as mentors - can transform complex subjects like machine learning into engaging, accessible, and personalised learning experiences for life. This collaborative work shows in practice that a student-led university is ALL we need for future-focused education, which actually is the thematic of the Advance HE Teaching and Learning conference this year!
Can you tell us more about your role as Director of Student Experience for IoT students?
IoT stands for Institute of Technology. As Director of Student Experience for Degree Apprenticeship students, my role is to ensure their voices shape their education. I chair Student Voice Committees, respond to feedback contributing to align learning with industry needs.
It is about more than timetables and assessments. It is about creating an environment where students can thrive academically, professionally and personally.
What do you see as your role in helping the University achieve its Strategy 2030?
Strategy 2030 emphasises inclusion, innovation, and impact - values that are at the heart of my teaching. I work to make data science, machine learning and mathematics accessible to students from all backgrounds, embed employability into the curriculum, and design applied learning that connects directly to real-world challenges.
I am passionate about creating learning experiences that blend academic excellence with career readiness, giving students the skills and confidence to make a difference in their chosen fields.
Do you have any hobbies or pastimes outside of work?
I am a radio producer, writer and science communicator. Whether I am behind a microphone, on the page or in front of a class, I love finding creative ways to connect with people. Writing my second book now (fiction this time!) is part of that - blending narrative, science, life and reflection to reach a wider audience.
Final thought: every student has a unique story. My role is to help make their time at Queen Mary a transformative chapter in that story - just as my own time here has been a meaningful and transformative chapter in mine.