Dr Rebecca Peters is Head of Computing at the University of South Wales, where she provides strategic and operational leadership across a diverse portfolio of undergraduate and postgraduate programmes spanning Computer Science, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Cyber Security, Digital Forensics, Informatics, and Mathematics.
She has over a decade of experience in higher education, combining academic leadership, curriculum innovation, industry engagement, and applied research.
Dr Peters is passionate about Data Science and Applied Computing, with a particular interest in the transformative potential of Big Data Analytics and Machine Learning to address complex challenges across industry. Her research focuses on the application of data-driven approaches to real-world problems, particularly within industrial settings. She completed her doctorate in collaboration with Tata Steel UK, exploring the use of big data analytics and machine learning techniques on steel manufacturing data to support predictive maintenance and anomaly detection. This work sits at the intersection of data science, artificial intelligence and engineering applications.
Throughout her career, Dr Peters has played a leading role in the development and delivery of innovative Data Science and Computing education. She was instrumental in the design and growth of Data Science programme at the University of South Wales and has led a range of award-winning initiatives, including industry-focused Data and AI programmes developed in partnership with employers. Her expertise spans statistics, machine learning, operational research, data analytics, and professional skills development.
Dr Peters has extensive experience collaborating with industry, government, and professional bodies. She has worked with more than 70 organisations across sectors including manufacturing, financial services, healthcare, utilities, and sport, supporting research, knowledge exchange, consultancy, and student projects. Her partnerships have included organisations such as Tata Steel UK, Welsh Water, NHS Wales, FinTech Wales, and a range of employers across South Wales. Through these collaborations, she has championed the use of data science and applied computing to solve practical business challenges while creating opportunities for students and researchers to engage with real-world projects.
Alongside her leadership responsibilities, Dr Peters remains committed to advancing research, innovation, and skills development in computing and data science. She is an advocate for strengthening links between academia and industry, developing future talent, and ensuring that computing education remains responsive to the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
