Ruth Stalker-Firth, PhD (EPFL), fascinated by how people use technology, and vice-versa.
Hello, my name is Ruth, I’m a computer scientist, AI digital consultant, and former university lecturer with over two decades of experience spanning academia and industry. I gives talks and courses demystifying AI and celebrating when computers were women, highlighting how modern technology simply couldn’t exist without their historically invisible contributions.
For me, technology and storytelling are inextricably linked. When I ask people about their computers, they tell me about their whole lives, as telling stories is how we understand ourselves and the world around us. When we design software, we change how people work, and that is a political act. Technological development mirrors society so understanding exactly how it works is the key to making us happier in our daily lives.
Key Highlights
- The Journey: Online since 1995, I represented Switzerland for technological AI innovation in 1997, and have been blogging here since 2007 with ~1.2 million hits a year.
- In the Press: Featured in WI Life magazine (Feb 2026) and recognized on National Women in Science and Engineering Day 2025.
- Credentials: I hold a PhD in HCI for AI & Big Data from EPFL, a BSc (Hons) from Liverpool John Moores University, and postgraduate diplomas in AI, VR, and Journalism (LSJ).
- Academic & Industry Focus: Following a decade of university teaching HCI, AI, cognitive science, biometrics, IT security, and web technologies at BSc and MSc levels, I extended my reach beyond academia to teach HCI (1,258 students and counting) and AI online to reach a wider audience of learners, alongside continuing my consultancy to a wide range of companies.
- Beyond the Tech: I serve as an elected parent governor at GOSH. I speak fluent French, terrible Italian, and Duolingo Dutch.
When I’m off the clock, you’ll find me roller skating or practising yoga.
Last updated: June 2026