This month we’re getting to know Meher Khan from the Institute of Dentistry.

Tell us about your current role and how long you’ve been with Queen Mary.

I joined in June 2022, so next month it will be 2 years. I’ve loved it, it’s been a really enjoyable role. 

I’m the E-resources Officer at the Institute of Dentistry, it’s quite a varied role.
I provide support to students and teachers for QMplus including Q-review, Mahara, Qmplus assignments, exams and anything else that links to QMplus. I also create e-learning resources using e-authoring tools like Articulate. I also create video and VR resources. We do quite a bit using VR at the institute.  

How did you build your E-learning authoring skills, was this from your previous role?

In my previous role which was at UCL’s Confucius Institute for Schools, I was a project officer, which was mainly project management stuff. However, I started that role at the start of Covid, so we had to go online for lots of our activities. Based on my comfort level with technology, I was the main person the tasks were given to in the immediate team. Alot of it, I had to teach myself at the time and learn as I went along. In my current role at QM, Ben, my manager has taught me quite a lot and when I want to learn more, Youtube is the best teacher! 

What is your favourite part of your current role?

I really like complex or challenging things, so if I’m given a problem to solve I love then having to investigate various ways of coming up with a solution for that. I also really enjoying editing videos, I know it can be tedious but I really enjoy it, technical things about my job in general. 

Are there any special projects you’re working on right now?

Yes, we are currently working with a software called TINALP. It’s a mixed reality software where you can see a hologram of an object, through your headset or a mobile device being displayed in the room, which you can interact with. Teachers and students can manipulate objects in a 3D environment and study them in detail. 

What are your hobbies or interests outside of work?

I don’t have much time for hobbies but I like running and being outside in the open. I also enjoy cycling and I play cricket in a women’s softball team. I enjoy reading as well. 

Quick-fire questions !

1. Favourite type of cuisine?

Oh that’s a good one. I really like Pakistani food because I’m from Pakistan. If I had to choose something else I would say Chinese, particularly Szechuan. 

2. Cats or dogs?

Well this is funny, for most of my life I was scared of dogs until recently, so between the two I’d say dogs. 

3. Tea or coffee?

Oh tea absolutely 100%

 4. Favourite movie genre?

I think I’d go with horror, I do like a good horror movie.

5. Favourite mobile app?

Ooh, I’d have to say probably Strava or Kindle  

6. Favourite holiday destination?

That’s a hard question, there are so many places in the world that I want to see. 

 7. Any hidden talents? Or something people would be surprised to hear about you?

I wish! I don’t think so…Although, I did want to become a Special Constable for the Met Police and I did all the tests and interview and passed them but then I just didn’t go ahead with the training, [due to personal circumstances that would have made it difficult].