Laura Harris

Experience

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  Dstl

  Aug 2008 - Aug 2014

  Focusing on lidar and hyperspectral imaging I became the maritime technical lead for electro-optical sensing, providing input into international collaborations. From this I became a project technical lead for investigating multi-sensor UAS capability in the littoral environment, collaborating with industry to deliver trials and develop specialist processing. Working within the Maritime Non-Acoustics team I acquired a wide range of sensors and signatures expertise, contributing to customer deliverables for a variety of projects. Through courses and on-the-job training I developed my Matlab programming skills, basic signal processing and image analysis with packages such as ENVI.

  • Scientist

    Jun 2010 - Aug 2014

  • Graduate Scientist

    Aug 2008 - Jun 2010
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  Plymouth Marine Laboratory

  Jul 2014 - Aug 2017

  Airborne Earth Observation Data Analyst

  As part of the NERC Airborne Research Facility I processed high quality airborne lidar, hyperspectral and thermal data for research scientists. Supporting this, I developed processing scripts, participated in sensor calibration and conducted experimentation to characterise the sensors. This included publishing in the scientific literature and delivering training. I also provided project management support to the Earth And Sea Observation System.

• 

  Dstl

  Sept 2017 - Oct 2020

  Senior Data Scientist

  Developing, implementing and advising on deep learning techniques for a range of defence and security applications. Researching robustness of machine learning under Alan Turing Institute visiting position. Exploring advances in deep learning model architecture, optimisation, code libraries and cloud computing. Technical partner for Defence and Security Accelerator. Led the machine learning component of the 2017 Data Academy.

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  Ploughshare

  Oct 2020 - Dec 2022

  Commercialisation Manager

  • Managing a portfolio of innovations in a fast paced environment• Conducting market analyses and preparing commercial strategies for technology development and transfer• Networking, generating leads and identifying dual use applications• Supporting business development and contributing improvements to processes

• 

  University of Bristol

  Jan 2023 - now

  Research Commercialisation Manager

  • Identifying and evaluating opportunities to achieve impact from research.• Advising academics on the strategic development of intellectual property.• Conducting market research.• Developing and executing business plans, including securing funding and investment.• Setting up collaboration agreements and licenses with partners, including negotiation of deal terms.• Supervising the creation of spin-outs.