Dr Saumya Reni
Dr. Saumya Kareem Reni is an academic and researcher, currently serving as a Senior Lecturer and Director of the Applied DSP & VLSI Research Group at the University of Westminster. With professional credentials including PhD, AFHEA, SMIEEE, MIET, and MBCS, she brings over a decade of expertise in Biomedical Engineering, Digital Image and Signal Processing, and VLSI System-on-Chip Design.
Dr. Reni's academic foundation is centered in engineering and technology for healthcare. She earned her PhD in Image Processing for Biomedical Application from the University of Westminster in 2014, having previously completed an MSc in System-on-Chip Design for DSP and Communications from the same institution.
Over her 15+ years in academia, Dr.Reni teaches across a broad spectrum of modules, including Advanced Biomedical Electronics, Sensors and Signals, Data systems and Concepts, Electronics and Circuits, and SoC/FPGA Design, guiding both undergraduate and postgraduate students. She has also played a key role in course validation and accreditation efforts for the institution.
Beyond leading the Applied DSP and VLSI Research Group, Dr.Reni contributes widely as an External PhD Examiner at national and international universities. She maintains a significant professional presence as a Senior Member of IEEE and holds key volunteer leadership roles, including Secretary of the IEEE UK and Ireland Section and Treasurer of the IEEE UK and Ireland Section Women In Engineering Affinity Group. Her commitment to scholarly communication is evidenced by her active contribution as an author, reviewer, and organizing committee member for prominent IEEE conferences and transactions, including ISCAS and ICPRS.
Dr. Reni's research is pioneering, often focusing on applying Artificial Intelligence (AI) and advanced image processing techniques to global health challenges. Her seminal PhD work developed an Automated Low-Cost Malaria Detection System using thin blood slide images captured via mobile phones. This innovation significantly enhanced diagnostics accessibility in resource-limited settings, demonstrating her commitment to practical, impactful engineering solutions.
Currently, she is engaged in significant interdisciplinary research, collaborating with leading institutions under NHS. This work focuses on developing AI-Based Parasite Detection Tools for clinical surveillance of Neglected Tropical Diseases. She has secured multiple grants, including the Cavendish Research Scholarship, Quintin Hogg Trust PhD Studentship and the UK-India Education and Research Initiative (UKIERI) Thematic Grant, to support these initiatives. She is also an active Director of Studies for PhD studentships in diverse fields, including Machine Learning for Vocal Health and Optimizing Automated Lead Scoring.
