Humans of Warwick - Professor Margaret Low

Professor Margaret Low

Professor (Teaching Focussed), WMG

“My memories are about the people and projects I’ve worked with over the years. I’ve learned so much from colleagues.”

“There’s a saying that you only move for love or money, for me it was love. I moved from Scotland after marriage to join my husband who worked in the Midlands.

I started working at Warwick 37 years ago in 1988, joining WMG as part of the simulation team. It wasn’t known as WMG at that time though, it was the Manufacturing Systems Engineering Group. The projects at that time were mainly factory simulations for companies, exploring the consequences of breakdowns or other manufacturing problems.

Simulations often required a large amount of data to get a realistic insight into a problem area. This led me into the design and implementation of relational database applications, moving companies from file-based applications to relational ones. It gave companies more control over their data in terms of accessibility, a better understanding of their processes, and when combined with the power of visual simulation, provided a real insight into company processes and performance.

I now work as WMG’s Director of Outreach and Widening Participation, a role I feel privileged to hold.It’s vital that we share the work we do here at Warwick with young people and the wider community, and equally important that we listen to their perspectives.

We encourage young people to consider careers in engineering and technology. We need to ensure that the future workforces in these areas are diverse and are fair to access for people from all backgrounds. We visit schools, run interactive workshops, and host visits to campus to help spark curiosity and open doors to future opportunities. We work with internal teams, local schools, national partners, and international communities to produce educational resources linked directly to the work we do in the department.

I was awarded an MBE for my services to public engagement in 2021 which was totally unexpected. It was very overwhelming to be recognised in this way. Everything I’ve achieved has been in collaboration with fantastic colleagues and friends at WMG and across the University. None of this would have been possible without their guidance and encouragement. I’ve also had the good fortune to work with brilliant students through Warwick Volunteers who’ve been instrumental in bringing outreach activities into schools.

When I’m not at work, I’m a very keen knitter, and just recently started learning to spin yarn. I ‘ve made so many items for family and friends, that I’m running out of people to knit for so if you need anything that involves wool, please let me know!”