Dr Fatma Benkhelifa

Tell us about your work

My work focuses on improving wireless communication systems so that devices can connect more reliably, efficiently, and securely. I study how modern wireless networks such as mobile systems, Internet of Things (IoT) and 5G and beyond are designed and how they can better meet real-world demands. By combining ideas from engineering, mathematics, and computer science, I develop methods that help wireless networks handle more users, reduce delays, use energy more sustainably, and protect information. Overall, my goal is to make wireless communication more dependable and better suited to an increasingly connected world.

What inspired you to choose EECS?

Although I officially joined EECS in 2023, I had been familiar with the department for several years before that. During my postdoc time at imperial, I collaborated closely with researchers from CSR group and followed their research works with great interest. Their impactful research and strong presence in the wireless communication community left a lasting impression on me.

When I later saw the job advert for a lecturer in telecommunications, I did not hesitate to apply. I was drawn to EECS because of its long-lasting strength in telecommunications and its unique position at the intersection of electrical engineering and computer science. While I hold an MSc and PhD in EE, much of my work in the UK has been closely aligned with CS. EECS felt like an excellent opportunity for me where I could fully integrate both aspects of my background.

The role in EECS represented the perfect alignment of my research interest, teaching aspirations, and interdisciplinary experience. On a personal note, it also offered the opportunity to return to London, a city I had missed after spending a year as a lecturer in Coventry University.

What are the challenges and opportunities of being a woman in EECS?

Many challenges of being woman in EECS are similar to those in STEM and engineering more broadly. I still remember my first day at Polytechnic School, when senior students would quietly count how many females were in the incoming class. Moments like that make you very aware of how underrepresented women are in technical spaces. I encountered this again during my postgraduate studies at KAUST where I was only the second woman to join the group and one of very few women in the entire building. While I missed female companionship, these experiences shaped my resilience and taught me to embrace the challenge, compete confidently alongside my male peers, and prove myself through the quality of my work.

At the same time, being a woman in EECS offers meaningful opportunities. I have found the EECS community to be welcoming and supportive, with a strong spirit of collaboration. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is the opportunity to travel, engage with colleagues across international campuses, and be part of a close-knit academic community particularly with the joint programme with BUPT, where the sense of connection is truly special. Ultimately, being a woman in EECS allows me not only to contribute to advancing the field, but also to help change its culture. I see it as an opportunity to encourage more women to envision themselves in engineering and to feel confident that they belong.

Why would you say women should consider a career in engineering or computer science?

Many of my female friends chose careers in healthcare, finance or education, while I chose to follow my own path into engineering. Although this meant stepping away from familiar routes, it opened the door to a field rich of opportunity and growth. Engineering and computer science offer exceptional freedom. There is no single, fixed pathway, and engineering background can lead to many roles, such as engineer, researcher, educator, or entrepreneur, and your interests can evolve as the field itself evolves. What matters today may change by the time you graduate, and that makes the journey both dynamic and exciting. These fields also encourage a mindset of continuous learning. Curiosity and experimentation are valued, and growth comes from learning and improving over time. This builds confidence and strong problem-solving skills that remain valuable across disciplines and throughout your career, especially in a fast-changing world. Most importantly, engineering and computer science allow you to make a tangible impact on society. Women bring valuable perspectives that help create more inclusive and effective technologies, and their contributions are vital to the future of innovation.

Do you have a role model in the field who inspires you?

I have been fortunate to be surrounded by inspiring role models throughout my research journey. My PhD supervisor, a leading academic in wireless communication, has supported me since graduating from engineering and continues to offer guidance whenever I seek advice. Similarly, my postdoc’s line manager treated me as a senior researcher from the very beginning, even when I had just completed my PhD. These experiences showed me the power of mentorship and trust. My role models have demonstrated that it is possible to lead impactful research while uplifting the next generation of technologies, despite being women or from underrepresented background.

What’s the best thing about your work?

The most rewarding aspect of my work is seeing my students grasp complex concepts and grow in confidence, whether through teaching or research. As a PhD student, my supervisor supported me both academically and personally, and I try to pass that support on to my own students. I encourage them to work with dedication while also maintaining a healthy life-work balance, as wellbeing is essential for long-term success in research. Another aspect I greatly value is the flexibility of academic work. Productivity does not follow a strict 9-to-5 schedule, and having flexibility reduces stress and allows for more effective time management. This freedom creates space for deeper thinking, creativity, and sustained impact.

When not at EECS, what are your interests?

As a mum of two, life outside EECS is always busy. I try to make time to recharge whenever I can. I enjoy walking, rope skipping, travelling, and shopping. I also enjoy watching series in foreign languages to practice languages, learn new ones, and explore different cultures. These moments help me relax, stay active, and return to work with fresh energy.