Let's Meet ... Yuhan Luo

Tell us a little bit about your current role at Queen Mary

I’m currently working as a Digital Learning Officer at QMUL, where I support teaching and learning across the School of Society and Environment. I handle daily queries from both academic staff and students, providing technical support for digital platforms, especially on QM+. I also contribute to the design of guidance materials, including a Talis reading list handbook, and support the development of digital learning projects and accessibility enhancements on QMplus. In addition, I produce data-informed reports to help improve teaching practices and enhance the overall learning & teaching experience.

What did you do before joining this team?

I completed my PhD at the University of Birmingham while undertaking a range of academic and professional roles. I worked as a Research Assistant on eye-tracking linguistics projects, supporting data collection and analysis, and as a Teaching Assistant for undergraduate modules and the Data Skills Bootcamp, supporting both in VLE and teaching. I also served as a Project Administrator, providing operational support for research activities. In addition, I contributed to postgraduate research (PGR) development through involvement in learning initiatives, conference organisation, and student representation.

What do you enjoy most about your job?

What I enjoy most about my role as a Digital Learning Officer is the opportunity to make a tangible impact on both teaching and learning experiences. I find it particularly rewarding to support academic staff in translating their ideas into effective digital learning designs, such as for assessment and reading list interactions. 

I also enjoy the problem-solving aspect of the role. Each query, whether from staff or students, often involves a slightly different context, so it requires both technical knowledge and an understanding of pedagogical needs. Finding practical, user-friendly solutions, especially under time constraints, is something I find very satisfying.

Are there any interesting projects or activities that you are currently working on?

I am currently working on a project called blind double marking for the dissertation. The aim of this project is to design a fair, transparent, and efficient marking process where two markers assess student work independently without seeing each other’s feedback or grades. I’ve been working on building a structured workflow using tools such as Microsoft Forms and creating a handbook for the staff. I am also working on testing the plug-in coursework for blind double marking on QM+ for future development. 

I am also currently working on developing efficient Talis Aspire reading list templates tailored to different teaching needs, alongside a handbook for the school. This project focuses on improving how reading lists are designed and used within Talis Aspire, particularly in how they are embedded into QMplus modules. The overall aim is to enhance the learning experience by making reading materials more structured, accessible, and effectively integrated into teaching. 

Outside of QMUL, what are your hobbies and interests?

Outside of QMUL, I enjoy a range of creative and relaxing activities. I regularly listen to audiobooks, particularly novels and fiction across a diverse range of genres, which I find both engaging and a great way to unwind. I’m also interested in animation and manga, as I really appreciate their storytelling and visual creativity. In addition, I enjoy painting in my free time. It allows me to switch off and express creativity in a different way from my work. Overall, these hobbies help me relax while also keeping me inspired and curious.  

Quick‑Fire Questions

Song that boosts your productivity?

I find instrumental music works best for my productivity, especially piano or any other pure instrumental music arrangements. I often listen to piano versions of Studio Ghibli soundtracks or classic Disney theme songs. The melodies are familiar and uplifting, but without lyrics, so they help me stay focused while creating a calm and motivating atmosphere for work. 

Dream holiday destination?

Well, I have several dream holiday destinations. If possible, I would love to explore parts of Europe that I haven’t visited yet, such as Greece and Croatia. I’m particularly drawn to places with beautiful coastlines, rich history, and unique cultural experiences. 

At the same time, I would also love to visit theme parks in Orlando, especially Walt Disney World and Universal Studios Florida. As a big fan of Disney and Universal movies, I think it would be an amazing and magical holiday experience. 

Preferred way to learn: video, podcast, article, or hands‑on?

I prefer learning through video. I find visual explanations really helpful for understanding new concepts, especially when they combine demonstrations with clear, structured guidance. It’s also easier for me to stay engaged and revisit specific parts when needed. 

A skill you’d love to learn next?

I’d love to further develop my skills in Python and Power BI. Python would allow me to handle data more efficiently, automate tasks, and support more advanced analysis, while Power BI would help me present insights in a clear, interactive, and visually engaging way. Although I have some basic knowledge of these two, I would like to boost my skills to strengthen my ability. 

Book, podcast or YouTube channel you’d recommend?

My go-to comfort food is usually a combo-style meal where I can have a main dish, some snacks, and a drink, it just feels more satisfying after a long day. I often enjoy food from a Hong Kong-style café (Cha chaan teng) or other Chinese dishes, as they’re comforting and familiar. I also really like Malaysian, Thai or Korean food. And if I’ve had a particularly tiring day, I’m definitely happy to go for fast food—it’s quick, convenient, and sometimes exactly what I need to relax and recharge. 

Final comments 

Thank you, Yuhan, for taking part in this month’s edition of Let’s Meet. It’s been a pleasure learning more about your work and the thoughtful, impact‑driven approach you bring to digital learning at QMUL. We look forward to seeing you continue to shine in your role and make a positive difference to teaching and learning across the university.