Dr Jing (Julia) Ma

Senior Lecturer & Director of Women In Tech, School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences

When Dr Jing (Julia) Ma joined AUT in 2019, she was looking for a place that took innovation, industry-connected research and applied learning seriously. She has been putting that combination to work at AUT ever since.

What's your role and how long have you been at AUT?

I’m currently a senior lecturer and director of Women in Tech in the School of Engineering, Computer and Mathematical Sciences at AUT. I joined AUT in 2019.

What made you choose AUT – and what made you stay?

I chose AUT because of its strong emphasis on innovation, industry-connected research and applied learning.

What has surprised you most about working here?

AUT creates many opportunities to turn ideas into real projects and initiatives.

When did you last think: this is why I do this job?

Recently, during a robotics demonstration where students interacted with quadruped robots and saw research come to life, I was reminded why I enjoy this work. Seeing students become curious, engaged and excited about technology is very rewarding.

What does working here let you do that you couldn't do anywhere else?

Working at AUT gives me the flexibility to combine teaching, hands-on innovation and research in a very practical way.