- Applied DSP and VLSI
About me
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.
Teaching
Dr. Reni is a Senior Lecturer in the School of Computer Science and Engineering at the University of Westminster with a decade of experience delivering high-quality, research-informed education across undergraduate and postgraduate programs. An Associate Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (AFHEA), her teaching is defined by its strong technical foundation and cross-disciplinary application. She is experienced in dealing with students of different level from Foundation year (Level 3) to MSc/Meng (Level 7) as well as in mentoring and supervising academic projects and research. She has won ‘Outstanding Teacher ‘staff appreciation award by the Students’ Union, University of Westminster.
Dr. Reni's teaching spans the critical intersection of hardware, signal processing, and biomedical technology-
Biomedical & Advanced Electronics: Leading modules such as Advanced Biomedical Electronics, Sensors and Signals, and core Electronics and Circuits.
Hardware Design: Specialized instruction in System-on-Chip (SoC) and FPGA Design Project and Microelectronic System Design.
Data & AI: Contribution to modules in Data System Concepts and Fundamentals, Data Warehousing, Database Systems, Machine Learning, and Robotic Principles.
Module Leadership-
Module Lead: Around a dozen diverse modules across Levels 3 to 7, spanning engineering science, analog/digital electronics, and advanced data systems.
MSc Project Coordination: Managed and coordinated the MSc Project, overseeing workshops, guidelines, and critical elements like ethical consideration and plagiarism.
Curriculum Development: Actively involved in the design, development, validation, and professional accreditation (IET and BCS) of new and existing courses, ensuring curriculum currency and relevance.
Pedagogy: Utilizes appropriate assessment methods and provides timely, developmental feedback, focusing on integrating professional and pedagogy research into teaching practice.
Research
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.
Publications
For details of all my research outputs, visit my WestminsterResearch profile.