Meet Aimee-Leigh Youngson, Lecturer in People Management and Programme Leader of Business Management at Salford Business School. It wasn’t until studying at Salford when Aimee became interested in pursuing academia as a career path, finding a passion in business management and how artificial intelligence (AI) can help support academic and professional development.
Aimee brings fresh insight into AI and how it can be used to develop soft skills for employers. She also focuses on helping students achieve their full potential while pursuing research on digital fluency and AI literacy.
How did you get into academia as a career path?
Academia as a career path was not intentional. I left the further education sector a few years earlier and went into human resources (HR) at a fast-moving consumer goods (FMCG) company. I had previously done my undergraduate degree at Salford in BSc (Hons) Business Management and went back to do my MSc in Human Resource Management after becoming interested in progressing in that area. I was persuaded to give academia another go as an academic by my dissertation supervisor.
Why did you choose to work at the University of Salford?
When the opportunity came, I was hesitant to return to the education sector after previous challenging experiences, but Salford was familiar and comfortable, and I knew I would be supported as the team were supportive during my MSc. I had very good memories at Salford, and I was excited to be back.
What’s the best thing about being an academic at Salford?
I’m still new to my role as a programme leader, but I’m already making memories with students that I hope they can reflect on and smile about. We celebrate birthdays and special days; we share experiences and get to know each other. My favourite memory so far is seeing all of them in session together – talking, chatting and getting excited about their own plans.
Another is the opportunities available. I’m involved in things that I never thought I would or could do. I’m a Programme Leader, on the validation panels and involved in the AI Lab.
Can you tell us about any of your career highlights to-date?
One highlight is getting my work on AI Literacy published and attending the book launch event at London Kings College. I’ve just sent off another book chapter which is a massive achievement.
My highlight right now is starting my Doctorate in Education. Salford has given me the confidence in myself to pursue a doctorate. I never saw myself as an “academic” – I only saw myself as a lecturer and facilitator. But now, I can see how I can make changes and be involved in supporting others achieve their potential and have been motivated by projects I’ve participated in and delivered. The University’s belief in me, which is more than I’ve had in myself sometimes, has gone a long way to make me braver to try this very challenging yet exciting new step.
What’s your current research focused on?
My current research is focused on the award gap in Salford Business School, action-based learning, digital fluency, and the use of AI in developing soft skills.
Do you have any published papers we can read?
I co-authored a book chapter titled ‘Setting Standards: Developing AI Literacy Skills at Level 4,’ which was a critical analysis on how AI can be used to support academic and professional success.
I’ve also just submitted another chapter on GenAI use which I worked on with an academic at Glasgow University. This will be out soon.
And finally, the all important question, where in Manchester or Salford is best to grab a coffee?
I’m a tea drinker myself. A nice bit of matcha cake from Tsujiri in Chinatown goes well with tea or coffee!