Linh Nguyen Slater
B. SC. (BIOMEDICAL PHYSIOLOGY), ERGONOMICS AND HUMAN FACTORS CONCENTRATION, 2010
Current Position: Ergonomist and Human Machine Interface (HMI) Specialist at Jaguar Land Rover in Coventry, United Kingdom
Linh works as the ergonomist and Human Machine Interface (HMI) specialist in Jaguar Land Rover’s research division (located in the United Kingdom), where she designs and evaluates the interfaces for cutting edge technologies. She works with a large team of engineers to design new technologies that may be implemented in future cars, ensuring that human factors and user experience are incorporated in the design process.
After Linh graduated with a B. Sc. in Biomedical Physiology from SFU, her biggest challenge was finding an ergonomic job in Vancouver, a job that was a perfect blend of her interests in people, science and design. She moved to Calgary to pursue a career in the field and two years later, to England. Throughout her career, she has had to take a lot of risks by moving (she has moved over six times in the last five years, two of those moves were overseas).
It was worth it, though; she is now responsible for the HMI for the future of Jaguar Land Rover's intelligent vehicles – the self-learning car research project, the vision video of which was released to the public in 2014.
In June 2015, Linh appeared on BBC Click to demonstrate the Self Learning Car (Click is BBC's flagship technology programme which has an estimated global audience of 300 million). Not only is Linh living her dream job, she is also successful in what she does.
In her spare time, Linh loves to stay active and being outdoors. She also loves to travel and runs her own food blog at linhskitchen.com.
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What do you enjoy most about your current career position?
I really love working in research and development because I get to work on new technology and create futuristic products! It’s a great environment to work in because it’s challenging, creative and collaborative.
Why did you choose Simon Fraser University and BPK to pursue your education?
At first it was because of proximity to my family home but I quickly realised the high quality of education at SFU. The BPK program was a great match to my interests and the people, from staff, TAs to fellow students, were all fantastic.
How did your education at SFU and BPK influence your career?
It made it possible for me to be in my current position, my dream job!
What is your favorite memory from your time at the university and the department?
It’s super dorky but I loved all the late night studying I did with my friends at SFU! There were so many shared stories and snacks as we memorised from our textbooks.
Who do you think make a difference at SFU or BPK, or who do you remember the most from the department?
Definitely Anne-Kristina Arnold, she almost single-handedly kept the ergonomics concentration going for all these years! She’s been such great role model and mentor over the years. The rest of the staff in the BPK were top notch as well, like Stephen Brown, Craig Asmundson and Andrew Blaber, they all made physiology so exciting! Also, Darleen Bemister’s tireless efforts with the Co-op program really helped me get relevant work experience.
What advice would you give to current students at BPK?
Do not leave university without work experience! Check out the Co-op program for some opportunities.