Priynka of University of the South Pacific

Emerging & Disruptive Technologies
Industry and Entrepreneurship
Career Development & Capacity Building
Empowerment and Education – promoting cybersecurity careers for women
Digital Education & Literacy for Serving Humanity

Biography:

he adage “never judge a book by its cover” could not be truer than when you meet Ms Priynka Sharma, currently an Assistant Lecturer in Computing Science and Information Systems at USP and a proud alumnus. At first glance, her impeccable makeup, hairstyle, and accessories might suggest a different focus, but Priyanka is, at her core, a dedicated computer enthusiast and STEM expert. She defies the typical stereotypes associated with IT professionals, offering a refreshing perspective on the field.  

Priynka has come a long way from the heartland of Ba, where she has family roots, to where she is now, and we are happy to share her journey with you.  

At a time when the Pacific, is encouraging more women to take up STEM studies, it’s heartening to know that USP has produced someone like Priynka, whose been teaching IT students at USP for the last 6-7yrs. Notably Priynka has a Bachelor’s in Computing and Information Systems (2016), a Post Graduate Diploma in Information Technology (2018), a Master of Science in Information Systems (2021) and is currently pursuing her PhD in Computer Science, her research focus is in AI applications in automative combustion and fuel engineering. There is a serene contentment about her as she shares this information and it is fair to say that we are fortunate to have an ideal role model for women in the STEM field, right here at Laucala Campus!  

Her passion for IT began with CISCO training (Cisco is an American based networking program) at USP and that reinforced her growing interest in the field of computing science and information systems.  And while studying, Priynka also took on part time jobs in IT, involved herself in extracurricular initiatives and local clubs related to the STEM field. These experiences, she maintains, were crucial in shaping her university life and kept her occupied and that it not only provided an income with part-time jobs, but it also gave her opportunities to develop leadership and communication skills and reinforce lessons around teamwork and collaborating with her peers.  

During study breaks, Priynka took on student attachments with telecom companies where she gained invaluable industry experience when it came to installing telecom equipment, telephone lines, internet routers and network switches. She also performed routine maintenance, diagnosed and resolved technical problems and conducted systems tests.  

This work experience, Priynka says, enhanced her technical skills even further and provided practical insights into telecom operations. The importance of industry experience cannot be over emphasized and USP students stand to receive so much more in academic learning, when teaching is complemented by practical everyday IT experience of its lecturers.  Priynka graduated with her Post Graduate Certificate in Tertiary Teaching in 2021 (the same year she attained her Master of Science in Information Technology) an essential qualification for academic teaching.  

Teaching has been a life changing journey for Priynka. Her first foray into the field was as a Teaching Assistant with the College of Foundation in 2017; she then progressed to being an IT course Facilitator and Marker at Pacific TAFE before moving into a part time tutor, marker and research supervisor for SC356, a role she had for more than 2yrs, as she worked on her own studies. In 2018 Priynka became a teaching assistant at the School of Information Technology, Engineering, Mathematics and Physics at USP, and has since progressed to becoming an Assistant Lecturer in Computing and Information Systems (following completion of her Masters), a position she holds to date as she works simultaneously towards her PhD. The sky is indeed the limit.  

Outside of academia, Priynka holds professional membership in various IT related Associations (IEEE, Oracle, Soft Computing Research Society), she participates in university events, promoting and motivating women in STEM by sharing her testimony, filled with challenges and many highlights as well.  

Never one to sit still for long, Priynka also contributes to academic journals and related publications, with a focus on advances in AI and network security. Her interest in AI is an essential component of her PhD research and no doubt, her academic work will provide new knowledge in this field, once it is complete. Click on this link to read Priynka’s article in the USP Conch magazine https://www.usp.ac.fj/the-conch/#flipbook-df_24298/11/ 

One of Priynka’s basic beliefs is that time is precious, and we must make full use of the hours in a day. One can see how this has translated to how she uses her spare time, which shows in what she has achieved for someone so young. Cooking (vegetarian meals) is just one of the many ways Priynka unwinds and she also enjoys painting (animals and flowers are favorites) and watching nature documentaries, as these simple activities provide a serenity and peace to balance out what is a hectic schedule.  

USP continues to encourage young women and girls to pursue STEM fields, and Priynka Sharma’s story serves as a powerful testament to the potential within this field. Her achievements and dedication will undoubtedly inspire others to follow in her footsteps.  

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