We are delighted to announce that David Goddard, one of KMi’s dedicated PhD students, has successfully passed his viva. David’s PhD, titled “Designing a Personal Awareness Agent to Ameliorate Information Overload,” explores the pressing issue of information overload and proposes innovative solutions through the design of a personal software agent. 

His research, supervised by Dr. Paul Mulholland, Dr. Lara Piccolo, and Dr. Enrico Daga, has made substantial contributions to the fields of Computer Supported Collaborative Work and Artificial Intelligence.

The PhD committee, chaired by Prof Advaith Siddharthan, praised David’s work as a significant and original contribution to knowledge, addressing a problem of both theoretical importance and real-world impact. David’s future plans include focusing on his IT consulting work, which aligns with his research, and exploring further academic and commercial opportunities.

David’s journey has been particularly unique, as he pursued his PhD remotely while overseas with his wife, who serves in the UK diplomatic service. This experience highlights the flexibility and support offered by KMi and the OU, enabling David to balance his academic pursuits with a dynamic and fulfilling personal life. Despite the challenges of remote work, David has managed to stay connected and make significant strides in his research.

We extend our heartfelt congratulations to David on this remarkable achievement and look forward to seeing his continued success in both academia and industry.