Aston University: CEO of forensic innovation company joins Aston University as visiting professor
The chief executive of an award winning forensic innovation company will join Aston Institute of Forensic Linguistics (AIFL) as a visiting professor in recognition of her contribution to business in the region and, in particular, her contribution to developing technologies for monitoring the dark web.
Over her 42-year career, Professor Deb Leary OBE has worked in legal, law enforcement, social care and education. In 2001 she founded Forensic Pathways, a forensic investigation/technology SME with a focus on online investigations including, open-source intelligence (OSINT), social media and dark web monitoring and alerting, and has gone on to lead the company through the development of innovations in digital forensics and threat intelligence.
She is also the current President of the Greater Birmingham Chambers of Commerce and her appointment marks an increasing level of collaboration between AIFL and Forensic Pathways.
As well as developing new OSINT solutions, her appointment will give Aston University students an insight into entrepreneurship and business development and innovation across the region.
Professor Deb Leary said:
“I am truly excited to be working ever closer with the University. Our universities and our young people are fundamental to the success of Birmingham and the wider region.
“Having these closer ties, collaborating, sharing knowledge and experiences all are critical to ensure growth; it helps us take on challenges and create opportunities.
“I hope to have the opportunity to collaborate and share my experiences of being in business, of innovating and developing new markets.
“At the heart of the past 21 years, lies an innate curiosity and a passion for working collaboratively. As a visiting professor, I also very much look forward to working closely with the AIFL team and building on our existing relationship, as part of their Advisory Board.”
Professor George Feiger, pro-vice-chancellor and executive dean of the College of Business and Social Sciences at Aston University, said:
“Aston University has always focused its research on creating tangible value for our society, and in particular on helping enterprises grow and succeed.
“We contribute to our business partners and we learn from them.
“Deb Leary will advance our work in AIFL with her expertise and experience and we anticipate offering useful insights and collaboration in return.”
Professor Tim Grant, director of AIFL, said:
“We are delighted to formally welcome Deb into AIFL as a visiting professor and look forward to furthering our collaborations with Forensic Pathways.
“We are particularly pleased that Deb will be a member of our Advisory Board where she will bring her experience in business development in digital forensics, the dark web and online investigation technologies.”