Spotlight on: Sinong Ma

In our new monthly feature we are shining a spotlight on members of the PETRAS community, to let us get to know the people that make up our diverse research hub. This month stepping up is Sinong Ma, Research associate at The University of Warwick. If you would like to be featured in a future edition please contact robert.j.thompson@ucl.ac.uk

What is your role and what does it involve?
I am currently a research fellow in Cyber Security Centre at University of Warwick and working on the PETRAS “Value of Personal Data in IoT (VPD)” project. This is an exciting project that seeks to explore consumers’ subjective values of different types of personal data and how such information can enable companies to harness economic value from personal data in an ethically way that preserves consumers’ rights of privacy.

How long have you been with PETRAS and what was your previous role?
I have been with PETRAS only for three weeks, but I like the people and research environment here. Previously, I was a doctoral researcher in the Behavioural Science Group, Warwick Business School.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of you to-do list?
I am currently setting up workshops and interviews with the industry partners of the VPD project. These workshops and interviews aim to understand the current practices around data sharing in various companies.

What about the IoT attracted you to working in this area?
I think it is the importance of IoT in our daily life. Internet has changed how people think and behave dramatically, and this trend will continue.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?
My favourite album is Westlife. For the favourite film, Forrest Gump. Harry Porter is my favourite novel.

Who would be your dream dinner guests?
Daniel Kahneman, Kenneth Arrow, …

What advice would you give your younger self?
Just do it.

What would it surprise people to know about you?
I am a vegetarian.