This week, we had the privilege of listening to an inspiring lecture delivered by John White, a guest speaker from Meta — the global technology company behind platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp. John's visit was a unique opportunity to gain insight into the cutting-edge work being done at one of the world's leading tech giants.
During his talk, John provided us with an insight into some of the advanced technology used in the development of Virtual Reality (VR) Headsets and Smart Glasses. Not only did he explain the design and functionality of these devices, but we were also treated to live demonstrations, allowing us to experience first-hand how immersive and transformative these technologies can be.
John also highlighted the vital role that Maths and Science play in his everyday work, especially in areas like product development, data analysis, and engineering problem-solving. He emphasised that technical skills alone aren't enough — he encouraged all of us to actively seek out work experience whenever possible and to invest time in building our own digital projects. According to him, these are the kinds of things that truly help candidates stand out in interviews and leave a lasting impression on potential employers.
The lecture drew an exceptional turnout — our highest ever — with an impressive 97% of STEM students in attendance, along with more than 40 students from non-STEM. This strong showing is a testament to both the relevance of the topic and the growing interest in emerging technologies across all disciplines.