Meet your Trainers for Tech Camp 2023
Alex Lum
REST for success: getting data with APIs
Bio: Alex Lum has been an editor on Wikipedia since 2005, an administrator on the English Wikipedia since 2008, and a prolific contributor to OpenStreetMap and Wikidata. He has a background in computer science and data analytics, and is currently working in statistics and data science in the higher education sector.
Eddie Pavuna
Search like a ninja
Bio: Eddie Pavuna has worked at Deakin since 2019 in several client advisory roles, assisting with all levels of searching and information access, ranging from general Library search to discipline-specific databases. As a current Scholarly Services Librarian, he enjoys supporting academics and students in exploring all the subjects in the HASS mix, especially literature, business, and law. He is a keen observer and participant in pop culture, equally comfortable settling into a movie, tv series, videogame, boardgame, book (fiction AND non-fiction!) or comic book.
Fiona Russell
Search like a ninja
Bio: Fiona Russell is Expert Searching and Consultancy Services Lead at Deakin University, and has worked across academic and State libraries in a range of roles. She is interested in emerging techniques for conducting evidence syntheses, developing training for researchers and librarians and the role of libraries in helping people to navigate a complex information world. Fiona’s puppy Scout has recently joined her family as a power nose searcher. Scout is currently training Fiona and her husband.
Johanna Bayer
Git for Librarians
Bio: Johanna Bayer holds a M.Sc in Psychology and Neuroscience and has been working towards a B.Sc degree in Computer Science while completing her PhD at the University of Melbourne. Johanna has combined those interests in projects focusing on research software engineering and on the use of machine learning techniques in large clinical neuroimaging and behavioural data sets. Johanna is also very active in various international open science groups within the Organisation for Human Brain Mapping (OHBM), she is a co-organizer of a data science and machine learning podcast and has served as subject matter expert on open software for NASA. If Johanna wasn’t in academic research, she would be pursuing a career as either sysadmin/software engineer or open a cat sanctuary.
Justin Kelly
PowerBI – Data visualisation and analysis for Librarians
Bio: Justin Kelly is a data and analytics professional who has devoted his career to improving library services through the power of data. With over a decade of experience in the field, he has honed his skills in data analysis, visualisation, and interpretation, and is passionate about using these tools to uncover insights that drive better decision-making. Justin has worked with libraries of all sizes and types, from small community libraries to large academic institutions, and has helped them to optimise their operations, better understand their patrons, and make data-driven decisions about resource allocation and program development He is a firm believer in the value of libraries and is committed to helping them thrive in the digital age.
Kat Cain
Back to the future: project retrospectives
Bio: Kat is a Library Partner at Deakin University, with the collaborative and strategic focus of this role a great fit for her. Although Kat regularly experiences tech fails, overall aggravation and rabbit warren discussions about digital inequalities or complications, she still falls into a tech enthusiast camp. Kat has a long-standing interest in how technologies impact people and how people shape technology in turn. In previous Library roles, Kat has worked in the intersection of digital capabilities, literacies, learning design and capacity building. These experiences have resulted in current research into digital fluency models and digital learning approaches.
Lizzy Delacretaz
Back to the future: project retrospectives
Bio: Lizzy is a Learning Designer within Deakin Library HASS team. She has a passion for exploring digital tools for learning and designing active learning activities. Lizzy’s work is focused on using her project management, design and collaboration skills to create engaging, online content that enhances student and staff digital literacy skills.
Mar Quiroga
Introduction to OpenRefine for Librarians
Bio: Mar is a Research Data Specialist at the Melbourne Data Analytics Platform, The University of Melbourne, where she works with researchers across all domains to bring the benefits of data-intensive methods to their fields. She is currently leading the HASS Taskforce, an exciting initiative that aims to empower and inspire researchers in the Humanities, Arts, and Social Sciences to embrace the potential of digital methodologies and create communities of practice and peer support.
Meg Bullock
Search like a ninja
Bio: Meg Bullock is a Client Experience Librarian at Deakin University. Previously she has worked in school and public libraries which ignited a passion for providing all learners impactful access to library programs, services, and events, tailored in a way that meets everyone’s unique needs. As well as being deeply interested by all things Open Access and AI. When she’s not delving into those issues you can find her casting rings in the shed with Zupy the greyhound watching on.
Nerida Cain
Introduction to Agile project management for libraries
Bio: Nerida is a project manager at State Library Victoria, currently overseeing the Technology Program. In 2022, she led the implementation of SLV’s shiny new Library Services Platform. Nerida gets her thrills by creating something from nothing and working with high performing teams.
Olivia Larobina
Search like a ninja
Bio: Olivia Larobina is a dedicated and passionate Scholarly Services Librarian for the STEMM team at Deakin University. She enjoys providing dedicated support to students and researchers in their research projects, empowering them with the skills and knowledge to navigate complex databases and employ advanced search techniques. In addition to her role at Deakin University, Olivia holds the position of Co-Chair on the ALIA New Generation Advisory Committee (NGAC), contributing to initiatives that drive progress and support the evolving needs of emerging library professionals. In her downtime, Olivia’s favourite ways to unwind are attending yoga classes, baking cookies, and spending time with her partner and their two adorable cats, Marlo and Luna.
Rachael Wilson
Back to the future: project retrospectives
Bio: Rachael is passionate about great content and digital experiences in her role as the Experience Librarian at Deakin University Library. She leads a small team specialising in user experience and digital content management and strategy, as part of the Library’s Experience Design team. In her role, Rachael collaborates with stakeholders across Deakin Library and beyond, striving to deliver great digital experiences across a range of online platforms, including their website presence and Springshare suite.
Sae Ra Germaine
Graphic design 101 the open source way
Bio: Sae Ra Germaine is the Deputy CEO and Manager, Member & Academic Services, VALA President, and a Linux Australia Council Member. Sae Ra is a strong advocate for IT and Open Source especially in the Library industry. As a side gig in her not so day job Sae Ra is a serial conference organiser running the inaugural Everything Open Conference, 5 linux.conf.au’s, and VALA2022. Sae Ra is also heavily involved in the advocating for greater internet accessibility including re-introducing the Internet Governance Forum to Australia and was invited to provide evidence on behalf of internet users at the NBN Joint Parliamentary Committee hearing in 2018. In the library space Sae Ra has been key in bringing the first installation of the open source Library Management Platform FOLIO to Australia. Sae Ra was previously a lecturer at the University of Ballarat lecturing in subjects including Digital Image Manipulation, IT Project Management, E-Commerce, and Web Design.