Meet the Library Collaboratory staff and research consultants. Collectively, they each bring diverse academic and professional backgrounds and skills to the table. Library Collaboratory members may book an appointment for some one-on-one time, book technology training, or get consultation on a research project. Get in touch with any of the staff members listed below by writing to: collab@torontomu.ca
Library Staff
Jimmy Tran (PhD), Research Technology Officer
Contact Jimmy for training in 3D printing, laser cutting, CNC, and all other technology at the Collaboratory. Jimmy also advises on project development, implementing technology, robotics and system design.
Cristina Pietropaolo (MA, MI), Operations Specialist
Cristina holds an MI (LIS/Book History & Print Culture, University of Toronto) and an MA (Folklore, Memorial University of Newfoundland). Contact Cristina to inquire about membership, workshops/events or to arrange appointments with Collaboratory Graduate Assistants. Cristina is available for consultation on thinking through research design, qualitative research and creative dissemination.
Graduate Student Research Consultants
Nathaniel Brunt (PhD)
Nathaniel Brunt is an interdisciplinary scholar, documentarian, and educator. His work critically examines modern armed conflict and the way it is, and has been, represented photographically. Nathaniel recently completed his PhD in Communication & Culture (TMU, York University). His research was supported by SSHRC and the Pierre Elliott Trudeau Foundation. Nathaniel’s photographic work has been widely published and exhibited internationally. He is currently working on long term documentary and research projects in Northern Iraq and Kashmir. He is available to advise on grant writing, documentary projects, exhibitions, photographic projects and digitization projects.
Liam Gregory (MSc Student)
Alexa Vachon (PhD Candidate)
Alexa is an interdisciplinary artist, researcher, and PhD student in the Communication & Culture program. Alexa’s research explores ethics in visual representation and alternative forms of research and dissemination in the arts and academia. Alexa is available to advise on research design, project planning, collaborative practices, interdisciplinary research, and getting stuff done.
Affiliated Departments & Staff
– TMU Libraries Immersion Studio
Learn more about the Immersion Studio here: https://library.torontomu.ca/services/facilities/immersion/
Michael Carter-Arlt (MDM), Immersive Technology Specialist
In this role Michael utilizes his skills in Graphic Design, 2D Animation, Blender, Unity, and Unreal to create XR applications related to museums and SRC projects. Michael also manages the Immersion Studio in the TMU Libraries, which is a 360° interactive projection cylinder designed for shared/collaborative Virtual Reality experiences and 360° media. Over the years, Michael has worked on various XR projects for the German Consulate of Toronto, Aga Khan Museum, and the USC Shoah Foundation.
Igor Ivanov (MDM Student), Research Support Specialist in Immersive Technology
Igor is a multidisciplinary technical artist working in computer graphics and sound design. With a background in VFX and 3D motion design, he is actively exploring adjacent new media focused on interactive and immersive audiovisual experiences. As a research assistant for the Immersion Studio, he is developing novel pipelines and workflows primarily using TouchDesigner and Houdini. His educational background includes a BFA in Film Production from Concordia University, a Visual Effects certificate from Seneca College, and is currently finishing his Masters in Digital Media at TMU. Igor has worked on a variety of long-form and short-form computer graphics projects in the film, animation and advertising industries from large studio pipelines to short freelance projects.
– Centre for Digital Humanities (CDH)
Learn more about the Centre for Digital Humanities here: https://www.torontomu.ca/centre-digital-humanities/