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 the 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.
Alexa Vachon (PhD Student)
Alexa is an interdisciplinary artist, researcher, and photographer pursuing a PhD student in the Communication & Culture program. Alexa’s research explores ethical forms of visual representation and alternative forms of research and dissemination in the arts and academia. Alexa is available to advise on research design, project planning, photography & multimedia works, 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.
Ava Mozaffari (MDM, MAT), Immersive Technology Assistant
In this role Ava leverages her dual Master’s degrees in Digital Media and Architectural Technology to facilitate student projects in the Immersion Studio. Ava is skilled in a variety of software, including 3D modeling, graphical design, rendering, and game engines such as Unreal. She also leads workshops in a variety of subjects such as 3D Modeling using Bender, AI in advanced 3D design, and Art and Architecture. In her work at TMU Libraries, Ava has contributed to projects for institutions like the Aga Khan Museum and the Museum of Toronto by creating digital installations and 3D printed models.
– Centre for Digital Humanities (CDH)
Learn more about the Centre for Digital Humanities here: https://www.torontomu.ca/centre-digital-humanities/