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 Support Specialists
Mohammad Khoobani (PhD Student, Biomedical Engineering)
Mohammad is PhD student in Biomedical Engineering and loves to work with other students on the day-to-day fabrication of their projects. He offers hands-on help with prototyping, robotics, mechatronics, and mold design. He is also happy to meet with student members to share his experience in writing funding applications. Mohammad says, “Let’s learn together and tackle our fabrication challenges!”
Nadia Modjrian (MA Student, Fashion)
Nadia Modjrian is a student in the Master of Arts Fashion program, with with an interdisciplinary background in dentistry, fashion design, research, and makerspace practice. Her interests center on the intersections of culture, technology, design, and material exploration. With experience in digital fabrication, textile design, prototyping, and workshop facilitation, she enjoys working across disciplines and supporting creative, hands-on learning. Her current research explores equity, diversity, and inclusion through fashion, music and culture, cymatics, and digital technologies.
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 uses 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.
– Centre for Digital Humanities (CDH)
Learn more about the Centre for Digital Humanities here: https://www.torontomu.ca/centre-digital-humanities/