Spotlight on Samantha Ahern

This week the spotlight is on Samantha Ahern, Learning Technology Project Officer, Infomation Services Division.

What is your role and what does it involve?

At present I am Learning Technology Project Officer within ISD's Digital Education team. I am currently working on two projects, one for the Digital Education team, for the other I am working with Research IT Services as a Learning Designer. I quite often describe myself as a storyteller, either through data analysis or learning design.

How long have you been at UCL and what was your previous role?

I have been at UCL for just over 4 years, I joined in January 2013. I originally joined ISD as an IT Trainer specialising in programming and statistical software packages. In January 2015 I started a secondment with the Information Security Group, which led to the temporary role of Senior Information Security Officer (Awareness). I returned to ISD's Digital Education Team in October 2016.

What working achievement or initiative are you most proud of?

Probably the work I am currently undertaking with RITS in the creation of some online courses. We are aiming to make these courses accessible by design, this means working closely with Disability IT Support Analyst, Michele Farmer.

My proudest moment was being featured as one of the BCS's Women in IT for their 2015 campaign.

Tell us about a project you are working on now which is top of your to-do list?

The main project that I am currently working on is to explore learning analytics within the context of UCL. The ultimate aim is to identify what data sources we collect that might inform us about students' learning, and how these could potentially be used to enhance the student learning experience or better support students whilst they are at UCL.

My work at present could be consider a scoping exercise or feasibility study, I am trying to determine if the 'digital exhaust' from systems such as Moodle tell us anything about the learning that is happening or just how Moodle works. Ethics plays a large part in the decision making process. Earlier this year at the UCLU Education Conference I introduced the concept of Learning Analytics through Alice in Wonderland, I delivered my session whilst wearing a Top Hat. I regular blog about my work in the Digital Education team blog.

What is your favourite album, film and novel?

This is surprisingly difficult, especially the novel.

I have been quite a prolific reader, for comedy I would go with Tom Holt's The Portable Door trilogy, for beauty and emotional impact it would have to be Khaled Hosseini's The Kite Runner.

I grew up watching Star Wars and Indiana Jones, these series of films are firm favourites. If I had to pick one, probably The Empire Strikes Back.

Album. Again, this is quite tricky. Most recently I have been playing Ed Sheeran's Divide more or less on loop. The album that is always guaranteed to put a smile on my face is Ash's 1977.

What is your favourite joke (pre-watershed)?

Q. There are 3 teddy bears in the airing cupboard, which one wants to join the army?

A. The one on the tank

Who would be your dream dinner guests?

Initially I thought about the people that have inspired me or whom I admire for various things. But actually, it would be great to have all my family together in place for a big family dinner. These used to happen quite regularly as I was growing up but not so much anymore.

What advice would you give your younger self?

Be braver. Do more, try more and have more confidence in yourself. As I've gotten older I don't let like pass me by so much. As a teenager if none of my friends wanted to do something I suggested I didn't do it, these days I just do it anyway. E.g. in May 2016 I went on an Explore trip to Morocco, I didn't know anybody else on the trip beforehand, I wanted to go, so I went.

What would it surprise people to know about you?

In May I was featured in my local newspaper as I am undertaking five charity challenges this year, am now just over halfway through. With exception of the abseil, all are physically challenging especially as I have an ongoing issue with osteoarthritis in my left knee, I had my MPFL reconstructed back in July 2013.

Full details of the challenges, charities and sponsorship links can be viewed on my personal blog page.

I am expecting the Tough Mudder Half to be the most physically challenging but am most nervous about the ZSL Streak for Tigers event in August. This was adding in as a replacement for the cancelled ZSL Swim for Wildlife.

If you would like to sponsor me, but are unsure about which event, then please make it this one. Doesn't have to be much, just a penny from everybody would smash the fundraising targets (pages for completed challenges are still open).

What is your favourite place?

The great outdoors or anywhere with good friends and family. I am a member of local archery and canoe clubs, plus also volunteer as a Ranger with a local Sustrans cycling group. Am happiest when outdoors doing things or with the people most important to me.