When some Physics researchers needed a few dedicated computers for running experiments, they reached out to OIT Customer Service Director Rachel Mulry to see if she could help. The requirements for the computers were minimal compared to current university standards but had to be stable enough to run their experiment and priced within their small budget. Within 24 hours, several laptops were found that could be donated to meet the needs of the ATLAS experiment. Continue reading OIT Helps Physics Researchers
Category: OIT Spotlight
OIT Spotlight: Guillermo Vasquez, Linux & Research Technology Specialist
In this month’s OIT Spotlight, we meet Guillermo Vasquez, the Linux & Research Technology Specialist for Academic Technology Services.
Who are you? What do you do? Where are you from?
My name is Guillermo Vasquez, and I’m a natural researcher, a technology enthusiast, and an amateur photographer. I’m also a Linux professional and a cyber-security expert with specializations that include ethical hacking and technology forensics investigation. I was born to a loving family of farmers in the heart of Chihuahua, Mexico. I consider Linux to be my first language. Continue reading OIT Spotlight: Guillermo Vasquez, Linux & Research Technology Specialist
We are excited to announce the new IT Help Desk team!
In conjunction with the transitions to Shared Services, several positions were allocated to the Help Desk team in order to provide full time staff on site seven days a week. We are pleased to announce that all positions are now filled! We’d like to introduce you to our entire help desk team ready to serve your technical support needs.
Lauren Nelson has been with SMU for several years, and has transitioned into the role of Help Desk Manager. In her different roles on campus over the past few years, her focus has been on providing excellent service, and she looks forward to continuing to support the SMU community and the Help Desk team in her new role.
Shanta Ball previously worked with Apple for several years, and after a short time there, she was promoted to Trainer for her store and market. Thankfully, Shanta has decided to join our team to help us support the SMU community. During her spare time, Shanta volunteers at Children’s hospital twice a week, and loves music. She enjoys finding new artists, and her “unashamed addictions right now include Adele and Justin Bieber.” She can also play five different instruments (flute, piccolo, oboe, saxophone, and piano).
Byron Craig also worked previously with Apple, and is “passionate about technology.” He loves photography, and has previously shot with the NBA, NFL and MMA athletes. In addition, Byron believes that “growth and knowledge are important,” and plans on taking classes here at SMU. He has two daughters, Paiten and Arianna, and recently transitioned back to Texas. We are thrilled to have him on the team, and know that he will provide amazing support to SMU.
Margaret Dew recently joined us from Cox, and has been an SMU staff member for almost 25 years! She has an MA in Anthropology from SMU, and a BA in Anthropology from UIUC, and grew up in Nebraska and Northwest Illinois. She is involved in rescue and rehoming of dogs and cats in Oak Cliff, and has a dog named Gus. She also admits that she likes to talk about politics and religion at the dinner table.
Jonathan Bull joined the Help Desk team full time in August, after working as part of the student worker team for several years. Jonathan completed a Religious Studies degree, here at SMU last May, and continues to be invaluable to the Help Desk team.
The names Janet Asberry and Gina Benavides may also sound familiar. They have each been providing amazing service to the SMU community for years! We are fortunate, that in addition to all that they do on the team currently, their expert knowledge will allow the helpdesk to continue improving upon the amazing service that has come to be expected.
With a new team solidified, we look forward to continually improving the service and support that the Help Desk provides to the SMU community!
Jonathan Bull Joins IT Help Desk Team
The name Jonathan Bull may sound familiar. Jonathan has been part of the Help Desk student team for the past four years. After his completing his Religious Studies degree in May, Jonathan’s time as a student worker was over. We hated to say goodbye to this wonderful student. Luckily, he felt the same.
Jonathan had once considered attending SMU as Music Performance Major. He had played Bassoon in both middle and high school. Upon his acceptance to SMU, he found Religious Studies to be his path. To prepare for his transition away from SMU, Jonathan spent the winter break working as a server at a local steakhouse. Being a shy introvert, he found the experience a bit strange. Yet, providing great customer service in that high paced environment was very similar to working at the Help Desk.
In August, Jonathan accepted a full time position as part of our Help Desk team. He is excited to continue to provide support to the campus. When asked about the new position, Jonathan commented, “To help so many people in so many different ways – the job is never boring.” With the hundreds of tickets Jonathan processed in the past couple of weeks, he is definitely not in danger of getting bored anytime soon.
In his free time, Jonathan enjoys playing with his Xbox One and spending time with his fiance.
