Welcome to Ctrl Alt Tech, the podcast where technology meets curiosity. Each episode, our host chats with expert guests to explore a wide range of STEM topics. We aim to make complex ideas accessible and exciting, so join us for thought-provoking discussions and, hopefully, learn something new along the way!
To learn more about SciBite and how our ontology-led approach ensures robust data management visit https://scibite.com/
Emma is a Python Software Engineer at SciBite, focusing on data-driven solutions. With experience at the European Bioinformatics Institute and Ericsson, she combines a Master’s in Applied Software Engineering and a Bachelor’s in Genetics to enhance tech and biological sciences.
Ben Lomax is a lead software engineer at Kraken Technologies, and is passionate about creating high-quality, meaningful software. The inspiration for today’s show comes from Ben’s talk at EuroPython 2024, titled ‘The Art of the Pull Request’. In this episode, we chat about PRs, code reviews, and crafting the ultimate review experience.
The Art of the Pull Request - Ben Lomax: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2upWetU_vUc
Brandon Walts is an experienced software engineer with a strong background in bioinformatics. He has more than two decades of experience in the field, with particular interests in data integration from large public datasets, pipeline development, and using machine learning to better make sense of biological data. Brandon was trained as a scientist, holding a MS in Chemistry (emphasising molecular biology) from the University of Oregon, and a BS in Biochemistry from Colorado State University. Brandon has contributed extensively to bioinformatics at institutions such as the European Bioinformatics Institute and the University of Florida. Currently a Senior Software Engineer at SciBite, he leverages expertise in Python, relational and graph databases, and cloud computing to advance biological data analysis and software solutions. He is also passionate about teaching and collaborative research.
Dr. Kerry McInerney is a Senior Research Fellow at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence at the University of Cambridge, where she leads research in the field of AI ethics; as well as an author, researcher, podcaster, and educator. In this episode, Kerry and Emma chat about the role of an AI ethicist, her research areas of feminism, gender and AI, and the ideas and themes behind her own podcast The Good Robot.
Em Haydon is a digital education and public engagement professional with an extensive background in science communication (SciComm) and public engagement. She is currently working as a Digital Education Developer at the University of St Andrews. In this episode, Em and Emma chat about SciComm, public engagement, and online learning.
If you are interested in finding out more about this area, check out the following resources: STEM Ambassador programme: https://www.stem.org.uk/stem-ambassadors