Owen Powell has moved from the University of Queensland’s central Information Technology Services (ITS) division to join RCC as a Research Computing Systems Engineer.
In his new role, Owen will work with RCC’s other Research Systems Engineers and the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) to provide automation, scripting, infrastructural support and administration for special research support projects.
He will contribute to the ongoing operations and development of solutions and research-enabling technologies to facilitate RCC’s mission to support UQ researchers in the use of research computing infrastructure and services.
Owen has spent the last 3.5 years in ITS largely focused on UQ’s research data management and storage system, Research Data Manager (UQRDM), as well as supporting bespoke research-related services running on Windows and Linux-based server systems.
He has worked closely with RCC staff who also support UQRDM. “I have come to know the wonderful staff at RCC over the past few years,” said Owen. “They are great people and share my passion for furthering UQ's research computing capability. The vision for the future of that capability at UQ looks exciting too, and I look forward to being part of that journey.”
RCC CTO Jake Carroll said: “Owen brings years of experience in research and advanced computing, with a very specific technical skillset that RCC actively seeks out when recruiting.
“Owen balances excellent technical skills with a wonderfully warm, collegiate and personable approach, reflecting his deep understanding of the culture of scientific research support, but more importantly, people. He possesses a service and work ethic that has long been admired by those he interacts with.”
Before joining UQ, Owen worked at the Queensland University of Technology for 15 years in various IT roles, including almost 10 years supporting QUT’s HPC and research data storage infrastructure.
He has a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in philosophy and psychology, from UQ.