#resplat

We're hiring consultancy roles at Research Platform Services!

These roles are responsible for helping lead the team in new key service initiatives which will improve the capabilities by graduate researchers at the University of Melbourne to conduct world class research with cutting edge digital research skills.

Click here to view the duty statement, which includes further information + how to apply.

Using Prop comedy to describe data structures in Python.

As a Python Community Coordinator at Research Platform services, I have heaps of competition online for the attention of Researchers interested in learning how to code. I mean check out this link:

http://www.codeconquest.com/blog/the-50-best-websites-to-learn-python/

50 Best? Then how many bad ones are there?

Now this isn't a bad thing for our community isn't it, as we have a myriad of ways to learn Python that can be accessed pretty much anywhere.

But why bother coming to our Intro to Python trainings at Resplat? (besides the free tea)

Truth be told, conceptualizing what is going on behind your lines of code can be a bit challenging at first (It definitely was for me). I am very much a visual and kinaesthetic Learner, I like to see the concepts I am learning, touch them, and actually use them in real life, which is a bit hard to do with computer programming. So I thought to myself.... What could we do that the internet can't do? How can we visualize and manipulate Python data in the real world? While I was brainstorming, I was sitting on my bed, staring at my wardrobe......

and I realized.......

My shoe rack is a list()! So I brought it in to show the class:

Now this isn't the only visualization, I have also given these data objects backpacks full of methods, and turned my shoe rack into a dictionary as well.

We got to use my shoe dictionary along with if statements to let the computer pick out what shoes I should wear. Here is one of the uh... more interesting examples:

jon_wants_to_run = True runners_full_of_eels = True if jon_wants_to_run == True: if runners_full_of_eels == True: print("%s will do..." %jons_shoes["for pretending to be Rafa"]) else: print("Better put on my %s." %jons_shoes["for running"]) else: print('*thinks about eels*')

Output:

'Tennis Shoes will do'

Consequently, I had to change into my tennis shoes halfway through the class, because I wanted to run, but my runners had eels in them. thats what I get for running in lakes i guess?

So long story short Why are we better than the internet at teaching you Python?

Because we can show you real life analogs representing what is going on behind the scenes in your computer.

But wait there's more!

You will also get to practice your python skills, with our lovely and talented Team Leads helping you complete every challenge

But wait there's even more! We are tirelessly working replacing all the text in our modules with memes, and I personally love horrific puns and use them all the time in class.

Exhibit A:

(meme made at imgflip.com)

But wait there is even more than Memes and Puns!

Our services don't end with the class, you will be joining our community where we can continue to help you grow your Python skill set for research and wherever your career takes you!

Be it meetups, extension courses in Python modules, or just getting to know your fellow colleagues hustling the research game. So...

Are you ready to work smarter and not harder?

It is time for us to grow our ResFamily again! Do you love science and research? Are you the one all your friends/colleagues come to for their typesetting solutions? Can you explain technology eloquently and kindly to the grumpiest professor? If you answered YES to any/all of the above, then Research Platform Services invites you to apply for one of our many Junior Research Community Co-ordinator positions available! 

The successful applicant will grow their respective communities through regular workshops and meetups. Maintaining an online presence is also an essential part of the job. You would also be expected and supported in organising events within your communities, as well as Research Platforms-wide events such as the famous Research Bazaar conference. You can find out more about the Research Bazaar community in the first pages of our new publication: The Digital Research Skills Cookbook.

 Please see the below links for a detailed position description for each role, including how to apply. Get in quick, applications close COB 12th April, 2018.

We’re hiring for: 

MATLAB 

R Studio 

 Python 

GIS 

3D Slicer 

If you’ve been a part of the ResPlat universe, you would have heard about our most recent event: Open.Res. Open.Res was an event aimed at researchers who wanted to improving their data analysis skills and wanted to learn how to share their research effectively through a website.

During the event, participants were taught how to analyse and visualise data and make a webpage communicating their data. At the end, we had four teams make the following websites.

Group Vader (MATLAB) - https://michaelpan92.github.io/GroupVader/

Absolute Power ( R ) - https://danmyles.github.io/Absolute-Power/

wondeRwoman: https://yichaowanguom.github.io/Marriage-Equality/

Python-https://vin-n.github.io/OpenRes2017/ -

You can find a recap of the event here:

By @YamniMohan

On thursday (10/08/17), we launched a series of MATLAB meetups at Hack by Moonlight. The first one was making publication quality plots with MATLAB.

via GIPHY

You can see a recap of the meetup here:

[View the story "MATLAB Meetup" on Storify]

Thanks to all who attended and special thanks to our speakers @maegul, @DUsluel and @khil_RK.

Great turnout here @MATLAB meetup @ResPlat pic.twitter.com/D0MbWqy9XE

— Yamni Mohan (@YamniMohan)

August 10, 2017

Starting from 3:30pm under the Main Tent at ResBaz Melbourne, we’ve got so many exciting activities lined up - check them out below!

Guru Talks

As with previous years, we have invited organisations participating in various research-related, and community activities to come have a chat about all the cool things they do, as well as how to get involved. Over the course of 30 minutes underneath the main tent, expect to meet experts from diverse fields and learn about start-ups, digital archives, and more! Guru Talks will be on the 21st of February with the schedule is as follows - there will be a follow-up post on what each organisation does so keep an eye out for that!

3:30 - 4:00pm

Fairfax Media

BajaBoard

The Conversation

WISE - Women in Science and Engineering

4:10 - 4:40pm

RLadies

Interactive facial expression project

Research Platforms Services (Introduction to Scientific Programming)

Robogals

4:50 - 5:20pm

newCardigan

Research Platforms Services (Value of Having a Mentor)

5:30 - 6:00pm

VicNode

COMBINE

7 Tesla Medical Imaging Group

Lightning Talks

As you know ResBaz attendees are all researchers in one way or another and as such, they have exciting tales to tell and share about their research endeavours and pursuits! Come hear all about their exciting findings and ongoing research at these 5 minute Lightning Talks held under the Main Tent. Check out the amazing variety of topics in the spreadsheet below!

Tool Talks

Find out more about the tools you are interested in from data driven tools like R, Python, and MATLAB to visual based tools like Fusion 360, Inventor, and 3D Slicer. Tool Talks presents the opportunity to talk to our Research Community Coordinators about your research, learn new workflows, and find out how our available range of digital trainings can help accelerate the research you do! This will only be run on the first day of ResBaz (21st of February).

Tool Hacks

If you raring to get your hands dirty in the tools you’ve seen at ResBaz, on the second day (22nd of February) we’ll be running Tool Hacks. Intended for participants of all levels, this will be an opportunity to go through the challenges presented during the pitches in more depth, as well as to bring your own data to work on with our Research Community Coordinators. 

Virtual Reality

Virtual Reality provides an opportunity for researchers to present information in ways not easily achieved through traditional 2D mediums. There will be hands-on demonstrations which will highlight some of the advantages of VR visualisation using examples of content produced both at the University and beyond. Check it out in Wilson Hall from 10:20 - 12:50pm, and 1:50 - 3:30pm!

Makerspace

A Makerspace will pop up during the second afternoon of ResBaz so get ready for a crafternoon (haha get it?) of everything from knitting, and origami to robotics, 3D printing, and stop-motion videoing! 

Trivia Night

On the second night of ResBaz (7-9pm 22nd of February) we’ll be hosting a Trivia Night under the main tent so come and test your knowledge on a wide range of topics and see how you stack up against the other teams! Teams will be formed on the night so come along and for some fun!

Other Social Activities

By Vincent Khau

Final day of Shark's Den and that only means one thing; finish off your prototypes because it's pitch time! So as soon as the doors opened for the 3D Printing Showcase, final product iterations were put on to print, whilst simultaneously rehearsing pitch presentations. All contestants were excitedly anticipating pitching their ideas in front of a panel of investors; and with a panel so prestigious who wouldn't be nervous! The task of picking a winner for Shark's Den was given to Prof. Iven Mareels (Dean of the Melbourne School of Engineering), Dr Charlie Day (Director of Carlton Connect), Dr Fiona Tweedie, David Guttmann (Director of Strategic Alliances) and A/Prof Colin McLeod; and after seeing the quality of all the teams, this was no easy task!

#sharksden judging panel! Big names! #3dpmelb pic.twitter.com/HKl5e6ydlg

— Vincent Khau (@thevinniek) October 10, 2015

The MakeCreate team kicked things off with their solution to the endless mounds of drink bottles amassing in rubbish dumps; recycle them into a drone! With the ingenious idea of mounting the electronics inside a water bottle, consumers will be able to buy and create a waterproof drone for less than $500, beating the price point of many drones on the market. 

BottleDrone! A waterproof drone in a bottle for < $500. For adventurers with GoPro. #SharksDen #3DPmelb @unimelb pic.twitter.com/oU2IYEC6J1

— Tom Jacobs (@TomPJacobs) October 10, 2015

Following the BottleDrone, we had the Freelance team presenting their idea for a solar powered lamp, harnessing the power of sunlight and storing it later use; a product that I'm sure will be popular with the energy conscious generation!

Did you hear about the #SolarPoweredLamp? No this is not a joke! Go innovators! #sharksden #3dpmelb pic.twitter.com/bLwidOsGo7

— Jason C (@ozvascdoc) October 10, 2015

SelfHealth was next to pitch, presenting an alternative to current cervical cancer testing methods. The kit is designed to be used at home and operated by the user, removing the uncomfortable and awkward appointments that may put women off the testing procedure. Next step? Consult with medical professionals and gynaecologists!

The self health team, pitching an alternative to current cervical cancer tests! #3dpmelb #innovation #sharksden pic.twitter.com/HzUF8K0RGy

— Research Platforms (@ResPlat) October 10, 2015

Kutting Edge developed new hygienic kitchen products that could be used in both commercial, and home kitchens. An easily removable sink design that allows for scrap disposal, and a knife rack that dries your knives once inserted? Yes please!

#sharksden continues! #3Dprinting #3dprintingshowcase #unimelb @ResPlat pic.twitter.com/WTfnAAVjVM

— Marcella Purnama (@MarcellaPurnama) October 10, 2015

Last to pitch was Access Electronics. Their product was to create a device that behaves like a 3D printer, but produces custom PCBs for household use! Handy! This would facilitate easier and more widespread education on electronics, as well as potential business development opportunities.

Access Electronics #3Dprinted circuit board all in one ;) #SharksDen #innovation #3DPmelb @ResBaz @unimelb #startup pic.twitter.com/b6NtpsjlnL

— Michelle Mannering (@MishManners) October 10, 2015

As much as we'd like to award all teams for their inspiring and creative innovations, there can only be one winner. After careful consideration and much deliberation, the judges reached an unanimous decision so congratulations to SelfHealth for coming up with a fantastic innovation addressing an issue affecting women both locally and beyond.

@makerbot congratulations to #selfhealth on winning the #sharksden challenge at #3dpmelb! pic.twitter.com/8niQhPgp5r

— Paul Mignone (@PJMignone) October 10, 2015

Shortly after the end of Shark's Den, Dr Charlie Day gave the closing keynote of the 3D Printing Showcase, highlighting the embodiment of both the Showcase and Shark's Den; innovation is about fresh thinking and creating value. What a wonderful and fitting conclusion to what has been a fantastic, fun-filled, and enlightening event. A big shout out and thanks to Paul Mignone, whose efforts have made this Shark's Den possible; it wouldn't have happened without him, so cheers for organising it! Well, until the next Shark's Den, that's it folks! Keep an eye out for the next chance to be a part of this event, where we teach you the skills to rapidly design, prototype, and pitch your ideas to investors!

By Vincent Khau

Day 2 of Shark's Den kicked off with a much hustle and bustle as the teams came in to collect their prints from the night before. After inspecting the first iteration of their product, teams quickly made changes and set the Makerbots to keep on printing further developments of their innovations. With the power of 3D printing, teams were able to rapidly prototype their product; look at how many design iterations one team were able to go through in just one day!

The #3dprinting evolution of team self health's cervical cancer vaccine concept at #sharksden #3dpmelb pic.twitter.com/EuZb8h7HRz

— Paul Mignone (@PJMignone)

October 9, 2015