Kaitlyn Houston recently joined the Library as Coordinator in our Research Services team. We spoke to Kaitlyn to learn more about her work history, interests and her role at the library.
I began my career in patient information management in hospitals. I spent around four years at a public hospital working in different roles and areas, from medical record filing to inpatient wards, to outpatient clinics. I then worked at a small private hospital, initially as a clerk and then as a team leader. I enjoyed learning about different specialities, health conditions, and surgeries through working in patient information management and being able to utilise my natural curiosity in providing support.
After seven years working in hospitals, I was looking for a change in industry that still allowed me to learn about interesting things and began working in academic support at a university. This role provided me with an understanding of how universities operate, the many competing priorities of academics, and the research process in practice. During this time, I was completing my Master’s degree in librarianship and decided I wanted to work in academic libraries. After qualifying I obtained a role as a research support librarian at another university. I loved hearing about what researchers from various disciplines were working on through providing advice, and especially the ‘lightbulb moment’ of understanding during consultations or workshops.
My new role as Coordinator, Research Services looks after Curtin’s institutional repository, espace, research data management, and related library research services. I am the line manager for a small team and we work as part of the Research and Copyright team to support Curtin researchers and Higher Degree by Research students. I’m still quite new, so learning the role has been challenging but exciting at the same time.
On the weekends I’m usually watching Aussie rules football, cricket, or netball. I don’t play a sport anymore after tearing my ACL playing netball, but I do enjoy strength training and going for walks by the river, the ocean, or in Kings Park. I enjoy learning about history, especially when travelling and visiting places where significant events have occurred – sporting events included!
Written by Kaitlyn Houston, Coordinator, Research Services
Enjoy reading Library news? Sign up to our newsletter.
