The UC Berkeley Research IT Consulting team bridges the gap between technology and people, serving as the first point of contact for UC Berkeley researchers seeking to leverage computing and data resources. This diverse group of experts includes Research IT and the Lawrence Berkeley National Lab staff, librarians, adjunct and graduate student domain specialists, and undergraduate students. With their varied expertise across many domains and disciplines, the consulting team facilitates access to the most suitable computing and data resources, enabling researchers to drive their work forward seamlessly.
Research IT Domain Consultants are experts embedded in departments across campus. Many of them are graduate students, and as researchers, they understand their domain's specific issues and needs. One such consultant we would like to spotlight is Christian White, a 6th-year Ph.D. student in the department who is also involved in the Black Graduate Engineers Group.
White earned his B.S. degree in mechanical engineering at Yale University, then a M.S. degree in Environmental Engineering at UC Berkeley, and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. degree. Becoming an expert in environmental engineering was a driving passion for him, leading him to pursue a doctorate. Currently, he is involved in research on biological nutrient nitrogen removal from wastewater. Studying the interactions between microbes fascinates him, and he is glad to bring an engineering perspective to his study.
As a domain consultant, White specializes in software solutions and bioinformatics software. His role is crucial to understanding and matching researchers' needs with the appropriate Research IT resources and tools. White finds this work gratifying, as it allows him to support the diverse research community on campus. One of his memorable experiences was helping with the Savio training, where he taught researchers how to access and use helpful Research IT tools. White's favorite part of being a consultant is collaborating with his talented colleagues at Research IT, appreciating the diverse perspectives they bring to problem-solving.
Beyond his work as a consultant and PhD studies, White enjoys a variety of hobbies that help him maintain a work-life balance, including boxing, gardening, cooking, and biking.