More than just the Clinical AV Coordinator for the Faculty of Medicine, Health & Human Sciences, Iain Brew is also Macquarie alumni, AV go-to guy and a Chihuahua-whisperer as well.

Iain came to Macquarie in 2006 as a student studying Bachelor of Media (Screen Production) and fell in love with the place. Since then, Iain has completed a second degree (Bachelor of Arts (Honours) with a major of Contemporary Music) and has volunteered and worked in too many areas around the University to count. His various roles led him to develop a strong interest in live production, technology and audio-visual systems and brought him to his current position with FMHHS in 2016.

Iain’s current role has seen him develop a new approach to audio-visual and technical systems for medical education with the majority of work being completed in-house. It also allows Iain to get involved with cutting-edge medical technology, like the Translational Shoulder Research group that built a world-first shoulder simulation robot to test the outcomes and effectiveness of various shoulder repair procedures. Iain was tasked with documenting these activities and trials, including live links to Canada for the co-supervisor to participate in the research in real-time.  (Pictured above)

1. Something people usually ask you when they find out what you do for living
I usually just get a blank stare as my job is quite unique and doesn’t really fit any moulds, so I have to further explain that I design and manage AV systems for simulation and surgical skills education – which then leads to questions about what it is like interacting with human anatomy. It is not as scary as people think, in fact it’s a privilege to be able to learn more about the human body from these peoples’ donations.

2. The coolest bit of equipment you use in your work
It would have to be the SimMan 3G Medical Simulation Manikin. This life-sized human device can simulate a range of medical conditions and responses and is a great tool for our students to hone their clinical skills.

3. Your definition of success
For my work, it is implementing a technical solution which blends into the background of teaching or research practice so that becomes the focus rather than a shiny piece of new kit.

4. Something you feel proud of
Recently we won the Application Excellence award in the InAVate APAC Awards 2021 for the SiriusVC™ multichannel portable video conferencing system I developed to help Surgical Skills and FMHHS get through the recent Covid lockdowns. This device has allowed medical education, and even medical procedures, in Macquarie University Hospital to continue to a high standard for our students and patients, even if the supporting surgeons are on the other side of the world!

5. A person you admire at Macquarie, and why
Dr Karina Luzia – during my long journey to becoming a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA), she was instrumental to my application being a success through her leadership, enthusiasm, and continued support. This is not just for me, but for everyone who has participated in this fantastic program.

6. The first person you go to for advice
The people I work with on the ground floor of the Clinic Building – we all have varied professional backgrounds and experiences, so it’s great to bounce ideas around and to gain different perspectives when dealing with a challenge.

7. A website or app you can’t live without
musicforprogramming.net – a favourite electronic music artist (Datassette) leads a collaborative project of creating music and audio mixes designed to help people focus and concentrate on complex work. It has got me through so many projects and deadlines!

8. Where you live and what you like about living there
I live in Eastwood and love how peaceful it is, including the proximity to campus. Especially during lockdown and working from home, I’ve found gardening a peaceful and calming exercise.

9. A personal quality you value in others
Honesty and frankness when it comes to not knowing something – it’s an opportunity for both people to learn and grow rather than pretend and faulter.

10. I’m happiest when…
I’m doggy sitting my friends Chihuahua’s (Coconut and Munch) or when ChaTime in the Central Courtyard Precinct is open – Thai Milk Tea with pearls is a favourite of mine.

BONUS: A favourite photo from your camera roll

During holidays I like to set a task to learn a new technology or programming techniques and put it to practice. This was Halloween 2021 where I created a touch-free COVID-safe Halloween experience for the community. As they moved through the driveway, path and balcony, sensors would be triggered which would alter the window projection, sound and light show depending on where they were.

Coconut the Chihuahua assisting me as I practised with new live streaming software/hardware during the Christmas break. I often ‘doggy sit’ for friends who have been moving between Melbourne and Sydney. They bring a lot of joy into my life.