Name: Susan Tyler Jenkins

Job title: Researcher Community Advisor, Mendeley Community Management Team

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?

I have a research background in art history and communication, and I worked in various roles for both community and corporate organizations in the US and Europe. My current interest is in the crossover fields of eco-psychology and contemplative practices, and the impact of green spaces on human health and urban societies. I’m also a meditation teacher with training in Buddhist study and practice. I spend my free time making wilderness walks and art.

When did you join Mendeley?

March of this year! I’m still getting acquainted.

What do you love most about your job?

I love being part of a delightful team that is supporting the development and furthering of knowledge in the world.

What book did you most recently read?

I often have two or three things going at once, in totally different genres. “Underground: A Human History of the Worlds Beneath Our Feet” by Will Hunt is a recent book on how connected we are through our explorations of caves, subways, and other places within the earth, told through a series of ever richer expeditions by the author, beginning when he was a teenager and discovered a hidden tunnel near his house. I also recently finished an audio version of the Chinese classic “The Romance of the Three Kingdoms,” which gives a lot of insight into the historical period at the end of the Han Dynasty (~180 – 260 CE) that gave China several of its most revered heroes.

What’s one thing you want people to know about Mendeley?

That it’s not only a great way to find ideas for your research but also a way to build a network with people who have like-minded interests.

How would you explain your job to a stranger on a bus?

I support researchers from institutions all over the world in connecting with each other and in understanding the many ways that they can use the research tools and networks Mendeley has built.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

I find meeting new people from all corners of the world to be the top perk, followed by seeing where new paths are (e)merging in research fields.

What keeps you awake at night?

Listening to too many podcasts!

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned this week?

The difference between a moor and a fen, both British English terms for types of peaty landscapes found in the British Isles. The British have so many words for describing different landscapes that we don’t have in American English, despite America having such a diversity of landscapes itself. Both the landscape and the language are fascinating to know.

Name: Lawrence Hall

Job Title: Product Manager

Intro 

After completing a degree in English Literature I took the seemingly logical step to become a book editor. However, I soon realised that, while I loved reading literature, I was far more drawn to the products that were being created in the publisher’s digital department.

Eight years later and here I am! Most recently I worked as a Product Manager for a music publisher, where I lead a team to create a digital music learning platform – think Guitar Hero but for real instruments. In my spare time, I attempt to play guitar in a rock band and support Arsenal FC (and invariably feel disappointment with their current form/team selection).

When did you join Mendeley?

November 2018

What do you love most about your job?

I love the varied nature of my job, from conducting user research and testing, to working with the design team on new features. It demands a wide range of knowledge but is never dull! It’s also fantastic to work day to day with a diverse and talented team.

What book did you recently read?

I just finished The Master and Margarita, it’s about the devil appearing in Russia in the 1930s – hilarity ensues. Work related, I just read Platform Revolution: How Networked Markets Are Transforming the Economy.

How would you explain your job to a stranger on a bus?

It’s my job to understand the main issues that researchers and academics face, then work with a team to solve them. Making sure that we solve the right problems and unifying the team behind a clear vision are key aspects of my role. If you aren’t careful, it’s easy to simply build a product that you and your team feel is useful, but doesn’t really solve your users’ key problems.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

When I hear from users that I have helped to solve a problem that they had. I have only recently started, but I can see the great challenge ahead with the product and I am excited to talk with users to really understand their issues. It’s great how connected we are with our users at Mendeley, be it the weekly user sessions held by our talented UX team, or the invaluable feedback we get from our Mendeley Advisors.

What keeps you awake at night?

My Nintendo Switch. Portable Zelda is a dangerous thing.

What’s the most interesting thing you learned this week?

That motion sickness may be your body’s automatic response to a perceived poisoning. I guess we haven’t evolved yet to deal with the disconnect of moving at 70mph while sitting still.

Name: Sally Ransom

Job title: Mendeley Marketing Manager

Intro

Having studied English Language and Literature, I have marketed academic/educational products and solutions for over 11 years – starting in academic textbook publishing, enjoying a brief stint in music education, and now here, at Mendeley. London born, but West Country bred, I’ve been back living in London for 12 years now.

When did you join Mendeley?

At the end of October 2018 (so still legitimately, I think, able to claim the “new person” label).

What do you love most about your job?

Working with people who are passionate about their job of supporting people who are passionate about their job.

What book did you most recently read?

Henry James’ The Portrait of a Lady. I’m currently on Robert Louis Stevenson’s Treasure Island. Lined up is Vikram Seth’s A Suitable Boy, having just found out it’s next up to receive the Andrew Davies treatment (and at nearly 1,500 pages, I’d better get cracking…).

What’s one thing you want people to know about Mendeley?

How dedicated we all are to providing researchers with the very best tools and solutions to support them in their work, and that, to do so, we’re constantly seeking and listening to their feedback and developing our products accordingly.

How would you explain your job to a stranger on a bus?

I’d have probably played it safer with chat about the weather, but if pushed – that I market products that support researchers in doing their research. If further pushed, I’d move seats.

What’s the most exciting part of your job?

Getting to work on products that I honestly believe can provide real benefit to the user (which also makes the job of marketing them that much easier!). It’s great to work on something that is so loved by current users, too – the enthusiasm of our Mendeley Advisor Community, in particular, buoys me every day.

What keeps you awake at night?

The noises made by the mouse that seems to have taken up residence in my bedroom wall cavity.

What’s the most interesting thing you’ve learned this week?

That a sloth’s fur is covered in algae, contributing to their green-tinged appearance (and my hatred of them).