As Technology Evolves, UAB IT Puts People First
In technology, the focus is almost always on what’s new, what’s next. And UAB IT is constantly looking to the future — but with the knowledge that people are at the heart of what we do: our campus partners who seek unique solutions and inspire innovation; the faculty, staff and students we serve; and the IT employees who work hard every day to deliver services and tools to help our campus change the world.
New technology benefits from teamwork
When a new researcher on campus needed help running a specialized software, UAB IT teams including Research Computing, Desktop, Identity Management, and Systems and Server Support collaborated with each other and the researcher to find the best solution — one that is cost-effective and efficient and can now be applied to other departments, if needed.
The software isn’t necessarily one that would typically be associated with Research Computing — which hosts the state’s fastest supercomputer — but it’s an example of what Assistant Vice President for Research Computing Ralph Zottola, Ph.D., considers the most important tool in UAB IT’s arsenal: “The key is people,” he says.
New processes help save money
In 2023, UAB IT wrapped up a project to modernize the legacy telephone system by converting to voice over IP, or VoIP, across campus. Along the way, UAB IT has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars, including nearly $2 million this year through auditing licenses and telephone bills.
In 2023, UAB IT wrapped up a project to modernize the legacy telephone system by converting to voice over IP, or VoIP, across campus. Along the way, UAB IT has saved hundreds of thousands of dollars, including nearly $2 million this year through auditing licenses and telephone bills.
New ideas drive future technology, with people at center
Artificial intelligence has dominated technology headlines all year, with companies introducing new tools throughout 2023, each seemingly more breathtaking than the last. At UAB, leaders are taking a measured and collaborative approach to the new technology, with a cross-campus team of experts looking at each technology request to determine how they fit our campus AI principles.
UAB hosted five technology companies this year to hear what they have to offer, and UAB IT is looking to connect campus partners with these companies to help them leverage unique AI solutions. But for UAB IT, the concept of keeping the “human in the loop” remains key to sustaining technology that upholds UAB’s values and principles.
New perspective can help improve technology for student success
For several UAB IT employees, seeing first-hand what students and faculty experience in the classroom is giving them a new perspective on how IT services affect campus. In roles as adjunct professors, IT employees are sharing their knowledge — and learning just as much, if not more, in return. Classes taught cover a wide range of subjects, including programming, networking, gaming, web development and IT business strategy.
While students benefit from the work experiences of their instructors, IT employees are learning how they can improve technology tools to benefit students. “It has been a good opportunity to see the learning challenges students face, so that we – as IT – can provide a better quality of service for them,” said Ala Fedorova, an applications architect who taught an introduction to web development course this past semester.
Serving campus with technology wins
UAB IT's mission is to achieve a minimum of 100 successful initiatives on campus each year, all aimed at enhancing the academic and professional experiences of students, faculty, and staff, regardless of their scale. We are committed to driving innovation and contributing to the advancement of our campus community. Over the past eight years, we have proudly accumulated nearly 1000 achievements. Explore some of our recent projects from the last year below.
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