The Melbourne Genomics team recently welcomed Kitty O’Brien, a technical business analyst. She will be working with Alliance members and end-users of GenoVic – our shared clinical system for genomics – to better understand what they need to support their current and future work, and to ensure GenoVic delivers solutions that meets those needs.
We asked Kitty a few questions about her and this work.
What will you be working on?
I will be focusing on helping our team and the Alliance members – particularly the end-users of GenoVic – by understanding and articulating what they need. This ensures processes and functionality can be developed in GenoVic and the other areas it interfaces with, such as incorporating new testing technologies.
I will also be working with GenoVic software developers to use these requirements to make tools and products – turning a blue-sky vision into a reality. One of my initial priorities will be enabling sharing of data for clinical use between the testing laboratories that use GenoVic.
How did this work come about?
The overall vision and mission of Melbourne Genomics is to – within the next four years – embed genomics in the healthcare system. By working with the service providers and end-users of the GenoVic system to understand their experience and the challenges they face, we are developing and delivering what they need to make that a reality – accelerating the integration of genomics in care.
Specifically, the team needed someone who speaks the languages of both end-users and developers who can serve as a translator. The more the end users work with us and interact with me, the more I can understand what they need and deliver solutions for them.
What interested you about working with Melbourne Genomics?
I have always had a passion for genetics, studying it at university and having worked as a forensic biologist. My recent work has helped me understand the world of software and technology. I had been thinking of a change for a while to bring genetics back into my work and the universe responded by showing me this role. I love the thought of making a difference in people’s lives.
Tell us a fun fact about yourself.
I get to put my celebrant hat on and marry people on weekends!