To facilitate meaningful professional connections and peer-to-peer learning—and to get to know each other better—we launched this Member Spotlight series in July, and we’re excited to have Sten Swenson join us for the third installment (access other Member Spotlights here).
May we introduce you? If you are willing to be featured here, reach out to Stephanie Weiner (that’s me!) here via the community direct messaging feature.
Member Spotlight: 3 Minutes with @Sten Swenson
Name: Sten Swenson, M.Ed.
Title: Director of Academic Technology
Institution: University of North Carolina School of Medicine
Time in Position: 4 Years in this role
Do you have a professional skill or area of expertise that might be of particular interest to your peers in this community? Are you the “go-to” person at your institution for advice or expertise in a particular subject?
I like to claim that I have a 360-degree view of Academic Technology. I have spent many years as a student in online degree programs. I received my undergrad primarily online, and my Education and Business degree programs were designed as online programs. My Education degree focused on Digital Teaching and Learning, so I also have the perspective of an academic.
Early in my career, I worked as an audiovisual technician, so I have a good grasp of the nuts and bolts, and I have spent the last 8 years in a management position in Academic Medicine. The one angle I am missing is that of an educator, which I hope to fulfill at some point in my career!
What was the best TV show/movie you most recently watched?
That’s a tough one! I loved “The Sound of Metal” and of course, “Queen's Gambit”.
What’s the best piece of professional advice you have ever received? Why?
You move in the direction you think - from my dad Paul Swenson. Because you can't get what you want unless you believe it's possible.
What do you think is the best, most challenging, or most unique thing about working in academic medicine?
I love being at the crossroads of academia and the medical industry. Academic Medicine provides the atmosphere of a college campus with the rigor of an incredibly important global industry. We get to apply our skills to help solve some of the world's most pressing problems while working among all the wonderful energy that students bring to the mix.
What do you hope to gain from this online community?
I love the AAMC communities. I have already gained so much from being an active participant in the GIR and I am extremely excited to be starting my role as co-chair of the Educational Technology Working Group. I hope to continue making great contacts across the community so that I can reach out to the best of the best when I have a complex problem and need a helping hand.
How do you prefer to start your day? Coffee
How do you prefer to end your day? Wine (JK)
You live/work in Raleigh. What’s your favorite restaurant there? Is there something special we should check out next time we visit?
I was born and raised in Raleigh, North Carolina. It is a great place to live with lots of food, fun, and entertainment. My favorite places are the State Farmer's Market, the NC Museum of Art, and the JC Raulston Arboretum. My favorite restaurant is probably Neomonde Mediterranean Restaurant.
Do you have pets? Please be unashamed in showing us a photo of your adorable pet(s).
2 Black Labs, 1 Cat, and 4 Chickens
When you were a kid, what did you want to be when you grew up?
I always wanted to do something creative - music, art, writing, film... I ended up where I am by way of media technology.
What’s the weirdest food you’ve ever eaten?
My wife is from Southern Louisiana, so I've had some regional dishes that may seem off the wall to most. Headcheese is probably the most controversial.
Want to connect with Sten and learn more? Reach out here via the community!
#MemberSpotlight
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Stephanie Weiner
Director, Digital Strategy & Engagement
Association of American Medical Colleges
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