A warm, familiar face at UBC Geography was recently inducted into the UBC’s 25 Year Club, our Computer Lab Supervisor Jose Aparicio. Jose is well known and loved in the department, having started his career with us back in 1999 after completing his BA in Geography here. He joined the Geographical Information Centre (GIC) to work on a project digitizing the aerial photo collection. Holding an additional Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Information Sciences from his previous studies at the University of Texas, Jose was eager to put his computer skills to good use. A few years after his start in the GIC an opportunity opened up within the department staff and Jose took on his current role.
As Computer Lab Supervisor Jose blends his love of the technical with his love of people.
“Working at a university you get introduced to new technologies and new ideas constantly. And working so closely with students keeps you young. It keeps your spirits up and gives you enthusiasm and energy for the work you do. You are exposed to a lot of interesting projects on a whole range of topics. The inclusive and interdisciplinary nature of the Geography department keeps things interesting,” reflects Jose.
(L-R) Eilis Courtney: Senior Advisor, Ceremonies and Protocol, Jose Aparicio: UBC Geography Computer Lab Supervisor, UBC President Dr. Benoit-Antoine Bacon. Image credit: Si Ming Zheng
File management is one of the biggest challenges of working with data and Jose helps students get off on the right foot, setting them up with best practices and ideal workflows. Jose works closely with both our internal IT team and the Faculty of Arts IT department (Arts ISIT) to ensure both students and faculty have access to the tools required for Geographical Information System (GIS) use for their research, as well as e-learning tools and teaching resources.
“Essentially, I facilitate teaching. I help students and faculty negotiate the transfer of knowledge,” explains Jose.
Previously Jose taught introductory GIS courses and therefore has a deep understanding of the correct techniques and troubleshooting pitfalls. So much so that Arts ISIT requested Jose become the front-line support for students with those technical challenges, thus providing faster support to resolve their issues. Jose is always willing to help and his positive ‘can do’ attitude and personal kindness have contributed to a harmonious environment in the department.
Usually dressed in khaki shorts and a polo shirt, Jose jokes “I needed to find a job that suited my wardrobe. I’ve been lucky and had great bosses here and the staff are wonderful to work with. Not to mention the constantly rotating student body. Nobody has chased me out yet!”
UBC Geography staff 2005
Jose’s warm and charismatic personality led him to meet his lovely wife Rachel in the department when they were both students in Geography. She now works as the GIS manager for Campus and Community Planning and they sometimes meet for lunch on campus to visit and work through the technical challenges of their shared passion together.
Jose is also an avid college football and F1 racing fan. He and Rachel share a passion for travel. And have taken many road trips across the US and Canada. They are now exploring El Salvador and reconnecting with Jose heritage as their two children grow older.
Bike to Work Week – Jose and Rachel side by side bottom right
Join us in celebrating Jose for his unwavering dedication and significant impact on our community. If only we could keep him for another 25 years.
