Alaine Martaus (PhD '19) joined the iSchool on March 16 as research development coordinator. Prior to her appointment, she served as a postdoctoral researcher with the iSchool's Research Services. In her new role, Martaus supports faculty during different stages of the research process, helps identify funding sources and pair researchers with specific solicitations, monitors compliance with different research protocols, and provides support to facilitate publications and publicity.
In addition to her PhD from the iSchool, Martaus holds a BA in English from Catholic University, MSLIS from Florida State University, and MA in children's literature from Hollins University. Her research explores spaces where young people and stories intersect, particularly when that intersection supports literacy, learning, creativity, participation, and youth empowerment.
After finishing her master's degrees, she spent most of her professional career as a librarian, first working in reference and instruction at a university library and then as the head librarian at the Arkansas School for Math, Science, and the Arts.
"I loved guiding intelligent, curious, hard-working high schoolers through their first experiences with college-level research; building a thriving school-based reading club; and working with some of the most dedicated teachers I've ever known," said Martaus of her experience as head librarian. "My love of that job, and my enthusiasm for library work with young people, is what led me back to school for my PhD."
Martaus enjoys the variety of job responsibilities in her new position, and she values "the perspective that people who work in this field bring to everything from data and technology to literacy and education."
"This position builds on all the skills and interests I’ve built over my academic and professional career, while also constantly challenging me to learn more and do more," she said. "I'm lucky to find a job that combines organizing, researching, writing, and learning, all while working with people I really like."