Grok (verb): to understand intuitively or by empathy.
We're a team of educators and software engineers who want to give everyone the power to code. We are passionate about teaching the next generation the skills they need to become the creators of tomorrow.
Together we have decades of experience teaching computing to university students, high school students, teachers and professionals. We're masters of the latest technology, and we use that mastery to help students learn.
We believe that a solid computer science understanding is vital whether you want to fight climate change, make the next blockbuster movie or unlock the secrets of the universe.
We've taught thousands of students across Australia to program in classrooms, lecture halls and online, and are now bringing top-notch STEM education into classrooms and homes around the world.
Chief Executive Officer
James is an Associate Professor in Computer Science at the University of Sydney, and co-founder of Grok Learning. James has been teaching computer science to students and teachers for over a decade, and has been director of the National Computer Science School since 2000. He was one of three primary authors of the Australian Curriculum: Digital Technologies and is a regular keynote speaker on unpacking and teaching coding in the curriculum.
Chief Operating Officer
Tara is an Associate Professor in Astrophysics at the University of Sydney, and co-founder of Grok Learning. Tara has been teaching programming for over a decade, to everyone from high school students to professional astrophysicists and has won national and international recognition for her teaching and science outreach. Her favourite programming moment was getting her BBC micro to sing Happy Birthday back in 1984.
Chief Evangelist
Nicky completed her PhD in Computer Science at the University of Sydney, and is a co-founder of Grok Learning. Nicky is passionate about teaching the next generation the skills they need to become the creators of tomorrow. Nicky helps inspire students of all ages through running the National Computer Science School and the Girls' Programming Network.
Chief Technology Officer
Tim completed his PhD in Computer Science at the University of Sydney, and is a co-founder of Grok Learning. Tim has taught programming for many years to high school students through his position as a lecturer at the National Computer Science School, and to university students at the University of Sydney.
Head of Customer
After spending a bit of time in the 80s in the Australian Film & Television industry, Rick went on to securing a Bachelor of Education and Masters of Business and has been working with customers in the Technology and Education sectors for over 30 years. After spending many of those years in Executive roles at some of the world's largest Tech companies, Rick is enjoying his transition to a new and exciting chapter in his career with Grok Learning heading up everything to do with our Customers. Rick is passionate about making sure that all students from primary to tertiary, embrace a love for and commitment to Computer Science and Digital Technology through Grok Learning.
Head of Development
Jessica joined the Grok Learning team after many years of working for herself as a software developer and general Maker of Interesting Things. She is excited about helping young people to learn how to code, and making this fun and accessible to all.
Content & Learning Manager
Jane graduated from the University of Sydney with a Master of Teaching and a passion for creating compelling and meaningful learning experiences. After many years making maths education games at Shiny Things, she joined the Grok Learning team. She is completely new to programming but loves the opportunity to learn new skills. She hopes to make programming education more accessible so that more people can have just such an opportunity!
Marketing & Outreach Manager
Christie graduated from the University of Sydney with a Bachelor of Advanced Science and a Bachelor of Arts. She has worked in education and outreach for a number of years with organisations including Questacon - The National Science and Technology Centre, Astronomers Without Borders, and Sydney Observatory.
Teacher Success
Yasmin graduated from the University of Sydney with a physics degree, and learned some programming along the way (especially necessary when working in particle physics). She has worked with schools previously on building the PLASST for the NSW Department of Education, and after many years working as a business analyst (and learning more programming!) is returning to her love of education. Yasmin supports our wonderful schools and teachers to get the most out of Grok.
Organiser in Chief
Kylie completed a bachelor of mathematics in the dark ages of the 1990s. She's worked in a variety of roles in the not-for-profit and university sectors, most recently at the ARC Centre of Excellence for All-Sky Astrophysics. With her mathematical mind she loves to bring order to chaos and help optimise the team's effectiveness.
Tertiary Product Manager
Bryn first got into teaching while studying for his Laser Physics PhD at the University of Oxford, working as a college tutor of Physics. He later studied a Masters of Computer Science at the University of Sydney, and lectured Database Systems there for several years, during which he completed a Graduate Certificate in Educational Studies for Higher Education. Bryn is an Honorary Associate of the University of Sydney, pursuing a research interest in computer science education and data science.
Software Engineer
Renee was studying chemical engineering and chemistry at the University of Sydney when she discovered computer science, taking her on a surprise career into software development. Renee found out she loved teaching coding to kids whilst tutoring at, and running the Girls’ Programming Network. So the opportunity to combine her love of coding and teaching at Grok was a perfect match.
Software Engineer
James has been happily programming since discovering the Usborne computing books in his primary school library. Most recently working at Atlassian, he is thrilled to again be involved in education, having tutored computing at university and had a brief former life as a secondary English teacher.
Software Engineer
Tom graduated from the University of Wollongong with a Computer Science degree. Always interested in computers, he discovered his passion for problem solving and programming late in highschool. During his studies at Wollongong, he ran courses on beginners programming with his local community college, and later after graduating, he worked in the CGI and VFX industry for some time. Tom realised he had a passion for sharing his knowledge with others, and when he discovered Grok, he knew it would be a perfect fit.
Content Developer
Dominic completed a PhD in Physics at the University of Sydney. While studying, they became enamoured of teaching while doing tutoring and demonstrating work. This passion was cemented during their time working as a science educator at the Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences, teaching students of all ages about science and technology.
Software Developer
Jo started out post school life completing a Bachelor of Mathematics Education. However, being interested in coding, she dabbled over the years while homeschooling her son, and simultaneously working as an artist. After her son moved onto university, she completed a Diploma in IT at Coder Academy. She also has a black belt in Hapkido and helps in teaching the kids’ class in her club. Between her love of teaching, and love of coding, it was easy to see how she ended up at Grok.
Software Engineer
Ana is a software engineer with experience in various domains and programming languages. She enjoys solving problems through code, learning and discovering new technologies. Ana believes in the power of diversity and equality, so she is very enthusiastic about universal access to education for future coders.