About Grok Learning

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.

Tara is an Associate Professor in Astrophysics at the University of Sydney, and co-founder of Grok Learning. Tara has been teaching programming for 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.

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.

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.

Jim has been tutoring electronics and programming for several years, and joined the Grok Learning team having previously worked at Google and ISS Group.

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!

Ben joined the Grok Learning team mostly due to peer pressure. He's currently studying a Masters in Learning Science & Technology at the University of Sydney, has tutored programming for many years and previously worked at Shiny Things making educational maths games for primary school children.

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.

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.

Renee studied chemical engineering and chemistry until she also accidentally got interested in computer science at the University of Sydney. She ended up working for CSIRO - Data61 as a software engineer until she was convinced to join Grok Learning. Renee has always loved teaching and realised she loved teaching coding to kids whilst tutoring at and running the Girls' Programming Network.

Shelley studied computer science at the University of Sydney after discovering a love for programming in high school. She attended and now tutors at the National Computer Science School and the Girls' Programming Network. She has previously worked as a software engineer in the carshare industry, and is especially keen on promoting and supporting women in tech.

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.

Jack studied computer science at the University of Queensland, inspired by his mum's career as a software developer. He was a student at the National Computer Science School, and now tutors at it. After working as a consultant on a variety of projects, Jack has joined Grok to help bring coding to as many kids as possible.