Sandi Caldrone
Data Repository Outreach Specialist
Research Data
I’m very excited to join the Purdue Libraries as part of the PURR team. After a long and rewarding stint in the nonprofit world, I’m really enjoying being a part of a campus community again and focusing on data.
I started in the social science world, earning an MA in Anthropology and Women’s Studies from Northern Illinois University in 2006. I was drawn to the holistic approach and ethic of service in both disciplines, and was always fascinated by how people categorize the world around them. My thesis research examined conceptions of sex among students — both LGBTQ and straight — in NIU’s Pride organization in the context of the abstinence-only sex education debate at the time. I found that students did not have a static definition of sex, but saw it as a gray area that may include any number of acts depending on both who they were with and how they felt.
After graduation, I wanted to get firsthand experience in two things: living in another country, and working on the front lines of community health. I was an assistant English teacher in a high school near Hiroshima for a semester, and then for the past nine years I worked for Girls in the Game, a Chicago-based nonprofit providing leadership, sports and health programs for girls. While there, I rescued a languishing database and discovered the joys of working with data, which led me to the University of Illinois distance learning program where I completed an MS in Library and Information Science with a Certificate of Advanced Study in Data Curation.
In my free time, I love crafting of all sorts, baking, reading and exploring my new neighborhood with my two dogs. You might find me knitting a Hogwarts scarf, burying my nose in a detective novel, or getting pulled around town by two little terriers with big personalities. If you see me around, please stop and say hi, or you can reach me any time in STEW 174 and at scaldron@purdue.edu or 49-48446.
Erla Heyns
Associate Professor
Head, HSSEB
I started at Purdue University Libraries as the head of the Humanities, Social Sciences, Education and Business Division (HSSEB) on August 15, 2016 and I am very happy to be back in Indiana, my home in the United States. This is a homecoming for me at many levels, though I have been working in the Sciences for many years, my academic background is in the Humanities, Social Sciences and Education and management was the focus for my Ph.D. coursework. Not only is this position a great fit, I am also very pleased that the work culture at Purdue University Libraries match my own values for collegiality, collaboration, innovation and creativity. To top it off I also have family in this area, a sister in Indianapolis and a daughter in Chicago.
I was the director of Veterinary Library at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York since December of 1999 and since January 2015 I was also overseeing the Science and Technology Libraries (engineering, math and physical sciences). I worked at Indiana University as a support staff member and then librarian since 1984 in various capacities. I received my Ph.D. in Library and Information Science in 1994 from Indiana University and my specialization is in Library Management and a Masters in Clinical Social Work from Syracuse University in 2013. I moved to the United States from South Africa in 1983 where many of my very large extended family members still live. My undergraduate degree is from the University of Stellenbosch in History and Afrikaans and Dutch Literature and I have a post-graduate diploma as a high school teacher in South Africa.
Family is very important to me; I have two daughters, both in their 20s, Dianne is in Chicago after graduating from Cornell University in December 2015 and Annali, the youngest is a senior at Hamilton College in Clinton, New York. When the kids were growing up our family enjoyed skiing, boating and hiking and we spent much of our free time at swim meets, soccer games, lacrosse games, ski races and piano recitals.
In my spare time I like to hike and I am looking forward to exploring the state parks in Northern Indiana and re-discovering the state parks in Southern Indiana. I am also an artist and I enjoy painting flowers and landscapes in Acrylics.
My office is located in HSSE, STEW 252 and I can be reached at eheyns@purdue.edu or 49-48462.
Jacinda Laymon
Departmental Operations Clerk
Libraries Facilities
Five years ago, I came to Purdue not knowing what I wanted to do with my life. The only thing I knew for sure was that a path including being a Boilermaker would lead me to great things. The first of which was getting a job working for the Purdue University Libraries Facilities as a student assistant. It was hard work, but the people in the department made it enjoyable and rewarding. During this time, I finally landed on the decision to pursue a degree in psychology. In December 2015, I obtained my bachelor’s degree but failed to find a career that I truly desired. It was at this time I decided to achieve my previously-secret dream of being an artist, and I am now currently pursuing a degree in graphic design.
I grew up in Martinsville, Indiana surrounded by IU fans expecting me to do my studies in Bloomington. However, I went against this norm because I always knew Purdue was superior. It turned out to be the best decision I have ever made, and these past five years have been the best time of my life.
I currently live in Lafayette with my cat, Piper. I enjoy drawing, reading, and above all, watching movies. My favorite director is Quentin Tarantino and my favorite films are Pulp Fiction, Lord of the Rings and Moulin Rouge. My hopes for the future include traveling the world and finding the best slice of pizza it can offer.
For the next three years, I will be ensuring that the right-sizing project goes smoothly by supervising and training student employees. I am delighted to begin my new adventure as a staff member and to pass on the work ethic and skills I learned as a student. This promotion gives me even more enthusiasm and opportunities to work towards improving the Libraries every day. I am blessed to have this amazing opportunity and to work with some awesome people. I hope I can return the favor and do some great things for the Purdue Libraries.
My office is located in STEW 173, and I can be contacted via jlaymon@purdue.edu or 49-61552.
NuRee Lee
Assistant Professor of Library Science
Molecular Plant Sciences Information Specialist
I hail from the chilly north that is Canada. Specifically, from the city of Toronto where I have spent my life since the age of 2. My entire academic life was spent at the University of Toronto where I received a BSc in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and a graduate degree in Information Science.
With an uncommon combination of degrees, I had started my venture into finding a career I would be excited about. My luck has landed me here at Purdue University Libraries, in a position I had never dreamed possible.
Coming from a big city, I am slowly adjusting to a quieter life in Lafayette and West Lafayette. So far during my free time I have been spending extra bonding time with my dog Chopin by taking him on long walks around the area. I am also in the midst of a dilemma about whether I should subscribe to Netflix.
Being new to the American academic and non-academic sphere, I am excited to learn more about Purdue and the local community. Any guidance or tips about working in Purdue or living in Indiana would be greatly appreciated!
My office in located in LILY 031 and my contact is lee2563@purdue.edu or by phone 49-48684. Please feel free to contact at me at any time. |