#WeAreArity Wednesday: Patti Rodgers Read article
#WeAreArity Wednesday: Andrew Jenkins
In our #WeAreArity at home series, we shine a spotlight on Arity employees each week. Meet Andrew Jenkins from our engineering team.
When my friend asks me what it is that I do again, I say…
At Arity, I have the privilege of working for an amazing team of people across three continents brought together to accomplish a common mission. My role is to ensure our people have the support, the freedom, and means to reach their full potential.
In your own words, what is Arity?
If we start with the ‘why’… at Arity, we believe the transportation system is broken, and with our experience and expertise, we’re uniquely positioned to help. Arity is a company that is focused on creating new meaning and value from data – lots of data. Every day we are looking at how we can solve problems to make transportation safer, smarter, better.
What is your work for home set up like?
I experimented with a few layouts to start with but have finally settled on one that I’m happy with. I recently got a height-adjustable desk which has made a big difference – when standing I feel more alert and have more energy.
We all commuted into the office prior to COVID, how are you spending the extra time?
My pre-COVID commute typically involved the school run and then heading into the office during rush-hour. Now, I spend that time planning the day ahead over a large cup of coffee. The dog takes me for a walk at around 12 pm – getting into the fresh air for 20mins is good for both of us.
Most people don’t know…
That I played water-polo at club and university level for many years and captained the Ireland team during my time at Ulster University.
The theme song of my life is…
Always changing. I have many songs that bring me back to points in my life which meant something to me. From Sting to Springstein, Pink Floyd to The Alan Parsons Project.
Would you get in a self-driving car? Why or why not?
Yes! I’ve driven manual (shift-stick) most of my life so definitely time to sit back and relax.
Favorite innovation pioneer?
I have two pioneers – and for very different reasons – but both from the island of Ireland
- Professor Frank Pantridge invented the portable defibrillator. He led an amazing life – characterized by great resilience and perseverance. He was captured as a prisoner of war in 1942 while in Singapore and spent much of his time as a slave laborer on the Burma Railway. He was awarded the Military Cross. In 1950 he returned home to Belfast to work as a doctor in the Royal Victoria Hospital where he invented the portable defibrillator in 1965. His invention was used to treat US President Lyndon Johnson when he suffered a heart attack in 1972.
- Flavored potato crisps were invented by Irishman Joseph ‘Spud’ Murphy in 1954, and Tayto crisps (the phonetic spelling of the way his child pronounced the word potato) have been enjoyed the world over ever since.
