Why Rust? Unlocking Digital Humanities Potential

This introductory session explores how Rust, a modern, efficient, and safe programming language, enhances Digital Humanities research. Participants will discover real-world applications and understand how Rust can be learned through a tailored, accessible curriculum.

Presenter Marianne Goldin will share insights from her personal journey with Rust, offering practical steps for beginners.

Goals:
1) Learn what Rust is and why it’s relevant for Digital Humanities
2) See practical examples of how Rust can support text and data work in research
3) Discover accessible ways to start learning Rust

Audience: Digital humanities researchers, graduate students, research engineers
Technical requirements: Some programming experience
Duration: 60 minutes
Equipment: none

PRESENTER BIO:

Marianne Goldin is a backend and systems software engineer based in Seattle, Washington, specializing in memory-safe systems programming with Rust, applied cryptography, and distributed networks. She advocates for clean coding practices, open-source mentorship, and inclusive technological education communities. As part of the Rust Foundation Community team, she co-edits the widely read This Week in Rust newsletter, helping to inform and connect the global Rust community.

Driven by her personal commitment to broadening access to technology, Goldin draws on her own non-traditional path into tech to support others. She is committed to flattening the computer science learning curve and dismantling systemic barriers to industry entry. She is recognized as an impassioned and committed mentor with Mentors in Tech and CodeDay, guiding students through practical projects and in their career development, aiming to reduce systemic barriers in the computer science education pipeline.

Goldin is the founder of the arts nonprofit Src Material, supporting emerging new media art practices informed by technological innovation. Together with a team of mentors, their work bridges technical research and artistic communities, exploring intersections between digital culture, speculative tech, and conceptual art.