Information Technology Services (ITS)
IT@UofT People — Pauline Alzner
Published on: November 24, 2025
The backbone of any successful team is its hard-working people. The University of Toronto’s information technology professionals are no exception. IT@UofT is made up of a diverse range of people with an even greater diversity in their interests and talents.
In this segment, entitled “IT@UofT People,” we will get to know our IT@UofT community across all three campuses and find out more about their hidden or not-so-hidden talents and/or pursuits outside of work.
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Department: Division of Student Life
Title: Technology and AV Support Specialist
How long have you worked at U of T?
I have worked at U of T since I graduated high school — so almost 15 years now. Over those years, I have worked in different faculties, departments and roles but I have been with the Division of Student Life for about seven years now.
What is your secret or not-so-secret talent or hobby outside of work?
My hobby that is not-so-secret to my colleagues who have to hear me talking about it all the time is mountain biking.
How and why did you get involved in this hobby?
I’ve always enjoyed being outside, whether I’m camping, rock climbing or biking. About eight years ago, my colleague would bring their mountain bike into the office and go for rides on the Don Valley trails after work. It was then that I felt motivated to get back into mountain biking, so I joined a group. Fast forward to present day, I am still riding with this group, taking part in point of view videos and I have advanced to riding technical double-black and pro line trails all over North America.
Do you have any professional training?
I have been taught by the riders in my group and they are professionals, so I will say yes — I have had professional training! I also spend a lot of time training on my own — practicing and learning how to advance my technical skills on the trail. This includes sketchy downhills with lots of roots and drops, learning how to fix bike mechanical failures and riding over skinny log bridges that are 4 feet above the ground (though it feels higher when you are on it!).
Do you have any outstanding memories or accomplishments from this hobby?
I recently travelled with a few other riders to Québec, where we rode trail systems such as Sentiers du Moulin, Vallée Bras-du-Nord, Empire 47 and Le Massif. The trails had kilometres of climbing and descents, rock slabs and technical features that I have never experienced before and the views were amazing. We got to ride beside waterfalls and take a gondola to the top of the mountain to ride the downhill trails. I consider it an accomplishment that my legs were able to survive all that climbing!
Who/what are your inspirations?
The group that I ride with inspires me. We motivate, tease and inspire each other every ride. When you ride with a group long enough, you get to know what everyone’s challenges are and what they want to improve on. Some days when I feel too tired or too sore, I see that everyone in the group has the same excuses but are out there riding. We all have different lifestyles and responsibilities, but at the end of the day, we all get out and ride. For me, it’s my moment of de-stressing. As we like to say, “Stress less, ride more!”
Is there anything else you would like to add?
Being on a bike has helped me grow so much confidence and resilience that reflects in all aspects of my life, including my work. For anyone wanting to start mountain biking, just remember: Always wear a helmet, look where you want to go, check it before you wreck it, and accept that falling is part of learning. I’m still learning because I still fall…sometimes!