As the University at Buffalo’s (UB) only data services librarian, Jocelyn Swick-Jemison combines her love of teaching, technical expertise, and passion for supporting researchers in a role vital to UB’s academic mission.
Jocelyn assists UB researchers with data management guidance and education—work especially critical for those applying for federal grants that require detailed data management and sharing plans. “I help researchers develop these plans and guide them on how to share their data effectively,” she explains. As a member of Health Sciences Library Services in Abbott Library, Jocelyn collaborates closely with health sciences researchers, particularly those pursuing National Institutes of Health (NIH) grants. She also teaches and advises on best practices for data collection and storage.
Her connection to UB started when she spent several semesters at UB as an undergraduate and worked for UB Information Technology (UBIT). She returned to UB in 2018, joining the University Libraries’ Educational Services team as a part-time librarian to assist with ENG 105 instruction. Over time, she transitioned to a full-time role with Health Sciences Library Services. Being a member of the UB Libraries family is one aspect of her job that she particularly enjoys. “I love my colleagues—they make coming to work fun and fulfilling,” she says.
With a bachelor’s degree in computer information systems from Buffalo State University and a Master of Library Science from UB, Jocelyn’s academic background laid the foundation for her current role as data services librarian.
Her professional achievements include serving as a data manager for large clinical trials in breast cancer research—work that continues to contribute to published studies. Reflecting on that experience, Jocelyn says, “It’s incredibly rewarding to see the results of those trials still making an impact.” She has also presented at numerous professional conferences and recently organized and moderated a Data Symposium for the Medical Library Association’s (MLA) 2024 annual meeting. Currently, she is collaborating with colleagues on two research projects examining role transitions within academic librarianship and developing a course for MLA’s annual meeting on implementing data collection best practices for optimized analysis.
Jocelyn’s work extends to UB’s Center for Information Integrity, where she contributes to initiatives combatting misinformation and disinformation. This spring, she’ll present on health information literacy as part of UB’s reinstated Mini-Medical School program, a community outreach initiative offering an engaging introduction to healthcare and medicine.
Despite her technical focus, Jocelyn’s love of teaching remains central to her work. “I enjoy getting in front of students and leaving them more knowledgeable than they were before,” she says. Now, her teaching focuses on data management and literacy, helping students and researchers gain critical skills for success.
Originally from Niagara Falls, New York, Jocelyn grew up in Saranac Lake, a small town in the Adirondack Park, before returning to Western New York for college. She has called the region home ever since.
Jocelyn’s three sons: Dane, Luke, and Eliot.
Outside of work, Jocelyn enjoys spending time with her husband and three sons, attending concerts, playing video games, and cheering on the Buffalo Bills. A talented baker, she’s known for creating elaborate birthday cakes for her family—a passion that led her to volunteer with For Goodness Cakes, a nonprofit that makes and delivers birthday cakes for children in foster care.
Some of Jocelyn’s cake creations! Yum!
From shaping data management at UB to bringing joy through her baking, Jocelyn blends professionalism, creativity, and compassion in ways that make a lasting impact.
And here’s a little-known fun fact about Jocelyn: her parents named her after Jocelyn Guèvremont, a hockey player for the Buffalo Sabres in the 1970s.