Career Story: Marine Data Scientist

My career began with a deep passion for the ocean, which led me to study Oceanography and then pursue a PhD at the University of East Anglia. After my doctorate, I developed climate models to predict future drought scenario, a project that introduced me to the fascinating world of big data. I quickly discovered how much I enjoyed working with large, complex datasets. 

For the next ten years, I worked at the British Oceanographic Centre in Liverpool, including working very closely with the British Antarctic Survey. This position opened the door to international collaborations and gave me a broader perspective on marine science and data sharing. 

My move to the Marine Institute in Ireland was the start of my leadership journey. I led the data management team, building a group of ten people and working on numerous Horizon Europe and international projects. I also collaborated with the UN and UNESCO, helping to get data systems accredited and contributing to performance reviews for the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC).  

After several years, I decided to explore something completely different and joined a multinational consumer goods company. 

There, I established a data and insights team within the sustainability division, focusing on carbon impact forecasting and product carbon footprint labelling. This transition was a steep learning curve, but it revealed the real-world application of science: how to translate complex data into compelling stories and practical tools for corporate reporting. 

I then returned to marine science with renewed purpose. Now, I’m working with a wide range of organisations to help to tackle big challenges such as plastic pollution, marine mammal protection, biodiversity monitoring, and creating flagship data products.   

What has stayed with me throughout my career is a willingness to constantly learn. I like to understand what went wrong and improve, rather than discard ideas. I’ve learned the value of stepping outside your immediate domain and finding people who inspire you. It’s about finding the leader you want to be and thinking about mentorship, including through organisations like IMarEST.  

My advice? Don’t close doors. Even if you don’t find the right job at the right time, look for something else. You can take those skills and come back stronger. Also. one phrase that stuck with me from a CEO I worked with is: “It’s a career adventure, not a career journey.” That’s exactly how I see it.