Recently, we spoke with Stephen Dowsland, our Senior Data Scientist at the Hartree Centre North East Hub. Stephen is a fantastic Data Scientist, you may have met him at one of our events or when exploring our Collaborative Data Projects offering.

Interview with Stephen, Senior Data Scientist at the Hartree Centre North East Hub

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Can you tell us about your role?

My role at the Hartree Centre North East Hub is to lead and deliver the programme of collaborative data projects that enable business to work with us to solve a business problem they are facing by using data. I am a Senior Data Scientist at the National Innovation Centre for Data, which is based out of Newcastle University.

On a day-to-day basis my role means meeting with businesses to discuss their potential projects, support them in shaping their ideas and, of course, working with successful businesses in delivering their projects.

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What is your favourite part of your role?  

We meet so many people that are passionate and knowledgeable about their business but are frustrated by the challenge of embracing data science and related technology in a way that is approachable, relevant and effective. My favourite part of the role is seeing the impact we can have on the businesses that we work with.

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What advice do you have?

First all, get in touch! We’re always happy to talk to people about their data needs. Even if our programme is not suitable, we may know of something else. When it comes to working with the Hartree Centre North East Hub specifically, if you’re not too sure on where to start I’d recommend attending some of our workshop events as they can give you a great introduction into getting started with data and learning about the art of the possible. Hopefully that would then trigger your thinking about how data science/engineering can help solve your particular domain or business problem.

It can be very easy to be distracted by the next big technology which promises to be a silver bullet and there can be a fear from missing out when you see others utilising it. However the best general advice is to stay focussed on your particular problem and finding the right solution to that.

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What is a fun fact about you?  

I grew up in a farming family in Yorkshire and never imagined in my wildest dreams that one day I’d be a Data Scientist. I don’t even think that job existed back then!

I’m passionate about learning new things, especially if it involves technology. I’d love to see some AgriTech based projects come through the programme!

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