5 answers
Grace
Student
Poughkeepsie, New York
2
Questions
Asked
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How do I combine data science and marine bio in a career?
How do I combine data science and marine bio in a career? Right now I'm in college pursuing an undergraduate degree in applied mathematics with a focus in biology and data science but I was wondering what careers combine data science and marine biology because I know they work together but you can't find many examples of that. Also would there be any careers where I could work with the data but also be in the field and collecting it?
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5 answers
Russell Macdonald FRSA MBCS MICRS
Chief Technologist
3
Answers
England, England, United Kingdom
Updated
Russell’s Answer
You've made a great decision to combine marine biology with math and data science because understanding ocean ecosystems is essential to understanding climate change, and the importance of accurate data collection, analytics and machine learning in this area cannot be understated. Data science is not yet a mature discipline in marine biology and earth sciences, primarily because marine scientists and data scientists have been considered two separate disciplines. Data is heterogeneous, widely distributed and inconsistent quality, so being a marine biologist who has a solid grounding in data science and analytics will be hugely beneficial to your career.
What we are seeing in industries of all kinds across the world is a recognition of how pivotal data is in our modern age, and therefore more and more businesses and organizations are looking to develop data skills among their workforce, even in non-technical roles.
If you were to go on to a postgraduate research degree, you would also build up an understanding of research methods, what data sources currently exist and where the opportunities for new research, aided by data science, are. This would demonstrate to future employers your broad understanding of marine biology, combined with your data skills.
As a marine biologist in the field, you might be working on other people's research projects at first, collecting data from the field. Your data science knowledge will help you understand what data to collect, what methods to use and how to cleanse and process the raw data so you can present your findings. As you progress, you will likely go on to run your own research projects. You won't always be able to both collect and analyze the data on every research project, and if you are the principal investigator you will want to remain as objective as possible which may require you to be 'hands off' from data collection and some of the analysis.
What we are seeing in industries of all kinds across the world is a recognition of how pivotal data is in our modern age, and therefore more and more businesses and organizations are looking to develop data skills among their workforce, even in non-technical roles.
If you were to go on to a postgraduate research degree, you would also build up an understanding of research methods, what data sources currently exist and where the opportunities for new research, aided by data science, are. This would demonstrate to future employers your broad understanding of marine biology, combined with your data skills.
As a marine biologist in the field, you might be working on other people's research projects at first, collecting data from the field. Your data science knowledge will help you understand what data to collect, what methods to use and how to cleanse and process the raw data so you can present your findings. As you progress, you will likely go on to run your own research projects. You won't always be able to both collect and analyze the data on every research project, and if you are the principal investigator you will want to remain as objective as possible which may require you to be 'hands off' from data collection and some of the analysis.
Caryn Conklin
Project Manager for large computer sales opportunities.
19
Answers
Key West, Florida
Updated
Caryn’s Answer
Your insights on this unique blend of disciplines are truly inspiring! When I was exploring academic programs, I had some basic knowledge of computers, but my mountainous surroundings left me with little understanding of the oceanic world. Now, as an advanced certified diver living in a coastal community, I'm deeply conscious of the environmental effects on our oceans. This fusion of professions offers a powerful approach to scrutinize what's happening in and to our oceans, and to convey this reality to others through well-crafted information presentations.
Data analytics, in and of itself, is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. In earlier times, Computer Science was more of a broad spectrum, but it's now brimming with specialized study areas, one of which is data analytics. This field has earned considerable acclaim, inviting you to explore it as a unique specialty. Data analytics involves handling enormous quantities of data, spotting trends and interesting points, and then visually illustrating the information in a manner that makes it easier for others to comprehend.
In my locality, until about a decade ago, everyone relied on home-based septic tanks that gradually seeped human waste into the ocean. This waste was altering the ocean's acidity and composition as the population increased. However, thanks to the joint efforts of the government, a nonprofit marine biology institute, and a commercial water company, there's been a substantial (and costly) shift in the way human waste is handled. As a result, the shallower coastal waters are witnessing a resurgence in their fish populations.
People with the kind of experience and expertise you're acquiring were present in all three sectors - government, nonprofit, and for-profit. You might not find job postings that perfectly match your skill set, but I'd suggest starting with one aspect, say, marine biology; identify relevant organizations and then begin exploring and inquiring about specialized requirements, for instance, in data science.
Research government, nonprofit and commercial companies for their objectives, projects, and job openings
Reach out to some of these entities to look for internship opportunities to 'get your foot in the door'
Data analytics, in and of itself, is a dynamic and rapidly evolving field. In earlier times, Computer Science was more of a broad spectrum, but it's now brimming with specialized study areas, one of which is data analytics. This field has earned considerable acclaim, inviting you to explore it as a unique specialty. Data analytics involves handling enormous quantities of data, spotting trends and interesting points, and then visually illustrating the information in a manner that makes it easier for others to comprehend.
In my locality, until about a decade ago, everyone relied on home-based septic tanks that gradually seeped human waste into the ocean. This waste was altering the ocean's acidity and composition as the population increased. However, thanks to the joint efforts of the government, a nonprofit marine biology institute, and a commercial water company, there's been a substantial (and costly) shift in the way human waste is handled. As a result, the shallower coastal waters are witnessing a resurgence in their fish populations.
People with the kind of experience and expertise you're acquiring were present in all three sectors - government, nonprofit, and for-profit. You might not find job postings that perfectly match your skill set, but I'd suggest starting with one aspect, say, marine biology; identify relevant organizations and then begin exploring and inquiring about specialized requirements, for instance, in data science.
Caryn recommends the following next steps:
Karin P.
Lecturer
378
Answers
Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa
Updated
Karin’s Answer
Hi Grace,
I think this is a phantastic combination. All kinds of industries and scientific fields are currently looking for data scientists. If you look at open PhD or postdoc positions in any field, most are looking for someone who also knows data, coding, machine learning etc. For the future, this knowledge will become even more important as people are trying to catch up with the developments.
I think you would be in a good place for an academic career if that's where you want to go. But there will also be openings in industry or in the non-profit sector including environmental protection and climate change.
The good thing about your combination is that you can always take the data scientist part and work almost anywhere if you find yourself without a job in your primary field for a while. Such a "second leg" is so valuable especially if you embark on an academic career which has no safety net.
Good luck!
KP
I think this is a phantastic combination. All kinds of industries and scientific fields are currently looking for data scientists. If you look at open PhD or postdoc positions in any field, most are looking for someone who also knows data, coding, machine learning etc. For the future, this knowledge will become even more important as people are trying to catch up with the developments.
I think you would be in a good place for an academic career if that's where you want to go. But there will also be openings in industry or in the non-profit sector including environmental protection and climate change.
The good thing about your combination is that you can always take the data scientist part and work almost anywhere if you find yourself without a job in your primary field for a while. Such a "second leg" is so valuable especially if you embark on an academic career which has no safety net.
Good luck!
KP
Rafael Reyes
Network Engineer / Architech
9
Answers
Pembroke Pines, Florida
Updated
Rafael’s Answer
That’s a very specialized an interesting career that you choose. I think it will be geared towards working with privates or government organizations like the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Here is an Human Resources link under the contact us section of the website. https://www.noaa.gov/contact-us . Try to reach out and explore opportunities. The Coast Guard may have openings for enlisted or civilians. Check with your college’s placement department for internships or coop opportunities.
Rudy Padre
Corporate Business Sales of AT&T Services
5
Answers
San Ramon, California
Updated
Rudy’s Answer
Check out this fascinating summary of the publication "Big Data in Marine Science". It will provide you with a deeper understanding of the role of data science in Marine Science: https://www.marineboard.eu/publications/big-data-marine-science. Here's a snippet from the publication: "To create solutions for major societal problems, we increasingly need comprehensive, cross-disciplinary analyses that break down traditional barriers between disciplines and sectors. To reach these objectives, we must embrace digitalization and the use of big data in marine science."
In essence, anyone involved in research or data collection in Marine Biology will appreciate the hurdles in gathering the most precise data possible. Therefore, having Data Sciences as a skill can significantly boost your CV or resume. It can also broaden your job options in your chosen field, making your career journey more exciting and fulfilling.
Meet and continue to consult with a career guidance counselor at your college, asking for advice on possible graduate level programs, or jobs available once your earn your undergraduate degree.
In essence, anyone involved in research or data collection in Marine Biology will appreciate the hurdles in gathering the most precise data possible. Therefore, having Data Sciences as a skill can significantly boost your CV or resume. It can also broaden your job options in your chosen field, making your career journey more exciting and fulfilling.
Rudy recommends the following next steps: