Far from just a collection of numbers, data analysis has a huge impact on our understanding of today and our preparation for the future. For our Chief Data & Analytics Officer Cathryn Geiger, a career in data means a career of possibilities.
‘The possibilities of how much impact data can have on our work are endless. We can deliver better outcomes for farmers and for our environment with insights from data. Through data we can regulate better, we can better measure and predict changes to our landscape, and we can understand the impact of our programs and investments,’ Cathryn said.
‘I studied soil science and thought I would be an agronomist! But I love policy and I love being able to shape better outcomes for people through data insights.
‘I began work in the APS a while back starting in natural resource management. I was passionate about helping farmers improve their environmental sustainability.’
As a mentor for many herself, Cathryn understands the impact mentors have on your career.
‘Mentors are critical! Best advice I got was to say yes and be open to possibilities.’
While our journey to find innovative ways to harness data, future of data and analytics may already be here.
‘Data and analytics is already having a really positive impact. We are already predicting biosecurity risks approaching the border and focusing efforts on highest risks. We are applying artificial intelligence to images from drones to assess environmental health. We are putting data into the hands of agricultural producers so they can get their products to ports more quickly. We are tapping into traditional knowledge to better understand our landscape. There’s so much more impact we can have by using the information all around us,’ Cathryn said.
If you’re interested in a career in data and analytics Cathryn has some advice for you.
‘Be open to the experience. Make connections and make friends. And dive on in to the world of data!’