BLOG: Decoding Food Authenticity: Life as a Data Scientist KTP Associate
Why is a Data Scientist wearing a lab coat? Stephanie Beck shares her KTP journey with food authenticity testing company, Bia Analytical, and delves into the distinctive role of a KTP Associate.
I started my KTP Associate journey in February 2022 when I applied for the role of Data Scientist on a 24-month collaborative project between Queen’s University Belfast and leading UK food authentication testing laboratory, Bia Analytical. I graduated in Biomedical Science from Ulster University and completed my Masters in Bioinformatics and Computational Genomics at Queen’s University Belfast.
The focus of my project is to develop advanced software engineering and statistical modelling techniques to develop and validate models for testing food authenticity.
Why did KTP appeal to you?
I felt like KTP was a good opportunity to further enhance my skills and knowledge after I completed my Masters. I felt this job would also allow me to apply my skills within a new field. There was also potential for growth as there are development funds, which can range from building upon your own technical skills or attending conference to further excel your career.
A typical day as a KTP Associate
The day-to-day experience as an Associate is quite dynamic, as no two days are the same! As there are many elements to my project, it can sometimes feel hard to fit it all in. A typical week would usually begin with a meeting between myself and my company supervisor to set out our plan for the week and address any hurdles I may have encountered. KTP projects have a workplan which is agreed upon before the project begins. This framework provides a roadmap for my responsibilities throughout the project, though there's room for flexibility if the main objectives are met. With the ability to alter the workplan, I am allowed to add my own innovative ideas into the company, some of which are starting to be integrated within the company.
Aside from my core objective of developing advanced predictive models for Bia Analytical's food ingredient testing and analysis, my day-to-day can include a variety of additional tasks. For instance, I've been actively involved in crafting fresh training resources, leading workshops, preparing presentations, and compiling manuals to skill up fellow team members. I've also taken on the role of recording meeting minutes—an entirely new experience for me. Every day brings something different however, I do have deadlines to meet to make sure targets are reached in time, however these can be altered or changed in certain circumstances.
Has KTP provided any unique opportunities?
Although it isn’t too often, I have had the opportunity to go to different conferences and even present at one. It was an opportunity I never thought I would get, and it has been such a big learning curve! Public speaking was a always a source of nervousness for me, and although the audience was small, taking that step marked the initial building block in my journey towards addressing larger groups, which I hope to do in the future.
Another great opportunity I had was to meet Professor Dame Ottoline Leyser, the Chief Executive of UK Research and Innovation. It was an opportunity to present to the funding body how the project is progressing alongside meeting other KTP Associates from across Northern Ireland.
Company and academic support
On certain days, as I mentioned, the workload can become quite demanding. During those moments, it is helpful to have the support of your company and academic supervisors as well as your Knowledge Transfer Advisor (KTA). They are always incredibly supportive in those times. I can talk to them about any issues with the project or potential training opportunities and support is given where needed.
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