#MeetOurTeam – Anais

You work as a Data Scientist, what does that entail?

Well, I don't think there's a comprehensive job description, but in short, I aim to provide insights and value from data.

What technologies/tools do you work with?

On a daily basis, I work with Python and various Machine Learning (ML) libraries, the programming language R, cloud platforms, and other technologies if our clients request them.

What does your typical workday look like?

In projects, I typically divide my time: 45% is spent on data analysis, including data extraction, model creation, interpretation, and presenting results (reports, dashboards, figures). 25% is spent on finding new solutions. Technology evolves every day, so our methods are continually updated.

A crucial aspect of being a data scientist is communication: it's important to communicate with a broad range of stakeholders. The remaining 30% of the time is therefore spent with the team/clients/in meetings.

What's the best part about working at Cegal?

"Here, I would definitely say it's the Cegal team. When you need help brainstorming ideas, there are always technological superheroes willing to assist!"

Anais

Why did you choose to become a Data Scientist? What do you need to know to be a Data Scientist?

I started my journey in data science and machine learning while working on research projects that involved a lot of data. At that time, I was a researcher in climate change, involving mathematical modeling and predictions.

Parallel to academia, I was involved in the startup ecosystem. When I left academia, I began applying my methods and knowledge of data science to other subjects and in business through startups. I like that you have to be interdisciplinary to be a data scientist.

What typical projects are you part of as a Data Scientist? What do you help the customer with?

My job is to solve business-related problems using data and data-driven techniques. To do that, the problem to be solved or the customer's real needs must be well understood. Then, data is collected, cleaned, transformed, and so on. In this phase, we look for order and patterns in data, as well as discovering trends that can help the bottom line of the business. Models are then created, and the hypothesis is tested.

Throughout this process, communication and collaboration with both IT and business are crucial. A data science project never really ends, as all our models continue to run and require maintenance, and they change from time to time.

Human Algorithms is a term that many may not have heard before, but it's essential in your field. What are your thoughts on Human Algorithms?

Our work can, in some cases, have significant economic and social consequences. On our journey to creating data models, we can introduce bias, be misled by data, and interpretation can be incorrect.

It's important to remember that, regardless of the outcomes an algorithm provides, the decision to take action based on this is a 100% human decision. Therefore, we as Data Scientists must always keep these considerations in mind in our work.

You are part of Cegal's Tech Advisory Board, what is that? And how is it being a part of it?

The Tech Advisory Board (TAB) is a group of Cegal technologists/experts representing as broad a spectrum as possible within our fields. Our goal is to help the organization with trends, mapping technology development needs, and identifying new technology or market opportunities. The results from TAB meetings are intended, among other things, to provide an overview of all the expertise available in Cegal and indicate possible changes in Tech that may be interesting for Cegal to delve into.

Participating in this is very exciting and rewarding, as we get to work with and have a direct impact on the direction our company takes technologically.

As a technology expert, which technologies do you think are hot right now? And which do you think we should keep a close eye on in the future?

"Technology is a tool; the importance lies in the potential for someone to use it and/or learn it. I believe Cegal has many excellent experts who can work together with a wide range of technologies. Our technological superheroes and expert teams are, in my view, the key to success in Cegal"

Anais

At Cegal, we work on meaningful projects. Over the past year, we have worked with Kripos to combat child sexual abuse online. You are part of this project. How is it?

Finally, what is your superpower?

I can walk through walls! Just kidding, what I mean is that I don't let myself be stopped by obstacles, so if there's a wall blocking my way, I will always find a door or a window to continue where I'm heading.