Stephanie Golob

Tell us about your work/ research. What kinds of things do you do?

As a Data Steward I'm responsible for maintaining our metadata primarily. We have hundreds of devices that get deployed and continuously stream data to our users so it's critical to track all of the related information. I work with all kinds of devices and use my biology background to help refine and curate our biological annotations to make them available to the scientific community.
 

What sparked your initial interest in your career?

I've always loved the outdoors and nature, growing up around the Great Lakes in Ontario I had a lot of opportunities to go camping and hiking and immerse myself in nature. When I was in high school I had a great biology teacher who inspired me to pursue a degree in university. During my undergrad I became more interested in ecology and conservation and eventually decided to pursue a Master's degree in marine biology. In those two years of my master's degree I got hands on experience in the ocean studying in different research stations all over Europe and I haven't looked back!
 

Who influenced you or encouraged you the most?

My family. There's definitely been influence from teachers, colleagues and classmates along the way, but I wouldn't be where I am without the support of my parents and siblings.
 

What element of your work/ study do you think is the most fascinating?

Supporting expeditions, it's great to see everyone's hard work come together and seeing all of the marine life is a huge bonus.
 

How did you get involved with Ocean Exploration Trust? How did you become part of the expedition team?

As a Data Steward at Ocean Networks Canada I have the opportunity to participate in expeditions.
 

What other jobs led you to your current career?

I started my career as a Reporting Scientist for Gardline Ltd., I analyzed data from offshore surveys in the UK and reported my findings for various clients. After Gardline I moved to the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust to work as a Research Officer studying natural flood management in rural England. After a brief stint working in freshwater environments, I joined the Joint Nature Conservation Committee as a Marine Ecologist working in the Marine Protected Areas team. I moved back to Canada in 2021 after several years in the UK and in 2022 I decided to enroll in a Data Science program to learn how to code in python and run machine learning algorithms. In November 2022 I joined Ocean Networks Canada as a Data Steward.
 

What are your degrees and certifications?

Bachelor of Science Biological Sciences - University of Windsor 2012
Master of Science Marine Biodiversity and Conservation - Ghent University 2016
Diploma Data Science - BrainStation 2022
 

What are your hobbies?

I love sports, playing and watching them. I'm an avid soccer play/fan (vamos Argentina!), I play basketball, hike, surf, snowboard. I also play the guitar and drums in my free time. And I try to travel whenever possible!
 

What advice would you give someone who wants to have a career like yours?

Don't be afraid to take chances and make mistakes. Most career paths aren't as straightforward as they might seem. Try and diversify your skill set, coding, certifications, etc. and be open minded to opportunities you never know where they could take you!