Spotlight on Carol Brereton: From Academic Research to Data Science Innovation
At Qube Technologies, we are driven by a team of passionate and talented individuals dedicated to pushing the boundaries of technology and environmental science. This month, we shine the spotlight on Carol Brereton, a Senior Data Scientist whose journey from academic research to practical innovation is truly inspiring.
From Academia to Industry: A Natural Transition
Carol's journey began with a degree in mechanical engineering from the University of Ottawa. Her interest in emissions and environmental science was sparked by a meeting with her favorite professor, Matt Johnson, who offered her a research project instead of just a recommendation letter. This project focused on localizing emission sources from sparse sensor measurements, laying the groundwork for her future endeavors.
She continued her studies at Carleton University under Dr. Johnson's supervision, where she worked on modeling fugitive emissions. Her research progressed from localization to simultaneous localization and quantification, leading to the publication of several papers. A few years ago, an unexpected email from Alex at Qube Technologies offered Carol the opportunity to apply her research in a practical setting, and she eagerly accepted.
Life at Qube Technologies
As a Senior Data Scientist at Qube Technologies, Carol’s primary role involves creating, testing, and improving models for processing data to deliver insights to customers. Her work goes beyond developing models; she also focuses on cleaning and filtering data to ensure the accuracy and reliability of the results.
A typical day for Carol includes writing code, testing hypotheses, brainstorming with team members, and even finding time to read the latest literature. She describes her job as a fast-paced version of grad school, enjoying the thrill of real-world application and problem-solving.
Proud Achievements and Challenges
One of Carol’s proudest achievements at Qube is developing the first client-facing version of a continuous localization and quantification model. This project was a significant milestone, transitioning from internal research code to a functional model used by clients. Despite the challenges of limited data, computational constraints, and working with a third-party platform, Carol’s efforts resulted in a model that remains a core component of Qube’s production system.
Throughout her career, Carol has faced various challenges, particularly in obtaining sufficient data for testing and dealing with the complexities of modeling real-world phenomena. She emphasizes the importance of accepting that there is no perfect solution and the necessity of making trade-offs. Collaborating with a diverse team and leveraging their expertise has been crucial in overcoming these challenges.
Advice for Aspiring Data Scientists
Carol advises aspiring data scientists to find what they truly value and align their work with those values. For her, the motivation to reduce emissions is a driving force. She also encourages a willingness to experiment and learn from failures, as every attempt provides valuable insights that can be applied to future projects.
Fun Facts and Personal Interests
Outside of her professional life, Carol has some unique and interesting hobbies. One of her fun facts is that she has made maple syrup from scratch, a tradition she enjoyed growing up in the Canadian countryside. Another intriguing tidbit is that she spent a summer speaking only classical Latin as a reward for finishing her PhD, even taking a tour of Hadrian's Villa in Latin.
Carol Brereton’s journey from academic research to her impactful role at Qube Technologies is a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, and collaboration. Her work in data science is not only advancing technology but also making a tangible difference in the fight against emissions. We are proud to have Carol as part of our team, and we look forward to the continued innovations and insights she will bring to Qube Technologies.