- Ph.D., Ecology and Evolutionary Biology, the University of Colorado at Boulder
- 15+ years industry experience
- Currently Data Scientist, at Sensor Ixio Analytics
Taryn Morris is a data scientist and educator based in Cape Town, South Africa. Her broad experience in research, teaching, communication, and policy equips her to approach problem-solving with multiple lenses to find implementable solutions to any given problem. She holds a Ph.D. in Ecology and Evolutionary Biology from the University of Colorado at Boulder, as well as an MSc in Environmental Policy and Economics from Bard College and an MSc in Ecology from the University of Witwatersrand.
Before transitioning into her current role in data science consultancy, Dr. Morris worked in academia and research for 15 years. Her previous experiences include working as a teaching assistant and logistics coordinator at the Organisation for Tropical Studies in South Africa and as an invasive biologist consultant at La Selva Biological Station in Costa Rica. From 2015 to 2018, Dr. Morris was Coastal Seabird Conservation Manager at BirdLife South Africa.
Since 2018, Dr. Morris has been a data scientist at Ixio Analytics, a data science advisory service that specializes in data and management information, advanced analytics, and machine learning. Dr. Morris strives to use her experiences and positions to enhance the inclusion of all genders, races, and cultures into the world of research and data. She believes that “by including original minds, we can generate original solutions to the increasing environmental, social, and economic problems we face as a global community.”
When asked what changes she foresees in the data science field over the next few years, Dr. Morris said:
“There will be a lot more automation of data science and machine learning tasks. This is why it is critical for up and coming data scientists to focus on a broader range of skills other than coding. Anybody can learn to write code. There are a zillion learning sources on the internet. A zillion. What makes a good data scientist is critical and creative thinking as well as effective communication.”
Q&A with Taryn:
What are you working on now?
Instead of having a specific focus, my work entails working on all kinds of different projects and problems. To me, this is the most exciting part of it, because I am constantly learning new skills or about different sectors.
One part of my work that I enjoy is the upskilling of in-house staff at the company’s we are work with to be able to read, run and even write code for themselves. Leaving someone new empowered and excited by data science on each project is a real win.
What do you enjoy most about the Data Science industry?
It is always advancing, so there is always something to learn and skills to grow.
I’ve always said if I won the lottery I would just go to school forever. So I suppose in a way data science is like winning the lottery 🙂
Why did you decide to get involved with teaching and how do you continue to keep things fresh?
I started my career in academia and teaching was the thing I enjoyed more than anything else. Despite transitioning out of academia, I still get to teach. It’s a win-win. Keeping things fresh is easy, data science is constantly advancing so there is always something new to learn and teach.
Taryn with her son, Noah
2019 was your first time with us. What did you enjoy about it most, and what did you learn from the experience?
I enjoyed the student’s immense joy and pride at the end of the course at having produced brilliant and valuable pieces of work during their internships. The realization that they could now “data science” was fantastic. I learnt everyone has different strengths, a good teacher should try to unearth these and let them bedazzle.
What are you most looking forward to about Career Semester this fall? How will you be switching it up?
New people, new stories, new adventures. Anybody can learn to write code. There are a zillion learning sources on the internet. A zillion. What makes a good data scientist is critical and creative thinking as well as effective communication. This summer, I hope to integrate exercising these skills a little more into our coding sessions.
How do you see the Data Science industry changing in the next year to five years? What skills will professionals need to hone?
There will be a lot more automation of data science and machine learning tasks. This is why it is critical for up and coming data scientists to focus on a broader range of skills other than coding.
What skills will Career Semester students have after graduating from your class?
Students will be able to critically assess a problem, creatively construct a solution, elegantly code, and effectively communicate the valuable insights. We will be focusing on the whole package.
What’s one piece of advice that you have for the Career Semester class of 2020?
Don’t be afraid to say I don’t know, or I’m struggling. Chances are five other people are feeling the same way. And there is ALWAYS help at hand.
What would students be surprised to learn about you?
I represented South Africa for the SA Ultimate Frisbee Women’s team in the World Champs 2016 in London. I have also been to Antarctica!
What song do you know all the lyrics to?
Does Twinkle Twinkle count? Okay fine, Vanilla Ice – Ice Ice Baby
