In this blog post Samantha Turner, Senior Research Officer and Data Scientist, Population Data Science at Swansea University, shares with us her inspirational journey into research.
What did you do before joining Population Data Science at Swansea University?
I have always been passionate about the environment and ocean, which led me to pursue a BSc (Hons) in Marine Biology at Swansea University. After graduating, I faced challenges securing a job due to limited professional experience, and this led me to explore opportunities outside of marine sciences. In 2007, I was fortunate to secure a position as a research assistant in the School of Medicine at Swansea University. The position was a short-term contract, and although my initial intention was to return to marine sciences, I quickly developed a keen interest in health research and loved working with the team.
What sparked your interest in a career in research?
I began my career in research in 2007, the same year the SAIL databank was established. Although I was not directly involved in SAIL in the early years, I worked alongside the SAIL team, and quickly recognised its significant potential to enhance population health in Wales. The excitement around future research possibilities, utilising this world-leading data resource, sparked my interest to pursue a career in health data science.
If any, what challenges have you faced in your journey into research?
I was fortunate at the start of my journey into research, to secure my first role by convincing the interview panel that my phytoplankton modelling skills were transferable to population health modelling! Eighteen years on however, the field has become significantly more competitive, with many including myself, facing the challenge of short-term contracts and uncertainties around long-term job security.
What type of research have you worked on?
Currently, I am working on the Climate Change theme within Administrative Data Research (ADR) Wales, and I am also a co-investigator on the MAGENTA project exploring the impacts of increasing heat in the UK on pregnancy outcomes. My key aims in these roles are to harness the potential of routine data in SAIL, to generate evidence that can inform policy on 1) the health impacts of extreme weather events and 2) support a fair and inclusive transition to net zero. Previously, I worked on a wide array of projects, both EU and Welsh Government funded, focussed on injury prevention and COVID-19 research and population-level health surveillance.
What areas of research interest you? What does the future hold?
I am excited in my current role, to merge my passion for environment and health with my experience in health data science; to conduct novel research, that can inform policies and actions, with the aim to build a healthier, more sustainable future for all.
What advice would you give to someone looking at a career in research?
Many professions and backgrounds offer transferable skills that can be valuable in research, as demonstrated by our diverse team with a variety of backgrounds and pathways into research. However, as research becomes increasingly competitive, explore every opportunity to enhance your CV and demonstrate how your skills align with the specific area of research you’re interested in.
ADR Wales (Administrative Data Research Wales) is one of the 12 Centres of Excellence based in Population Data Science at Swansea University. Find out more about their work on their website.
