MCA's data scientists lead the way for women in STEM

Charis Doidge is the Maritime and Coastguard Agency’s Head of Data Science and Analytics, a role she says is rarely held by a woman*.

And with her manager the Chief Data Architect also a woman, the MCA is an agency defying a perceived gender gap in the data science industry. 

“I’ve rarely come across another woman in the same role,” she said. “That’s not to say we aren’t out there, but it definitely feels like a very male dominated industry.

Charis feels the role of data scientist is the 'golden unicorn', the perfect combination of her talents and interests

“It does feel special to hold the position, knowing you can potentially be a role model to the next generation in a subject that definitely falls under the STEM discipline.”

Charis is responsible for the data products which keep the agency striving towards a more informed future, collating datasets that can give confidence, proof or consistency to decision making.

She said that her team tackles three main branches in data science, data engineering and data management.

They provide data services to the agency – whether it’s an analytically ready dataset, access to records and information, new data science prototypes to answer business questions, as well as a vast array of information for internal agency use.

“We’re working on something called the Analytical Data Access (ADA) datasets – named after Ada Lovelace, a pioneering computer programmer who also happened to be a woman – which we hope is going to useful for providing efficient bespoke information, we’ll be able to answer questions about data patterns like never before,” she said.

“Our team of experts and the information that we provide can also empower the agency to make decisions to improve safety at sea.”

“Data is really fascinating. And it has so many useful applications,” Charis added. “I cut my teeth as a data scientist at the Ordnance Survey and just went from there really – I got a job and found myself with the perfect career.

“I feel like it is the golden unicorn role for me, as it is the perfect combination of what I’m good at in: programming (maths, statistics and code), design (how to present the data) and communication skills (presenting the data in a way that is useful).

“I’m genuinely passionate about data and its uses.”

But Charis did not start out motivated by science. In fact, as a child, Charis wanted to be a musical theatre actress, even going as far as applying to a top drama school.

“I definitely don’t have the classic science-led background,” she said. “And I think that’s important to share, I did history and politics as a degree not a Bachelor of Science, but I identify as a scientist professionally.

“Just because you didn’t train to do it, doesn’t mean you are discounted. If you are interested, then there are pathways.

“I can count myself as an academic too, as I have published papers for science journals. You do not need a degree in science to be a scientist. Just curiosity and a willingness to learn.”

Plans are in place for an opportunity to join the team in the Data Engineering department to be unveiled soon. Keep an eye on the Civil Service jobs website for more information.

Charis is also responsible for the MCA Data Academy, a scheme aimed at empowering colleagues to learn new data skills, from reporting, dashboarding and visualising to Data Science Apprenticeships. 

* In fact, according to a study by the Boston Consulting Group, women only make up 15 to 22 per cent of the Data Science workforce.