A month in the life of the new DLO

Written by Rachel Stroud

Given how fast time has flown already, I feel I should properly introduce myself and give you an insight into my first month as the newly appointed Data & Liaison Officer for the NBN Trust.

What is your background before joining the NBN Trust?
Shortly after graduating from Bangor University with a BSc in Zoology, with Marine Zoology, I started working for the RSPB, as their England Data Manager.  This role involved supporting project staff with data management activities, developing processes and procedures to make data flow easier from point of collection through to end use and coordinating the UK National Swift Inventory, submitting an annual dataset to the NBN Gateway. 
Having been a data provider to the NBN Gateway, and also collecting data though the BTO led Wetland Bird Survey as well as carrying out research in western Greenland studying the endangered Greenland White-fronted Geese, I find myself extremely excited to now be in a position to assist, support and encourage others to share their data and demonstrate the opportunities that well managed data provides. 

Where are you based?
I am currently based on the Isle of Anglesey in North Wales and the NBN Community has made me feel instantly welcome, with invites on LinkedIn and a host of welcoming emails already.  For me, the strength of the NBN Community is its geographic dispersion and the combined effort of all those involved to make such a unique and powerful resource covering such a diverse area.

What have you been up to during your first 6 weeks?
My first week saw me attending the NBN Trust’s ‘Extraordinary General Meeting’ providing the perfect opportunity to meet many of the partners of the NBN, and participate in interesting discussions around the future direction of the NBN and the NBN Gateway.  I have also met with the NBN Gateway Development Team in Peterborough to develop my understanding of the various iterations of the NBN Gateway to date.
It has been a real pleasure to meet many representatives of the LERC network, both in face to face meetings and at an Indicia Training day, as well as via communications over email. 
I had a fantastic three days representing the NBN at the brilliant EcoBuild show in London demonstrating the NBN Gateway and discussing the role of the NBN to planners, architects, builders, ecologists and the general public.  A really interesting few days, and a great opportunity to see just how varied the interest in the NBN is. 

What are your plans for the next couple of months?
Over the coming months I will be expanding my knowledge of the work of Local Record Centres and National Schemes and Societies and the challenges they face.  If you run a LERC or NSS and are interested in arranging a meeting, please do not hesitate to get in touch, it would be great to meet you!
I am talking at the first Greater Manchester LERC Recorders' Conference, attending the NFBR Conference in April, and presenting at the Spatial Ecology and Conservation Conference in June.  I am also involved with the Scottish Biodiversity Information Forum and UK Environmental Observation Forum, both of which are carrying out some fascinating work at the moment.  I am looking forward to meeting many more data providers and data users and to starting discussions around the future direction of the NBN Gateway and the NBN.

I would like to thank all of you who have made contact so far, and I look forward to meeting those of you whose paths I have not crossed yet!
 
 

Web design by Red Paint