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Last updated on 2021-08-16.

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Megan Beckett

“Scientifically creative; creatively scientific.”

This aptly describes my philosophy and approach in my work and life.

With my unique combination of experiences and skills in analysis, research and design, I am applying myself in the world of data science and consulting. I thrive on being able to delve deep into the data whilst at the same time operating at a strategic, high level. Taking great pride in my work, I hold myself, colleagues and collaborators to high standards and strive to balance the quantitative and the qualitative in all that I do.

I thoroughly enjoy becoming engrossed in my painting. And I love to run, whether it is pushing myself hard at training for the next marathon goal or exploring new heights and trails on the mountain.

Work Experience

Senior Data Scientist

Fathom Data

Cape Town

present - 2018

  • As a consultant data scientist for several parallel projects and clients, my role is to understand the key questions, eliciting what is needed most to help solve the problems and answer the pertinent data questions.
  • This includes data analytics and research, data visualization, automated data pipelines, machine learning model design and implementation, product development for tools and dashboards.
  • Critical to my role is my mindset and ability to take ownership of projects, situations, challenges and solutions, whilst leading and mentoring junior team members.
  • Also design and run Data Science training courses and workshops.

Learning Analytics Researcher

Siyavula Education

Cape Town

2018 - 2015

  • Lead the research and data analytics for the company, through various stages of growth, projects, products and software development.
  • This included building an impact model for efficacy, monitoring and evaluation, experimental design for testing impact of features and approaches, providing data insights for strategic business questions.

Instructional and Learning Designer

Siyavula Education

Cape Town

2015 - 2012

  • Initiated several projects to: coordinate collaborative content development, conceptualize interactive learning experiences for Maths and Science; conduct national training for Subject Advisors in pedagogical content knowledge and ICT skills; research and test drivers for motivation and engagement, translating this into effective product design for our target audience.

Research Positions

My background in research and the scientific method has influenced every part of career trajectory so far: from how I approach day-to-day tasks to being continuously exploratory and curious.

Research Fellow

Institute of Education Technology

Open University, UK

2014 - 2013

  • A part-time fellowship to research several hypotheses relating to the impact of open education on teaching and learning in South Africa.
  • I also spent a 2 month period at the OU learning different qualitative and quantitative research methodologies.

Consultant

Pathology Centre

University of Cape Town

2014 - 2014

  • A part-time project consulting on learning materials, student research projects and design of the museum for the facility.

Research Fellow

Institute for Plant Protection

National Research Council, Italy

2011 - 2010

  • During my Masters, I was awarded a fellowship to spend time as a researcher in two laboratories in Rome to conduct plant physiology experiments.

Assistant Researcher

Evo-Devo Laboratory

University of Cape Town

2009 - 2009

  • Undergraduate research position.

Other involvement

I am passionate about making STEM-related fields accessible to all, whether it is encouraging more girls to take part from from an early age, or supporting other womxn, in traditionally male-dominated fields, through sharing, teaching, mentoring and creating non-threatening environments to come together.

Founder and Organiser

R-Ladies Cape Town

Cape Town

present - 2017

  • R-ladies is a worldwide organization whose mission is to promote gender diversity in the R community.
  • I co-founded the R-Ladies Cape Town chapter and organise monthly meetups, workshops and events.

Organiser

satRday

South Africa

present - 2019

  • Annual, locally organised, accessible R conferences.

South African Public Lead

Creative Commons

Global

2018 - 2017

  • Creative Commons is a nonprofit organization that helps overcome legal obstacles to the sharing of knowledge and creativity to address the world’s pressing challenges.
  • I spearheaded the activities in South Africa for 2 years as the public lead.

Organiser

OpenCon

Global

2016 - 2015

  • OpenCon is the early career professional conference and network aimed at empowering the next generation to advance on Open Access, Open Education, and Open Data.

Content Coordinator

Siyavula Education

Cape Town

2011 - 2011

  • Started volunteering at Siyavula to coordinate the content development of Science textbooks.

Education

“An education is not so much about making a living as making a person.”

― Tara Westover, Educated

Master of Science in Molecular and Cell Biology

University of Cape Town

N/A

2011 - 2010

Honours in Molecular and Cell Biology

University of Cape Town

N/A

2009 - 2009

  • Awarded degree with distinction
  • Merck Award for Best Honours Student, 2009
  • Roche Award for Best Honours Thesis in South Africa, 2009

Bachelor of Science in Chemical, Molecular and Cellular Sciences

University of Cape Town

N/A

2008 - 2006

  • Awarded degree with distinction and distinctions in triple major
  • Dean’s Merit List, 2006-2008 (top 15 % in faculty)
  • WA Gordon Jolly Award for best performance in Physiology, 2007
  • Golden Key New Member Award for Academic Excellence, 2007
  • Sasol Golden Key Excellence Award for Natural and Applied Sciences in South Africa, 2008
  • Class medals for Statistics 1, Physical Science 1, Biology 1, Genetics 2, Physiology 2, Biochemistry 3, Physiology 3

National Senior Certificate – Independent Examination Board

St Anne’s Diocesan College

N/A

2005 - 2000

  • 7 distinctions and overall aggregate of 104%.
  • Dux of school
  • IEB Top 50 in South Africa