March is Women’s History Month and ITS is celebrating by highlighting Carolina women in technology. All month long, ITS News will share profiles and Q&As to share the breadth and diversity of the Tar Heel women-in-IT experience. For the full list of profiles and to read some ways to get involved, visit Celebrating Women’s History Month with Carolina women in IT.
Tell us about your current role and what you do.
In my current role as a data steward at the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI), I’m deeply involved in enhancing data management practices to adhere to FAIR principles — which stands for making data findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable. I’m actively involved in two major projects: the NIH HEAL Data Stewardship Group (HEAL Stewards) and UNC’s READDI-AC (Rapidly Emerging Antiviral Drug Development Initiative). The HEAL Stewards aim to provide data management best practices and resources for investigators funded by the NIH HEAL Initiative to improve treatments for opioid addiction and pain management, while READDI-AC is dedicated to averting global viral catastrophes by developing broad-spectrum antiviral drugs as part of a three-pronged pandemic preparedness strategy. My role bridges the gap between data-centric research outcomes and technological applications, ensuring that data is leveraged to its fullest potential for impactful research discoveries.
What path led you to IT and where you are now?
My journey into IT and data stewardship began in academia, where I spent five years coordinating research studies in exercise science. Seeking a change and career progression, I transitioned to a clinical research organization (CRO) and spent time working as a clinical trials assistant. This role, while commercially oriented, offered valuable insights into data and document management within research trials, albeit with a realization that my passion extended beyond what I could achieve at the CRO. My unique blend of research coordination experience and data management skills followed a natural path to my current data stewardship role at RENCI. This transition reflects my continuous quest for roles that not only offer professional growth but also align with my passion for leveraging data in scientific research.
About Liezl Mae Fos
Liezl Mae Fos is a data steward at the Renaissance Computing Institute (RENCI) at UNC-Chapel Hill. She earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in exercise physiology from UNC Greensboro.
With an eclectic background spanning research coordination and a pivotal role in a clinical research organization, her transition to IT epitomizes adaptability and a commitment to impactful innovation in maximizing digital assets.
What excites you about the future of your field?
The ever-evolving nature of technology and its application in data stewardship fills me with excitement for the future of this field. The rapid pace of technological advancements ensures that there is always something new on the horizon, from cutting-edge tools to innovative workflow processes. This constant innovation fuels my creativity and problem-solving skills. What excites me most is the opportunity to work closely with researchers — understanding their needs and translating these into technical requirements for software engineers and developers. This collaborative effort in creating new tools not only enhances the research process, but also embodies the creative and dynamic essence of data stewardship. The potential to significantly impact research outcomes through improved data management and technological solutions is truly exhilarating.
Have you had a mentor in your career or someone else who made a difference for you?
Yes, I’ve been fortunate to have a mentor who has significantly shaped my professional journey. During my internship at a research lab, I worked under the guidance of Leanna Ross, a postdoc at the time. More than just a supervisor, Dr. Ross was a pivotal figure in both my career development and personal growth. She imparted a crucial piece of advice that has since been a cornerstone of my professional ethos: never allow anyone to make you feel inferior. This wisdom was instrumental in helping me conquer feelings of imposter syndrome and self-doubt. It’s empowered me to engage confidently in various aspects of my work, from voicing ideas to leading initiatives. Our mentor-mentee relationship evolved into a valued friendship, and I take pride in her current role as a professor at the same research university where we met! Her mentorship has been a beacon throughout my career progression.
What resources do you recommend for women who are looking to start or advance their IT careers?
For women venturing into or advancing in IT, I recommend leveraging the wealth of open-source educational resources available online. My journey into IT was unconventional; my innate curiosity and love for learning propelled me from a non-IT background into this diverse field. Platforms like YouTube and Coursera offer free tutorials and learning modules that can significantly boost your understanding and skills. For instance, I deepened my proficiency in familiar tools like Excel and branched out into new skills like coding, through such resources, which unexpectedly led to my leadership in developing new workflows!
The key is to harness your learning enthusiasm and explore the expansive open-source repositories of knowledge, such as GitHub, which host a treasure trove of information and collaborative projects. This approach not only elevates your expertise but can also reveal new, uncharted career paths.
What career advice do you have for women in IT?
If you find yourself in a job that doesn’t fulfill you, keep an open mind to opportunities outside your current expertise. Embrace your unique strengths and passions, and remain adaptable. IT is a dynamic field with roles that may not yet exist. Refining your skills and staying curious will position you as a valuable asset to any team that values innovative thinking and diverse problem-solving approaches.