Dr Kathryn Napier
Kathryn is currently the Lead Data Scientist at the Curtin Institute for Data Science (CIDS), where she line-manages the CIDS Data Science Team, who work on on a variety of data science projects across government, industry, and academia. Kathryn’s work bridges the gap between technical data science capabilities and domain expertise in biological, medical, and social research, leveraging rich data sources and advanced analytical methods to deliver impactful solutions.
Since 2021, Kathryn has also led the Curtin Open Knowledge Initiative (COKI) technical team as the COKI project’s Lead Data Scientist, a strategic initiative aimed at evaluating Open Knowledge practices. She leads the technical team in developing digital infrastructure, tools, and datasets through close collaboration with humanities researchers, external partners, and technical contractors.
Kathryn completed a PhD in Veterinary Studies in 2014 at Murdoch University in Perth, following on from undergraduate degrees in Biomedical Science (Hons), and Mathematics and Statistics. Prior to joining the CIDS as a Senior Data Scientist in 2018, Kathryn worked as a Research Associate at the Centre for Comparative Genomics at Murdoch University in the fields of bioinformatics and health informatics, where she customised and deployed eHealth and eResearch solutions such as patient and disease registries and bioinformatics analytical workflows.
During her time at the CIDS, Kathryn’s role as a Senior Data Scientist primarily involved working with collaborators supported researchers and external collaborators by leading data analysis and computational research on a diverse suite of projects, from using machine learning to estimate joint kinematics in ballet, energy usage forecasting, and developing analytical models to improve outcomes for the detection and management of sepsis.
Kathryn has also been involved in providing computational training to Curtin staff and students and has an interest in eResearch and data management.
Her key competencies and research interests include:
• Health Informatics and Analytics
• Data Analytics and Visualisation
• Computational Training (Certified Carpentries Instructor)