The Pheno-Type: Steven Bishop
Steven is an experienced software professional who joined BioSymetrics three years ago as a Solutions Architect. At BioSymetrics, he manages cloud infrastructure and software while collaborating closely with Data Scientists to address some of healthcare's most complex challenges. Read on to learn more about Steven’s journey and his perspectives on data and collaboration in biotechnology.
“In this current age, all fields are generating bigger volumes of data and making sense of the information can be a key contributing factor to an organization’s success.”
Tell us more about your journey leading up to BioSymetrics.
I have been developing software since the late 90s and have a passion for solving problems. Throughout this journey, the software landscape has changed drastically, and in today's environment, data and collaboration is key to success.
I see a real need to improve healthcare using software, not only just for tracking patient data but also using the data to improve patient care. Such improved data usage at hospitals and doctor’s offices might shorten the time it takes to get proper treatments and help early detection of diseases that impact our lives.
As the Solutions Architect at BioSymetrics, I develop and manage all aspects of software development including the cloud. I also provide expert-level advice to our team of Data Scientists. I am privileged to work alongside highly skilled team members who are motivated to help solve some of today's complex problems that will help so many people.
What are some of the greatest challenges you see in the biotechnology space in terms of data and collaboration, and how do these challenges compare to those outside that space?
The top-of-mind issue is data sharing while ensuring patient information is protected. Getting access to datasets that enables research into diseases is often time-consuming and challenging.
It often takes a skilled Data Science professional to sort and organize the data that often comes from different sources and not all of the data is standardized, especially compared to other fields.
In this current age, all fields are generating bigger volumes of data and making sense of the information can be a key contributing factor to an organization's success. Data in the biotechnology space is often more complex and requires specialized skills to help understand the underlying meaning of the data.
They do say that data is the new gold! What aspect of our drug discovery field excites you the most?
The idea that we can re-purpose drugs that will ultimately improve the quality of life for those in need. By using artificial intelligence (AI), I hope we can reduce the time it takes to research and approve new/existing drugs for general consumption.
Now for something light-hearted! What's something interesting or unique about you that not many people might know about?
I love playing sports and enjoy learning how to play new sports. Sports provides a great platform to meet new people and keep healthy while learning new skills.
I have competed in the World Masters for weightlifting several times and won it, in additional to the Canadian Masters and local competitions. I was the owner of a CrossFit gym for several years where I coached and taught athletes to lift and master weightlifting and CrossFit movements. In addition, I have played fastpitch and currently coach softball.
By Simon Eng – November 8, 2024