Raul Doyle graduated from NC State University with a Master of Microbial Biotechnology in 2016. Raul is now working as the Director of Data Governance within Institutional Strategy and Analysis (ISA) at NC State.
We reached out to Doyle to find out about his experiences since graduating.
Could you provide me with your educational background?
My undergraduate degree was a B.S. in Microbiology with minors in Genetics, and Biomanufacturing at NC State. After graduating, I went straight into the MMB program while working full time; obtaining my Masters of Microbial Biotechnology in 2016.
Can you share a little about what you do at NC State?
My current role is as the Director of Data Governance within Institutional Strategy and Analysis (ISA) at NC State. Data Governance is the organization of authority and control over data assets and the promotion and enhancement of accuracy, consistency, understandability, accessibility, and appropriate usage. My day to day work consists of maintaining the operation of the University Data Catalog which documents University Data Assets such as workbooks as well as the development of policies and procedures to assist with and in support of activities like analytics at NC State.
Where did you work before Data Governance and what brought you to them?
Prior to my role at NC State, I was in the Duke Office of Scientific Integrity over at Duke University. I joined Duke after spending several years at a biotech startup where I had held multiple roles (research assistant, office/lab manager, business development). I was attracted to the Scientific Integrity Associate position as it matched quite well with my previous experience and allowed me to utilize my administrative, researcher, and BD skills to support researchers. During my time at Duke I moved between several roles, eventually becoming the Program Manager of Data Policy. This role concerned the development and establishment of a university wide policy around research data, as well as supporting researchers in understanding external requirements around research data.
What do you enjoy most about your career?
I’ve found that improving the function and operation of organizations brings me a lot of satisfaction. Since data and analytics touch all aspects of an organization’s operations, improving the processes around it allows for increased efficiency and improved functions overall.
Also I’ve consistently enjoyed the people I’ve met and interacted with over the years in Higher Education.
What do you consider to be your biggest accomplishment in your career?
So far, my biggest accomplishment has been helping with the development and implementation of the Duke Data Policy, (though I hope to say I will have more accomplishments soon). This policy focused on establishing requirements for managing research data and aligning Duke University’s research processes with the data management policies that have been released by various funding agencies over the past few years. It was a collaborative process that required collecting and understanding various inputs and opinions around researcher data while also needing to abide by organizational needs and requirements. It was a good exercise in understanding organizational culture change and the practical aspects of change management.
What do you miss most about being a student?
This will vary person by person, but I’d say for me it was the loads of free time I had versus the additional personal obligations that I have now.
Do you have any advice for current MMB Students?
As a general rule, the path of one’s career is rarely straightforward and in line with our initial expectations from when we joined the job market. In reality, it’s full of many potential avenues and choices that can take you down many different eventualities, some of which will accelerate your career, and others that may have you in a certain spot for years on end with no clear path forward. While you can’t completely control the flow of your career, if you have goals for what you want to do, you should keep aware of and try to grow skills and opportunities around you that assist with reaching those future goals. Say yes to a new stretch assignment, volunteer to be part of a new working group, apply to that job that is a little outside of what you think you can do; positive outcomes are not guaranteed, but by giving yourself the possibility of new opportunities, you have a better chance to transform your career path. Be flexible, be likable, show others what you are capable of, and the various opportunities will open up for you to try your hand at.
What do you like to do for fun?
Somewhat generic but I love exploring new restaurants in the RTP area and going hiking around the various trails around North Carolina. I also especially enjoy many of the various festivals and events in the area with my family (especially with two kids under 7yrs).
Is there anything else you would like to share?
I work on NC State’s main campus so I’m happy to get coffee and chat with any current MMB students who are interested.
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