Ian Fallas

Background

About Ian Fallas

The Data Voyageur Exploration captivates me, whether it's a long hike in the mountains or a journey through the myriad datasets and information sources that exist in the modern world. My background contains geographies many and varied but, ultimately, I am deeply Canadian. I know how fortunate I am to live here, and treasure the beauty of this land. And so I am reminded of the legendary Voyageurs who, knowing it's potential, set off into the heart of Canada with an appetite for hard work and a passionate sense of adventure. It is in this spirit of discovery that I embrace the world of data and discovering its riches. Nothing could be more exciting than searching beyond the horizon. Packing a suitcase and wandering into new places, cultures, and languages is the best way for a person to expand their appreciation and understanding of the world. When you step into a new location, it educates you so much about diversity, the connection between environment and society, and the many different viewpoints that result. I will always enjoy exploring this fascinating and wonderful planet. And I've always felt this helps me look at big datasets in different ways, to understand all of the things they can teach us. These are the arts of the generalist. In just the way that travel can open your mind to new perspectives, a journey deep into the digital world can reveal profound insights into so many different aspects of our lives: health, science, the economy, technology, etc. Each investigation is an adventure that teaches you more about where to look and how to best exploit the information you find. Finding what you were looking for is satisfying; finding something you weren't looking for is glorious! As much as we must strive to use data effectively and efficiently, it's important to never lose the sense of wonder and discovery that can make this work so fulfilling.