Introduction to My Journey
These were the tools that were given to me so that I could fly, by the giants on whose shoulders I stand. Steve Jobs once said, “Technology is nothing. What’s important is that you have a faith in people, that they’re basically good and smart, and if you give them tools, they’ll do wonderful things with them.”
My First Encounter with Science and Technology
I remember it like it was yesterday. I was working on an assignment in class. Following the steps carefully, I watched as it happened: proteins appeared as beautiful ribbons on the screen, their intricate structures swirling in vibrant colors. In that moment, I was captivated by PyMOL, a computer program for viewing biological molecules in 3D. Warren Delano’s PyMOL wasn’t just a visualization tool — it was a window into the elegance of science.
PyMOL: Seeing Beauty in Science
PyMOL taught me that data is more than information — it’s art, and that technology and science are deeply intertwined. It was also my first interaction with open-source software — free tools that bring opportunities to anyone, anywhere. This insight, the power of accessible technology, has endured among my fundamental beliefs. With PyMOL, I found the gateway to the next chapter of my journey. An image I created with PyMOL was central to my first scientific publication.
Discovering the Power of R
In my first professional role in science, I discovered R, a programming language for graphics and statistics — it was love at first byte. Unlike PyMOL, R was my first self-taught adventure, mastered at home with just an Amazon-bought book and determination. While other programming languages felt like strict rule books, R was an artist’s palette. Its quirky symbols and flexible approach felt like an invitation to be creative with code.
R: Freedom to Create with Code
R became my key to exploring data, ultimately unlocking the most impactful opportunity on my path. The data manipulation skills I developed in R led me to the frontiers of innovation — a new role in biomedical research. R wasn’t just a tool; it became a trusted companion for weaving together complex data — from genomics to clinical information.
The Art of Data Visualization
Like my discovery of PyMOL, my first encounter with Hadley Wickham’s ggplot2 resonated deeply. This visualization toolkit for R, built on the principles of the grammar of graphics (hence the gg), transcended data into stories told through colors, patterns, and shapes. I wasn’t just analyzing data anymore; I was uncovering hidden stories. These plots had elements of style that would impress Van Gogh — themes, borders, and vibrant palettes.
ggplot2: Turning Data into Colorful Stories
The result? Multiple scientific publications and a new identity: “the woman who makes pretty plots”. But like PyMOL and R, ggplot2 taught me that success isn’t just about achievements — it’s about empowering others. Inspired by the open-source community, I created an online ggplot2 course. The most rewarding moment? When a colleague from another continent recognized me from my course and warmly shook my hand.
Bringing Data to Life
ggplot2 revealed the beauty of data, but Plotly in R taught me how to make visualizations interactive with clickable charts and dynamic features. Visualizations were no longer just static images on screens — they could come alive. Plotly also allowed me to fine-tune my skills in another programming language called Python. Plotly in Python opened doors to freelance opportunities in data visualization.
Plotly: Making Data Come Alive
These experiences prepared me for my leap into industry, where I would turn tools into solutions. But before that transition, there was one more tool in R to master — it would become my most trusted companion.
The Power of R Shiny
R had become the backbone of my career when I stumbled upon something unexpected — R Shiny, a tool for creating web apps in R. I stared at the screen in awe, remembering the first time I saw protein ribbons in PyMOL. I used online resources to teach myself R Shiny. R Shiny brought everything together: R’s analytics, ggplot2’s beauty, and Plotly’s interactivity.
R Shiny: The Catalyst for Transformation
Now I could share data through intuitive web apps, no more creating endless PowerPoint presentations. Shiny became my treasured companion and the cornerstone of my budding career. R Shiny wasn’t just a tool — it was a career catalyst. Making apps wasn’t part of my original plan — honestly, there was no plan. But learning R Shiny gave me the confidence to tackle new challenges beyond the academic environment I called home.
Empowering Users and Solving Problems
I joined a startup where I used Shiny to detect fraud — my first venture beyond academia into the world of technology professionals. Then came an opportunity that would tie all my tools together. Still new to industry, I was unfamiliar with recruiters, hiring practices and corporate culture. But I did what I had always done, I used my best tools.
Shiny in Action
The hiring process required a hands-on use case, so I built a Shiny app in two intense days. That app got me the job. Within this new role, R Shiny gave me my first industry publication and first published app. Like PyMOL opened the door to science, R Shiny introduced me to the complexities of working in industry.
The Rise of Generative AI
The release of ChatGPT marked a turning point in how people interacted with technology. I turned to my trusted friend — R Shiny — to quickly build examples of what this new technology could do. Within two months of the release of ChatGPT, we had our first generative AI application running. Once again, R Shiny proved to be an invaluable tool for embracing the future.
Generative AI: Redefining Interaction
By the next year, generative AI had infiltrated industries, creating new opportunities for innovation. At work, I had the chance to contribute to an exciting generative AI project. The increasing demands for flexibility led me to transition to Shiny for Python, combining Shiny’s elegance with Python’s vast AI resources.
My Tools, My Teammates
Looking back, these weren’t just tools — they were teammates. PyMOL revealed the beauty of science. R offered boundless creativity. ggplot2 and Plotly turned data into stories. Shiny transformed me from a scientist to an innovator, ready for the AI revolution. Each tool shaped who I am, and together they taught me the most important lesson: technology’s true power lies not in the code, but in how it empowers people to do wonderful things.
About the Author
Sophia Banton is an Associate Director and AI Solution Lead in biopharma, specializing in Responsible AI governance, workplace AI adoption, and building and scaling AI solutions across IT and business functions. With a background in bioinformatics, public health, and data science, she brings an interdisciplinary lens to AI implementation — balancing technical execution, ethical design, and business alignment in highly regulated environments.
Conclusion
In conclusion, my journey with various tools and technologies has been a transformative one. From PyMOL to R Shiny, each tool has played a significant role in shaping my career and empowering me to do wonderful things. As I continue to navigate the ever-changing landscape of technology and AI, I remain committed to using my skills and knowledge to make a positive impact.
FAQs
Q: What is PyMOL and how did it impact your career?
A: PyMOL is a computer program for viewing biological molecules in 3D. It was my first encounter with open-source software and played a significant role in shaping my interest in science and technology.
Q: What is R and how did you learn it?
A: R is a programming language for graphics and statistics. I learned R through self-study, using online resources and books.
Q: What is ggplot2 and how did it help you in your career?
A: ggplot2 is a visualization toolkit for R. It helped me to create interactive and informative plots, which led to multiple scientific publications and a new identity as “the woman who makes pretty plots”.
Q: What is R Shiny and how did it impact your career?
A: R Shiny is a tool for creating web apps in R. It brought everything together: R’s analytics, ggplot2’s beauty, and Plotly’s interactivity. R Shiny gave me the confidence to tackle new challenges beyond the academic environment and introduced me to the complexities of working in industry.
Q: How do you think technology can empower people to do wonderful things?
A: I believe that technology has the power to empower people by providing them with the tools and resources they need to achieve their goals and make a positive impact. By making technology accessible and user-friendly, we can unlock the potential of individuals and communities to do wonderful things.
