Elizabeth Jimenez: Data Manager at CIRES on Marine Acoustics & Diversity in STEM
Take a break, we’re on Smoko. In this episode, we catch up with Elizabeth Jimenez—known to friends and colleagues as Ellie—a dedicated data manager at the Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences (CIRES), a partnership between NOAA and CU Boulder.
Ellie walks us through her journey from geoscience student to her current role archiving marine life acoustic data, with a focus on whale recordings. As a data manager, she ensures these critical datasets are well-organized and accessible to scientists, industries, and governments across the globe.
“Combining geology and coding allows me to explore the Earth in an entirely new way.” – Elizabeth Jimenez
We explore the fascinating fusion of geology, math, and data science in her work—where traditional earth science meets advanced coding and data processing techniques. Ellie’s role as a “custodian of sound” has broad implications for marine research, ecosystem monitoring, and environmental policy.
The conversation also touches on her experience as a minority in STEM. Ellie emphasizes the importance of representation in leadership and decision-making, and the power of diverse voices in shaping more inclusive and effective scientific communities.
Her story is a reminder that geosciences are evolving—becoming more interdisciplinary, more inclusive, and more impactful. Whether you’re passionate about marine biology, data science, or environmental stewardship, this episode will leave you inspired.