IT Committee
The IT Committee sets priorities for CIOOS cyberinfrastructure work and shared data tools across regions.
IT Committee Overview
The IT Committee sets priorities for activities related to CIOOS Cyberinfrastructure and Shared Data Tools such as CIOOS Data Explorer, the Catalogue (based on CKAN), the Metadata Entry Form, and ERDDAPs.
The IT Committee researches, discusses, and recommends technical solutions to CIOOS and the Regional Associations (RAs) based on existing standards, protocols, and currently supported software. The committee works collaboratively with other teams to advise on and address technical issues encountered in building CIOOS.
It helps define projects undertaken by collaborative development teams and prioritizes them within the broader CIOOS context.
Committee Chair: Scott Bruce, CIOOS Atlantic, scott.bruce@cioosatlantic.ca
Simon brings a wealth of experience in data science and artificial intelligence, spanning data analysis, data pipelines, and data-centric application development, with a passion for transforming data into solutions that create meaningful impact. In his previous role at the St. Lawrence Global Observatory, he led transformative projects that improved access to ocean data. In his new role at CIOOS, Simon leverages AI to make ocean knowledge more accessible and impactful for the benefit of communities and the environment.
Jessy Barrette is the DevOps Specialist at the CIOOS Coordinating Office. With over a decade of experience in oceanographic instrumentation and data management, he has worked with organizations including ASL Environmental Sciences, the Hakai Institute, and the St. Lawrence Global Observatory (SLGO). Jessy has developed and maintained automated data processing systems, ocean observing platforms, and open data tools to support Canadian marine science. At CIOOS, he focuses on building and maintaining robust, scalable, and reliable infrastructure to ensure long-term accessibility of Canada’s ocean data.
After 15 years with the Marine Institute, Richard Kelly joins the MEOPAR team as a Full Stack Developer with the Canadian Integrated Ocean Observing System (CIOOS). A founding member and Co-Principal Investigator of CIOOS Atlantic, Richard has been instrumental in expanding ocean observing infrastructure and improving real-time data access across Atlantic Canada and the Arctic. With deep experience in marine technology, autonomous systems, and data integration, he’s excited to take on a national role at the coordination office of CIOOS to help drive the system’s continued growth.
After joining CIOOS Pacific in November 2024, Colton now takes on a national role as Full Stack Developer with the CIOOS Coordination Office. With a background in software development, DevOps, and managing technical teams, he brings a strong mix of hands-on experience and leadership to the role. Colton has worked extensively with open data platforms like CKAN (the tool powering the CIOOS Catalogue) and contributed to the design and maintenance of data infrastructure at CIOOS Pacific. He’s excited to help advance CIOOS’s national systems and improve access to ocean data across Canada.
Vishal is a Computer Engineer who has experience with Aviation, Grid, E-commerce, and all aspects of software development. After starting with CIOOS Pacific as a Data Management Specialist, he moved into the Technical lead role in 2025. He is particularly interested in automating observability of system processes and data pipelines to ensure more reliable operations for CIOOS data harvesting. He spends as much of his time as possible in Ontario’s outdoors.
Taimaz joined CIOOS Pacific after years of collaborating with teams on ocean glider data management and technical projects. With a background in climate science and a PhD in Earth system modeling, he has worked on connecting complex models of oceans, ice sheets, and climate. He enjoys making data accessible through maps, animations, and interactive tools that bridge science and the public. Outside of work, he likes hiking, exploring nature through photography (especially the night sky), experimenting with sourdough baking, and taking on creative projects that turn data into engaging stories.
