About
Hello and thank you for visiting!
I'm a data-driven environmentalist and egalitarian, passionate about using data to address critical global challenges. I founded Octopus Pond Consulting to combine my love for data with my commitment to sustainability and human rights. My goal is to help mission-driven organizations unlock the power of data to drive actions that create meaningful impact.
With a background in scientific research, systems thinking, and problem-solving, I specialize in transforming complex data into actionable insights. Whether I'm refining data processes, improving data quality, building tailored strategies, or guiding data-driven decision-making, I work with clients to design solutions that help accelerate positive change.
My journey includes a Bachelor of Environmental Science with a focus on Data Analytics, and over ten years of experience working with diverse datasets across various industries, including...
Environmental Science & GIS
Curate, analyze, and visualize data in academic settings and as a volunteer at Collaborative Earth's Ganges Lab.
Climate Tech & Electrification
Co-designed and built a database for a climate tech startup focused on electrification incentives, automated data checks, and wrote process documentation to ensure smooth operations.
Data Quality & Process Improvement
As the first Data Specialist at Pearson for K-12 educational assessments, I improved data quality, automated quality checks and data processes, standardized setup for better cross-team collaboration, and trained colleagues to utilize software tools more effectively.
Data Infrastructure & CRM Systems
Led data infrastructure design and migrations between Customer Relationship Management (CRM) systems, empowering organizations to stay organized and efficient while building deeper relationships with their supporters.
Experimental Physics
Analyzed and visualized experiment measurement data, helping teams make sense of complex findings.
HR & Payroll Data
Enhanced HR and payroll data quality, managed migrations, and prepared annual reports.
Let’s unlock the potential of data to increase your impact!
Guiding Values
Holistic Approach & Systems Thinking
Empathy, Trust, & Inclusivity
We are part of a deeply interconnected world, and the data we analyze needs to be viewed within the context of natural, social, and economic systems.
I approach data consulting with a systems mindset, seeking to understand the bigger picture and create solutions that address root causes rather than just symptoms.
I embrace the power of multisolving, where data-driven solutions are designed to address multiple challenges and align with broader goals.
I believe in deep listening and creating a collaborative, transparent, and non-judgmental environment where empathy and trust guide our work together, allowing for honest, productive conversations that focus on solving real problems.
I design data solutions that are effective, accessible, inclusive, and support social equity, by learning from diverse perspectives on local, cultural, and ethical considerations and promoting fairness in our work.
Actionable Insights & Strategic Impact
Continuous Learning & Innovation
My work is about more than just numbers; I aim to empower you by translating your data into clear, actionable strategies that deliver results and propel your organization forward
I embrace open science principles because they allow everyone to collaborate more effectively, reach shared social and environmental goals faster, and make a greater overall impact, especially when addressing global challenges.
I am continuously seeking out new experiences, perspectives, and knowledge, and I’m committed to staying at the forefront of data science by exploring new methodologies and technologies.
My approach is open-minded, creative, and curious, and I encourage questioning assumptions to drive innovation.
What clients say...
“Ariel was an invaluable asset to our team in the early days of Pencil Energy doing a bit of everything from policy tracking to data analysis.
Ariel consistently demonstrated an understanding of complex energy policy, extracting insights from the dataset on incentives we’d compiled and helping it grow. Their meticulous approach ensured that our team was always well-informed about updates, industry trends, and unique cases.
Beyond their technical skills, Ariel impressed us with their proactive nature, teamwork, and positivity. They consistently took ownership of projects and collaborated effectively with the product and engineering teams.
It has been an absolute pleasure working with them, and I highly recommend Ariel for any role that requires a combination of analytical capacity, attention to detail, and of course, a passion for the earth’s climate.”
Kevin Takashi Cohen (Pencil, Product Manager)
“Ariel has been hugely helpful in breaking down complex, analytical problems, especially related to data structuring and analysis. Our team easily saved tens of hours from process improvements and by uncovering issues as early as possible due to their effort.
Overall, I have been consistently impressed with Ariel's creativity and courage in trying new approaches to solve problems of all kinds, and I cannot recommend them enough.”
Kyle Brauer (Pencil, CEO)