About

Leading Experts in Data Science Training Solutions

Jumping Rivers has delivered quality data insights from day one. Based in Newcastle and founded in 2016, the company is bringing a fresh approach to the world of data analytics. Our trainers and consultants come with over 100 years combined experience in R, Python, Stan, Scala and other programming languages. We have worked with some of the largest (and smallest) companies in the world.

Meet Your Team

Esther Gillespie

CEO

Esther makes Jumping Rivers tick. Her goal is to help clients plan for the future. This means ensuring that what happens now, fits into their big picture.

Dr Colin Gillespie

CTO

Colin has been using R since 1999. He's the author of a number of R packages and has published the book Efficient R Programming with O'Reilly.

Theo Roe

Data Scientist

Theo holds a 1st Class Honours MMathStat in Mathematics & Statistics from Newcastle University. He is the author of many of the Jumping Rivers courses and works with a range of clients.

Sebastian Mellor

Data Engineer

Sebastian has a 1st Class Honours MMathStat in Mathematics & Statistics from Newcastle University. He has multiple publications on machine learning, sensor deployments and infrastructure, and data visualisation.

Deborah Washington

Project Operation Manager

Deborah is responsible for Jumping Rivers' office support. As Admin Manager, Deborah works across the organisation, to deliver customer requirements and assist the team's daily objectives.

Liam Kalita

Information Security Lead

Liam specialises in compliance, security controls, and policies. With a previous 2 years in infrastructure support and consultancy, he ensures secure Shiny app and Posit platform deployments, and promotes a culture of security awareness within the company.

Russ Hyde

Data Scientist

Russ has previouly worked in molecular biology and bioinformatics. He holds a PhD in Molecular Physiology and MSc in Mathematics. Russ is an author of several CRAN packages and mentor on the R-for-data-science community.

Martin Smith

Data Engineer

Martin has been dealing with Windows-based networks for over 10 years and developing SQL Server systems, and likes to study Data Science in Python, but is moving to learn more in R.

Dr Keith Newman

Data Scientist

Following a PhD in statistics at Newcastle University, Keith developed software to improve road safety modelling. He enjoys creating Shiny apps and teaching the use of R.

Dr Myles Mitchell

Data Scientist

Myles holds a PhD in Astrophysics and MPhys in Physics from Durham University. He has a background in Python programming and enjoys discerning and visualising trends from vast data sets.

Dr Astrid Radermacher

Data Scientist

Astrid did a PhD in Molecular Biology, during which she fell in love with R. She loves extracting meaningful insights from data, and displaying these in visually appealing (and often interactive!) ways.

Dr Clarissa Barratt

Ambassador for Data Science

While working towards her PhD in applied mathematics Clarissa discovered her love of science communications. Her goal is to make data science accessible to everyone, and to encourage people to engage with the goings on at Jumping Rivers.

Dr Parisa Gregg

Data Scientist

Parisa has a PhD in Particle Physics from Durham University, which she undertook within the CDT in Data Intensive Science. She enjoys programming in Python and applying machine learning to real-world problems.

Dr Shane Halloran

Data Engineer

Shane holds a PhD in applied statistics. His favourite programming language is R, and he is passionate about engineering systems which get the most out of data.

Rich Adams

Relationship Manager

Rich has been a client and partner manager in the data and analytics space for the last 3 years with a further background in client management in the finance sector. He thrives off hearing the bespoke and unique ways businesses are getting value from their data.

Susan Smith

Finance and Administrative Officer

Susan has more than 15 years practical experience in financial management and holds an AAT professional diploma. She enjoys working with SMEs and manager owned businesses to help organise the numbers and balance the books.

Amieroh Abrahams

Data Scientist

Amieroh discovered her love for R and Python while studying Oceanography. She has a wide range of experience in data analysis and training, enjoying extracting meaningful insight from data and making data science accessible to everyone.

Dr Tim Brock

Data Scientist

Tim has a PhD in physics from the University of York. He is a web developer with a passion for bringing data science and visualisation to the browser using JavaScript libraries and frameworks like d3 and Vue.

Osheen MacOscar

Junior Data Scientist

Osheen has a 1st Class Honours BSc in Mathematics from Manchester Metropolitan University. He is an aspiring data scientist who can’t wait to get started teaching and working on projects for JR.

Richard Brown

Senior Cloud Engineer

Richard has been working with Cloud Computing for the past 5 years. He has worked with many large clients in a range of sectors. He has AWS professional certifications as a Solutions Architect and DevOps Engineer.

Emily Wales

Operations Manager

Emily is an experienced Operations leader with a background in scaling tech companies, skilled in optimising efficiency, fostering collaboration, and implementing data driven strategies for operational success.

Aida Gjoka

Data Scientist

Aida completed her PhD in Statistics at Newcastle University. She enjoys programming in R and applying statistical methods to real-world challenges.

Danielle Collins

Events and Marketing Coordinator

Danielle is a dynamic and creative Marketing and Events coordinator, graduating with a 1st Class Honours in Marketing Management, she brings a fresh perspective. Danielle has a keen eye for detail and is passionate about creating memorable experiences through her innovative ideas and strategic approach to marketing.

Mitchell Oliver

Junior Systems Administrator

Mitch's background in IT spans over 5 years, working with dozens of companies to maintain systems and troubleshoot problems. He's now excited to be learning the management and support of data science systems.

Satisfied Customers

NHS Scotland

"Pace of delivery was just right, good mix of walked through examples and practical exercises. The course was clearly and methodically taught, the practical examples were realistic, and the tutors were friendly and approachable. Instructors - really friendly, helpful and patient."

The Francis Crick Institute

"Overall, it is a great course for absolute beginners. Good course, really helpful, good amount of time to practise the code learnt"

Shell International Petroleum Company

Alex Hancock - Global IT Manager: Data & Analytics

"Colin's excellent training on R is now the gold standard for my team. The combination of theory, practical examples, and his flare for instruction make the training very accessible, and have really helped us leverage the power of R."

Sustrans

Nicole Avison

"I have attended several of Colin's R programming courses over the last few years. In delivering courses to our department he tailored the courses to our line of work, which really helped in applying the theory to real life. Colin has also helped me learn how to apply version control to our R code, which has resulted in us piloting a new way of developing R code."

Agri-Food and Biosciences Institute (AFBI)

Michelle Allen

"The Jumping Rivers R training is excellent. The knowledge gained from the training courses has enabled me to tackle projects such as creating an interactive dashboard and automating the download of real time met office 3-hourly 5 day forecast data for multiple UK locations. R is now my preferred choice when undertaking tasks."