STEM Ambassador Maths Spotlight: Oluwasesan Adedeji

Welcome to our Maths Spotlights, where you'll hear from different STEM Ambassadors about how they've used maths in their lives and careers.

Tell us a fun fact about yourself.

I am a Data Analyst and I once helped deploy a border management system that linked several international border management system databases. It was incredible to see how technology, data, and teamwork could directly improve national security. Outside of work, I enjoy mentoring young people and showing them how problem-solving can open doors to exciting careers.

What was your experience with maths growing up and in school?

At GCSE level, maths was a subject I had mixed feelings about. I remember sitting in class sometimes staring at complex equations, feeling like they were written in another language. But one turning point came when a teacher encouraged me to see maths as problem-solving rather than just formulas. For example, I enjoyed tackling word problems where the numbers connected to real-life situations, like calculating speed or working out percentages in everyday contexts. That made the subject feel less intimidating and more practical. Later, when I moved into Information Technology and eventually Data Science, I realised how much those GCSE foundations mattered. Concepts like algebra and statistics became the building blocks for coding, modelling, and analysing data. What once felt daunting became the very toolkit I now rely on daily as a data analyst, especially when working with energy usage and sustainability.

Tell us about your careers journey so far.

I obtained my BSc in Information Technology & Business Information Systems from Middlesex University in 2016. After graduating, I worked in IT support, helping people resolve hardware and software issues. Over time, I became more interested in the role of data and how it could be used to solve problems and guide decisions. This led me to work with the International Organisation for Migration from 2019 to 2022 and the European Union in 2019, where I contributed to projects on border management systems. My quest to build stronger technical expertise led me to study MSc Data Science at Nottingham Trent University in 2022. I have then worked with E.ON Next as an Energy Data Analyst from 2024 to 2025 and with DP Analytics while also co-owning a tech company, Emraay Solution Limited.

What was your favourite subject in school and why?

To be honest, I didn’t really have a favourite subject at school. In fact, I used to joke that I didn’t like school at all, but I did enjoy Physics because the teacher often used real-life examples that made the lessons easier to connect with. Later, I found myself drawn to Computer Studies. It was hands-on and creative, and I enjoyed solving problems, like building simple programmes, using design tools like (paint and CorelDraw) or working on projects with classmates. That mix of logic and creativity eventually laid the foundation for my career in data and technology.

How do you use maths in your role?

In my role, maths underpins almost everything I do. I use statistics to analyse energy consumption, algebra to build forecasting models, and logic to design efficient data queries. Even when I’m creating visual dashboards in Power BI, I’m applying maths through DAX calculations to bring insights to life. Outside of work, maths shows up in budgeting, comparing energy bills, or even planning a trip, it’s the hidden tool that helps me make smarter everyday decisions

What is your favourite thing about your job?

What I enjoy most is seeing how data and technology can transform an entire industry. I am currently working on a solutions to help oil, gas, and marine companies track operations in real time, reduce inefficiencies, and make faster decisions. Being part of a team that develops intelligent platforms like this means I can see the direct impact of my work. From improving safety and compliance to helping businesses save costs. It’s rewarding to know that the insights and tools we build don’t just support organisations but also drive innovation and sustainability in critical sectors.

What is a normal day in your role like?

No two days are the same, but a typical day starts with checking data pipelines and dashboards to ensure everything is running smoothly. I often attend stand-up meetings with my team, where we discuss priorities and troubleshoot challenges. A big part of my day involves analysing different big data, building visual dashboards in Power BI, or writing SQL queries to extract insights from large datasets. Sometimes I collaborate with colleagues from operations or customer service to understand their needs and translate them into data solutions. On other days, I might be testing out a new model to forecast demand or refining reports for stake holders. It’s a mix of technical work, problem-solving, and teamwork which keeps the role both challenging and exciting.

And what does your job title mean?

Think of me as a translator between numbers and decision-making. I collect, clean, and analyse data about how people use energy, then present it in ways that highlight patterns or opportunities. This helps the business plan, improve efficiency, and support sustainability goals. In simple terms: I make sure numbers tell a story that people can act on

Can you suggest an activity that could be done at home that illustrates an aspect of your work? Please share links to relevant resources.

You can track your household’s energy usage for a week, either by checking your smart meter or noting readings from your meter daily. Record the data in a simple table or spreadsheet, then create a graph to see when your energy use is highest and lowest. You might notice patterns, like higher use in the evenings or weekends. This small experiment shows how data can help you understand habits and make changes to save energy and money.