Jacob Saikolo is a highly skilled professional and working as a Data Manager at IPOR with over five years of experience in survey programming, data management, statistical analysis, and computer science applications. He holds a Master of Science in Data Science from Manipal, Karnataka, India and a Bachelor of Science in Statistics and Computer Science from the University of Malawi.
Jacob has developed a strong foundation in statistical theory, programming, and data analysis tools throughout his academic and professional journey. He is proficient in multiple data collection platforms, including CAPI, CATI, CAWI, and PAPI, used for gathering data from surveys, interviews, observations, focus groups, experiments, and secondary sources. His expertise extends to platforms such as SurveyCTO, SurveyToGo, Survey Solutions, ODK, Ona, CSPro, REDCap, CommCare, SurveyMonkey, and Google Forms, among others. Jacob is also highly proficient in data analysis software, databases, and programming languages, including Excel, SPSS, STATA, Python, R, SAS, Microsoft Access, MySQL, PostgreSQL, Java, C++, PHP, and JavaScript. His technical skills enable him to conduct advanced statistical analyses, build predictive models, develop research designs, and write comprehensive reports and proposals.
After completing his undergraduate studies, Jacob worked as a part-time Associate Lecturer in Statistics and a Tutor in Computer Science at the University of Malawi. At IPOR, he plays a critical role in survey management, including developing and programming logical, structured questionnaires, monitoring real-time and field data collection, reviewing and cleaning datasets, analyzing and interpreting survey results, and effectively communicating findings to the public for action-oriented decision-making.Beyond his professional responsibilities, Jacob remains passionate about staying updated with advancements in programming, data science, and high-level statistical analyses. He actively engages in online communities and forums, exchanging ideas and insights with fellow data professionals