At Explain, turning data into meaningful insight is at the heart of what we do, and Lee plays a key role in making that happen. With a background in theoretical physics, Lee brings a highly analytical, problem-solving mindset to his role as Senior Data Analyst, helping to transform complex datasets into clear, actionable insights for clients and internal teams alike. From building live dashboards and automating reporting, to exploring how emerging technologies like AI can enhance the way we work, Lee’s role sits at the intersection of data, technology and curiosity. 

We spoke to him about his journey into research, what his day-to-day looks like, and why asking the right questions is just as important as finding the answers.

Can you tell us a bit about your role at Explain?

A big part of what I do is data analysis and reporting, but I also work on building dashboards and developing technical solutions that help the team work more efficiently and allows us to visualise data and automate reporting.

That might mean taking large volumes of data from surveys or tracking studies and turning them into something people can easily understand, whether that’s for clients or for internal teams.

I also work on some of the more technical side of things, such as automating processes or building small tools and apps that help streamline the way we work.

What kinds of projects do you typically work on?
Many of the projects I work on involve large-scale tracking research, where organisations want to understand how customers feel about their experience over time.

For example, we might be analysing customer feedback following an interaction with a utilities company, things like getting a new connection installed or dealing with a power outage. We then take the data collected through surveys and interviews and build live dashboards that allow clients to see patterns and trends in real time. That helps them understand what’s working well and where improvements might be needed.

What do you enjoy most about your role?

For me, it’s definitely the problem-solving aspect! Someone might come to the data team with a question and say, “Can the data help us understand this?” From there it’s about digging into the information, exploring different tools and approaches, and seeing what insights we can uncover. I really enjoy the challenge of figuring out how to solve problems using the tools and data we already have.

Your background is in physics. How did that lead you into research?

I studied physics at university and then completed a master’s degree in theoretical physics.

Physics is very analytical, you’re constantly breaking problems down, looking at variables and trying to understand how things work. A lot of those skills transfer directly into data analysis.

It’s about having a logical way of thinking and being able to look at a complex problem and work through it step by step.

Did you always plan to work in market research?

Not specifically, I was always more interested in data and technology in general – things like data science, machine learning and finding patterns in large datasets.

When I joined Explain in 2023 as a Data Assistant, I knew the role would involve working with data and using technology to explore it in different ways. Since then I’ve progressed to Senior Data Analyst, and it’s been interesting to see how those skills apply within the research world.

How do emerging technologies like AI fit into your work?

AI is a big topic at the moment, and one of the things I’ve been exploring is how it could support the way we work. For us, it’s really about efficiency – removing some of the repetitive or administrative tasks so that people can focus on the more valuable parts of the work and bring better insights to our clients. 

There will always need to be a human element involved though - AI can help process information, but understanding the context and drawing meaningful conclusions from it is still something people need to do.

Are there any projects you’re particularly proud of?
One of the projects I’ve really enjoyed recently has been building internal dashboards that track performance and help teams visualise their work.

It’s rewarding because you can see the impact straight away. When people can clearly see how things are performing, it helps with motivation and decision-making. I’m also currently working on exploring how AI could be integrated into some of our processes, which is a really interesting area to be learning about.

What misconceptions do people have about working with data?
When I tell people I’m a data analyst, they often assume it’s going to be quite boring.There can definitely be repetitive elements to the job, but there are also really interesting parts – particularly the problem solving and the technical side.

You also get the opportunity to build things that people actually use, like the dashboards or tools that help teams understand their performance or make decisions that have a positive impact on the business, and that’s really rewarding. 

What advice would you give someone considering a career in research or data?
The most important thing is being curious and willing to learn.

Things move quickly in areas like data and technology, so there’s always something new to explore. If you’re motivated to learn and develop your skills, there are plenty of opportunities. In my case, I joined Explain just over two years ago and have already progressed from Data Assistant to Senior Data Analyst, which shows how much you can grow if you’re willing to put the work in.

If you are interested in finding out more about a career in research, visit our careers page at https://www.explainresearch.co.uk/join-our-team/