MacDougall Brings Broad Skillset to ACEP

May 11, 2023
By Yuri Bult-Ito

Ian MacDougall joined ACEP’s data team as a data analyst and analytics engineer in March. He specializes in novel problem-solving techniques and building interpersonal connections with the full spectrum of stakeholders. Within the short period since he joined the team, he has already created energy contour maps and worked on data wrangling — the process of converting raw data into a usable form — and is in the process of making visualizations for the upcoming Alaska Energy Statistic Report.

MacDougall brings valuable skills in multiple areas and the ability to make connections across different disciplines to ACEP. If you think of the old adage, “Jack of all trades and master of none,” you need to meet and work with MacDougall. You will realize the full phrase, “A jack of all trades is a master of none, but oftentimes better than a master of one.”

With a bachelor’s degree in biology from UAF, MacDougall has worked as both an insect and fish field technician, lab technician, wooden boat builder, commercial fisherman, house carpenter, and data analyst prior to joining ACEP. He is also a certified welder and a classically trained French horn player.

MacDougall is excited to be at ACEP. He was hoping to land in a work environment where he could either grow his skillset or contribute to something he cared about, but did not expect the opportunity for both.

“Then Vanessa Raymond made both of my dreams come true!” he exclaimed. He feels that ACEP provides “seemingly endless opportunities to learn and grow, while doing impactful work that is very meaningful.”

“And as a bonus, I work with great people!” he added.

Outside of work, he enjoys building boats and kayaks, hiking with his marine ecologist fiancé and dog, and drawing cabin plans. He has a passion for building things, especially with wood. He is currently drawing plans for a tiny wooden sauna to be built on a 5-by-8-foot utility trailer, which he plans to install to combat gloomy Juneau days when they move there in July.