Colleague Connection: Tobin Magle

Meet Tobin Magle, lead data management specialist for Northwestern IT’s Research Computing and Data Services (RCDS) team. From helping researchers manage massive datasets to developing user-friendly services and resources, Tobin’s work ensures that data is stored securely and used effectively throughout the research lifecycle. In this Q&A, she shares insights into her evolving role, the challenges of modern data management, and what she enjoys most—both on and off campus.  

Tell us about your role in RCDS.

I’m the lead data management specialist on the Research Data Management team within RCDS. When I first joined, the team was much smaller—just me and another person. As a result, I wore many hats. I was involved in everything from project planning and responding to support tickets to teaching and handling basic technical tasks. 

Since then, our team has grown significantly. We now have additional technical staff and a dedicated manager, which has allowed me to shift my focus. With more hands-on deck to handle day-to-day technical work and support, I’ve been able to step back and think more strategically. My current role is much more focused on big-picture planning—shaping the direction of our research data services and leading projects that will define our future offerings. 

What are the primary responsibilities for the Research Data Management (RDM) team? 

Our team heavily supports researchers with data storage and data transfer throughout the research lifecycle. We help them manage their data, from acquisition to analysis to long-term storage. 

Much of our recent work involves supporting instruments that generate large volumes of data. We assist researchers in moving that data off the machines, onto stable storage, and then—if needed—into high-performance computing environments like Quest for analysis. Once the project wraps up and the data is no longer accessed frequently, we help determine the best long-term storage solution. 

Historically, researchers would often leave their data in one place indefinitely after a project ended. But with recent vendor changes—like the end of unlimited storage on Box—storage is becoming a more limited resource. That’s prompted a shift in thinking: What data truly needs to be kept long-term? What can be archived or deleted? 

We advise researchers on these decisions and support them through our research data storage service, which offers storage at a per-terabyte rate. We also provide tools like Globus to facilitate secure and efficient data transfers. Looking ahead, we’re developing new services, including cloud storage, secure data storage, and archival storage options that are more cost-effective and designed for infrequent access. 

What are some of the challenges for RDM?  

One of the most significant shifts is the growing pressure on data storage resources. Vendors are raising prices, which makes storage more expensive across the board. At the same time, research data is getting larger and more complex. We’re working with core facilities that operate instruments capable of generating multiple terabytes of data in just a day or two. If those machines run continuously, they can easily produce five terabytes every 48 hours. That adds up quickly—and storing all of it is costly. 

Historically, storage wasn’t a bottleneck. Researchers were used to simply parking their data somewhere and moving on. But that’s no longer sustainable. Within the industry, storage is becoming scarcer and more expensive, so we’re encouraging researchers to think more strategically about their data from the start—what needs to be kept, what can be archived, and what can be deleted. 

How is emerging technology impacting your work? 

Advances in scientific instrumentation are a big driver. For example, cryo-electron microscopy is a hot area right now. It allows researchers to image biological samples at near-atomic resolution. The microscopes output stacks of hundreds of images that are used for 3D reconstruction, a process that can triple the size of the dataset. Newer microscopes have even finer resolution, which dramatically increases the volume of data being generated. 

On top of that, AI and computational tools are making it easier to analyze massive datasets. In fields like medical imaging, AI can perform a first pass on scans, helping researchers and clinicians process much more data than before. While AI isn’t replacing experts like radiologists, it’s accelerating workflows and increasing the demand for storage and compute resources. 

Have you had a favorite project you’ve worked on since joining Northwestern? 

One project I really enjoyed was developing the Research Data Services web pages. It allowed me to collaborate with people outside my immediate team, including colleagues from the University Libraries and Galter Library. Together, we worked on creating content that supports researchers throughout the entire data lifecycle.  

We brought all that information together in one place, making it easier for researchers to find what they need. I also got to work closely with IT Communications and put my web writing skills to the test. It was gratifying to see the finished product come together and to know that it would help people across the University. 

How do you like to spend your time outside of work? 

I have two small children, so they joyfully consume a lot of my time outside of work. It’s been fun watching them grow and change—it keeps life busy in the best way. 

That said, I’ve also been trying to find hobbies that are easy to do while staying close to home. One thing I’ve gotten into is building adult LEGO sets, especially the floral and art-themed ones. They’re relaxing and creatively satisfying. 

I also just got a record player, so I’m starting to build up a vinyl collection, which has been a really fun new interest. 

Do you have a favorite spot on campus?

Honestly, the entire campus is just stunning. There are so many beautiful views, especially near the lake. Any spot where I can see the water—whether I’m walking outside or sitting in a meeting with a lake view—is my happy place. It’s such a peaceful and inspiring backdrop for the work we do.