Stephen O’Hearn is a software developer and scientific data infrastructure specialist who serves as IT Coordinator and Data Management Team Lead for Global Water Futures Observatories (GWFO) and previously Global Water Futures (GWF) at the University of Saskatchewan. He leads the development and support of data systems, software applications, and computing infrastructure that underpin major freshwater science and hydrological research programs in Canada and internationally. His work integrates scientific data management, cloud-based applications, high-performance computing resources, and environmental data processing systems.
Stephen is the architect and lead developer of GWFNet, a cloud-based information hub and metadata catalogue supporting GWF and GWFO research infrastructure and datasets. Developed using ASP.NET and PostgreSQL technologies, GWFNet connects datasets, observatories, stations, model outputs, publications, and other scientific resources across large national and international water research programs.
His technical expertise spans desktop and web application development, database systems, cloud services, scientific computing, and software architecture, with extensive experience in C#, .NET, ASP.NET MVC, SQL Server, PostgreSQL, Linux, Windows, and real-time data systems. Prior to joining GWF and GWFO, he founded SignaServ Inc., where he developed signature authentication technologies for payment devices, and operated a software consulting company serving scientific and commercial clients. He also worked extensively in bioinformatics and scientific software development, including the design of distributed computing systems for genomics research.
Stephen holds a Master of Science degree in Computer Science from the University of Saskatchewan and a Bachelor of Science degree in Physics from the University of Toronto.