-

Real-World Evidence Generation

I am privileged to lead several strategic collaborations as part of the Data Strategy & Partnerships team within the Biostatistics and Research Decision Sciences group at Merck (MSD outside the US). Our work leverages real-world data (RWD) for business and value generation, investigating how to deliver better healthcare outcomes for patients across multiple therapeutic areas. I also lead the visualization, insights, and data quality workstream within our internal RWD data lake, one that serves over 2,000 monthly users and over 1.3M hours of analysis. I bring a unique skill for translating between technical and non-technical audiences, and a combination of business, public policy, and statistical training that ensures our work continues to save and improve lives around the globe.  

Academic Research

My research investigates the linkages between people and 'place,' particularly through the lenses of public education systems, demographic analyses, and geospatial relationships. By utilizing a combination of established literature in the field and novel methodological techniques from other disciplines, I aim to improve local decision-making through the implementation of open-source data & dashboards. 

The K-12 education system in the United States is a $600B+ industry, with incredible amounts of variability with regards to access, equity, and distribution of opportunity. Decisions made at the local level, even for or by an individual student, can have community and individual-level ramifications for years after. This assumes a latent relationship between communities and schools. You'll meet no opposition to the theory that communities interact with one another despite invisible jurisdictional boundaries; municipalities interact with one another despite town lines separating them. I assume, then, that schools influence both the communities in which they are located and the communities surrounding them: their extra-local neighborhoods.

By utilizing quantitative methods including geospatial mapping programs, the creation of spatial weighting matrices, and local spatial regression, we can provide more targeted, nuanced information to policymakers, local municipal leaders, community members, and citizens. Engaging stakeholders and providing them the tools with which to empower their community members will produce more informed, connected, and equitable distribution of scare resources - the essence of public policy.

Keywords:

• Education Policy
• Local Regression Modeling
• Spatial Demography
• Data Visualization
• Public Health
• Local Leadership & Engagement

Educational History

I was most recently awarded my Doctor of Philosophy (PhD, 22) from the Graduate School at Cornell University. My dissertation chairperson was Professor John W. Sipple, with Peter Rich (Policy Analysis & Management) and Jeff Rzeszotarski (Information Science) serving as committee members.

Prior to my doctoral degree, I earned a Master's in Public Administration (MPA, '17) from Cornell University's Institute for Public Affairs. It was during this degree that I cultivated my interests in geographical analysis, spatial demography, and public policy as it relates to education. I also continued to hone my skills in management & finance, through the non-profit lens.

Prior to completing my public-sector training, I earned a Master's in Business Administration (MBA '14) from Binghamton University's School of Management. Beyond higher-level business training, the degree allowed me to begin focusing intently on the quantitative elements of, and academic research surrounding, leadership in organizations.

Prior to completing my private-sector academic training I began my journey in higher education at Hartwick College, where I earned a Bachelor's in Business Administration (BA '12). I was mentored by several talented faculty who fueled my continuing exploration of higher education and gave me tools with which to expand my curiosity.

Non-Academic Interests

Outside of research, data, and map-making, I try to enjoy as many creative outlets in the outdoors as possible. My primary hobby is landscape and nature photography. My photos have been featured by Getty Images, Pond5, and Google, as well as published in print. When I'm not snapping photos, I'll take any opportunity to be outside including hiking, fishing, and cycling. 

I'm also a classically trained vocalist, pianist, and general lover of all things music. I sing with a cappella groups on Cornell's campus, and have performed with numerous choral ensembles over the years including study at the Manhattan School of Music.

My other interests include aircraft & flying, video games, classic American muscle cars, and culinary arts of all kinds. What did you expect? I come from Italian heritage.