Life After Davis: Modeling Space Missions and Baseball

After graduating with my Ph.D. in Applied Mathematics in 2020, I started working full-time as a Systems Engineer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory (JPL) in Pasadena, CA. I had previously interned at JPL during my undergraduate and graduate years, making the transition to a permanent position relatively smooth. As a mathematician in the engineering department at JPL, I tackled a variety of modeling tasks related to both project planning and operations.

On the project planning side, I worked on planetary protection models to prevent forward contamination on missions to icy moons. One of NASA's requirements for such missions is proof that the probability of introducing Earth microorganisms to liquid water on, say, Europa or Enceladus, given a successful launch, is less than a certain threshold. My role for both the Europa Clipper (set to launch next year) and the proposed Europa Lander was to prove to NASA HQ that the projects met this requirement. It was deeply satisfying to use my mathematical modeling and communication skills to drive these projects forward. I also developed several cost models for various early concept missions. I was a part of JPL’s Team X, which serves as a consulting group for principal investigators and project scientists to evaluate the feasibility of their concepts from scientific, engineering, and financial perspectives.

On the operations front, I assisted the Perseverance Rover team with several unique requests. Using Bayesian statistics, I addressed questions about the reliability of the sample tubes used to collect Martian soil, which will eventually return to Earth as part of the Mars Sample Return campaign. I also advised on the risk of depositing these sample tubes on the Martian surface instead of storing them on the rover.

During my time at JPL, my interest in Bayesian statistics grew, leading me to a part-time consulting gig with the Tampa Bay Rays for the 2022 Major League Baseball season. With the Rays, I used player tracking data to create models for valuing the defensive performance of outfielders and infielders. This interest evolved into a new career path, and I transitioned to a full-time position with the Los Angeles Dodgers in January 2023. Now, as a Senior Quantitative Analyst for the Dodgers, I aid executives in decisions about trades, drafts, and potential long-term contract risks. My team also creates models to support Dodgers' coaches and players in making better in-game decisions. Additionally, I assist with research for player arbitration and helping in the recruitment of front office staff.

On a personal note, my wife Kelly and I welcomed our son, Levi, in February 2022. His room is adorned with JPL memorabilia, and he's seldom without his baseball. Go Dodgers!