Home: Dallas, Texas
UT Dallas Degree: BA – Political Science, 2013
Profession: Director of Analytics, Murphy Nasica and Associates Statistician and Political Consultant
I design, create and build statistical models that predict human behavior for strategic and tactical applications in campaigning. I also run polling mechanisms, create strategic and tactical plans for grassroots campaigns, and other analytical devices. Additionally, I do sales and write papers based on my methodologies. I also write programs and build database architectures. I do at least 20 additional tasks for my company beyond these, but my main focus is statistical modeling, targeting, forecasting, GIS mapping and analysis.
AI previously worked for Dr. Brandt while at the university.
As I am a political consultant, I would say my degree benefitted me greatly. It has provided me with insights and knowledge that has been useful in real world application. However, my time with Dr. Brandt, and the realization that my first love, mathematics, was again applicable to political science has been the greatest contribution to my career.
My ability to do statistics and strong work ethic, as well as an understanding of modern campaign techniques has contributed most to my success.
I would suggest learning at least some math and/or statistics. Preferably, learn some type of software or domain specific language such as R, STATA, SPSS, MySQL, etc. This will give you a quantifiable boost in the job market, and will allow you to seek jobs outside of politics as well. I had previously studied mathematics prior to my entry into EPPS, and this became my greatest asset as I moved through school and into the job market.