Hi, I'm Evan Brown.
A
Self-driven student passionate about finding new ways to observe data and predict outcomes.
About
I am a senior at Rice University pursuing bachelor's degrees in computer science and statistics, with a minor in data science. I have always loved finding hidden information in data, and my degree and internships have helped me develop the skills necessary to pursue this passion in my career. I believe my strength in both data science and computer science enable me to tackle complex data problems in a clean, efficient, and well-designed way. I am skilled in predictive model design/development, regression, bootstrapping, linear algebra, and experiment design.
- Languages: Primary: SQL, Python, R, Go, Javascript; Secondary: C, HTML, CSS
- Databases: Databricks, SSMS, Azure SQL, Amazon Athena
- Data and Machine Learning Tools & Technologies: mlflow, TensorFlow, Spark, scikit-learn, XGBoost, Random Forests, Pandas
- Visualization Tools:Tableau, Retool, Streamlit, Plotly
Looking for an opportunity to develop new ways to understand data and find solutions to modern day problems in a responsible way.
Experience
- I had the opportunity to build a machine learning model from scratch to predict renewal likelihood for season ticket members, enabling the service team to prioritize high-impact accounts throughout the season. I built the model from the ground up, from design to construction to optimization.
- I engineered the model's features in an Azure SQL database to support model training.
- I developed and evaluated five models in Databricks, optimizing log-loss for accurate account-level renewal probabilities, helping the service team target key accounts with greater precision.
- This led to identifying an XGBoost model, optimized via Bayesian hyperparameter tuning, as the best-performing approach, achieving 87% average precision and 0.41 log-loss. This was a a 10% increase in average precision and a 0.15 reduction in log-loss over a simple baseline logistic regression model.
- I automated weekly prediction refreshes with a Databricks pipeline and stored results in Azure SQL for analyst use and Tableau integration. I used this to design and present a Tableau dashboard for the Service and BI teams, supporting targeted outreach and revenue forecasting.
- I ensured that the entire project was developed with in an organized, efficient, and well documented manner to assist in handover. I kept clean and document code for every stage of development, and included it in a clear and consise handover document.
- I built interactive user interfaces in Retool using SQL and JavaScript, including performance radars, optimized player searches, and team organization visualizations.
- These tools were used directly by stakeholders and clients to guide player and coach signing decisions.
- I started the internship with no experience in Retool. I taught myself as much as possible and learned how to use many new tools. I developed to the point where I served as the primary contact for all Retool issues. I authored comprehensive, company-specific documentation to streamline onboarding and troubleshooting, including common issues and fixes to company specific issues.
- I created historical, visual, and numerical analyses to assist in scouting and team success.
- I reported directly to the C-Suite, ensuring interfaces were clear and actionable, and aligned with strategic objectives.
- Designed and launched a website to provide free access to high-quality soccer coaching materials for anyone.
- Produced, edited, and authored 50+ in-depth videos and articles, reaching over 3,000 users in 50+ countries.
- Planned and led in-person trainings with 5-10 players at a time.
Projects
An analysis on decision making us the xG (expected goals) of certain passes.
An optimization of the expected points of international soccer teams.
Education
Houston, Texas
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science
Degree: Bachelor of Arts in Statistics
Minor: Data Science
GPA: 3.77/4.0
- Data Science – Tools & Models: Data analysis with SQL, optimization- and probabilistic-based learning methods, big data analytics and programming, AWS and storage infrastructure experience.
- Concurrent Program Design: Developed a fully functional messaging web app using HTML/CSS and JavaScript, along with a RESTful database written in Go to store the messages.
- Algorithmic Thinking: Performed mathematical reasoning about algorithmic problems, focusing on the design, efficiency, and accuracy of algorithms; explored search trees, hash tables, and other useful data structures.
- Rice Program for Accessible Working Service-Dogs: Event Planner and Board member. Helped organize meetings and plan the early steps of the program.
- Sport Representative for residential college: promoted and organized intramurals for residential college, nearly doubling participation.
Relevant Courseworks:
Leadership and Service:
Evergreen, Colorado
Salutatorian
Accolades:
- 4.7/4.0 GPA
- 36 ACT; 1530 SAT
- Four-time gold honor role: achieved a 4.25 or higher GPA on the 4.0 scale every year.
- Three-time varsity soccer letterman: three-year varsity starter, team captain as senior
Leadership and Service: National Honor Society Technology Coordinator/Officer. Helped run a 100-member chapter.
Varsity Soccer: Captained a 4a program to a top 3 league finish.
Relevant Coursework: 10 AP Courses including statistics and computer science principles