We’re thrilled to introduce you to one of the newest members of our team. Shout out to Matt Harris as DataKind’s Head of Data Science!
Matt brings more than 20 years of experience in software development, product management, and data science leadership to DataKind. In this new role at DataKind, he oversees data product development and data science strategy. He strongly believes in ethical and equitable data science as a power for good in the world, and he loves to roll up his sleeves and explore datasets to see if he can find new insights and solutions to problems that can help people.
Matt also has an extensive DataKind track record as a volunteer data scientist and Data Ambassador. From acting as the Data Ambassador for our recent data integrity work with partner Medic to analyzing official eHealth policies from 39 African countries to developing a web app exploring health text using Natural Language Processing approaches to serving as an active member on the Scoping Squad, and more, he’s held many volunteer roles and supported many initiatives at DataKind.
With Matt’s technical experience, passion for collaboration, and clear commitment to Data for Good, we’re thrilled to have him with us. He’ll no doubt make a major impact and help us deliver on our next decade of data science solutions for positive social impact.
Check out more about Matt below, and join us in giving him the warmest of DataKind welcomes!
What were you up to before DataKind?
Most recently, I was head of internal data science and automation at a FinTech company in New York City. Our team helped streamline operations in support of thousands of customers and products across the globe. I’ve been a developer and data scientist over most of my career. For the last few years, I’ve also used those skills as a volunteer with DataKind.
Why are you excited to join DataKind?
Doing something that helps people is what I want to do and being able to do that through a love of data is just amazing. As a previous DataKind volunteer, I’m also very happy to be working with so many kind, clever, and energized people who care passionately about making the world a better place.
What do you like to do in your free time?
I’ve always had a love of science and the natural world, and I’ve worked as a researcher studying extrasolar planets. These days my outlet is astrophotography where I can often be found shivering outside in the dark Vermont winter. Also, I play guitar very badly and probably shouldn’t be allowed.
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