Chris Buck
I’m a data analyst and social scientist driven by intellectual curiosity to deliver evidence-based insights that enable organisations to improve their outcomes.
With subject expertise in political science and leadership experience in higher education, I bring a keen eye for research design as well as the ability to cultivate effective cross-functional teams and communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences.
I enjoyed a successful career as an Associate Professor of Government at St Lawrence University that culminated in a one-year appointment as Director of the university’s study abroad programme in London. The highlight of this experience was teaching a module on Encountering Global London, which examined recent changes to the capital’s built environment and evaluated the merits and shortcomings of these regeneration projects from the perspective of values such as democracy, fairness, inclusion, and sustainability. Guiding students on weekly site visits to its diverse neighbourhoods led me to fall in love with London and take the leap of relocating here permanently.
A desire to be involved in the actual practice of government rather than simply teaching the theory of it inspired me to pivot my career towards data analytics. I recently completed the Data Analytics Career Accelerator with the London School of Economics, where I’ve gained hands-on experience using Python and R for statistical analyses and predictive modelling to address challenges faced by companies and public sector organisations such as NHS England and the Bank of England.
I’m excited about career opportunities that will involve leveraging my expertise in political science and my experience leading cross-functional teams to influence policies in ways that improve the well-being of Londoners.
Download my CV as a PDF.
Experience
Earned distinctions on course projects that delivered actionable recommendations through slide presentations and technical reports for commercial and public sector clients using the following skills:
• Led a team of five data analysts that enabled the Bank of England to better understand the relationship between central bank speech sentiment and key economic indicators; used advanced Python functions for data wrangling and feature engineering to improve the predictive power of linear and non-linear regression models
• Engaged in predictive analytics using advanced Python functions and R to conduct product review sentiment analysis and cluster customers of a fictional online game retailer to optimise its loyalty rewards programme
• Performed diagnostic analytics using Python for NHS England to reveal trends in missed GP appointments and to identify behavioural interventions for improving appointment attendance
• Segmented customers using Excel pivot tables and SQL queries to facilitate a targeted multichannel marketing campaign for a fictional online supermarket; summarised key findings using Tableau dashboards
• Developed and delivered an engaging environmental politics curriculum to over 350 students
• Communicated research findings in environmental politics through presentations at professional meetings and peer-reviewed publications
• Led a cross-functional team to analyse ethics and integrity at the university, using data-driven insights to develop and implement effective solutions, as well as ensure compliance with accreditation standards
• Designed qualitative and quantitative assessments of student learning, using data analytics to identify areas for curriculum improvement
• Led a team of six lecturers and two staff members to deliver an intellectually rewarding programme
• Taught the “Encountering Global London: Power and Justice in Its Urban Environment” module, which included an examination of recent regeneration projects from the perspective of sustainability
• Initiated change to ensure educational effectiveness in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic
• Expanded student internship opportunities by cultivating relationships with business partners
• Successfully managed a £575,000 budget, resulting in resource expenditures 5% under budget
• Co-authored a strategic report examining opportunities for students to enrol directly at London universities
• Led a team of nine lecturers and one administrative staff member to provide support across each stage of the student lifecycle
• Analysed enrolment data and student performance metrics to inform strategic decision-making regarding faculty hiring and resource allocation
• Convened monthly faculty meetings to make strategic decisions regarding the course curriculum
• Co-led an external review of the politics department at a nearby university by collecting primary data using qualitative research methods including focus groups and interviews with key stakeholders
• Mentored and reviewed junior colleagues for tenure and promotion
• Developed and delivered an engaging environmental politics curriculum to over 350 students
• Communicated research findings in environmental politics through presentations at professional meetings and peer-reviewed publications
• Designed qualitative and quantitative assessments of student learning, using data analytics to identify areas for curriculum improvement
• Elected by faculty colleagues to contribute to strategic decision making in a deliberative body attended by senior leadership including the university President
• Met university’s standards for excellence in teaching to earn tenure and promotion
Education
Professional Development
