Mike Clark

Background

About Mike Clark

I am a data scientist currently working in the Finance Division at SAS. I am a naturally curious person and an enthusiastic lifelong learner. I enjoy working with data to solve complex problems that make a positive difference for my customers. In my current role, I employ data mining strategies to gather information from a variety of enterprise data sources, and I produce insights into financial performance drivers that go beyond simple descriptive statistics. My key responsibilities in this role include direct engagement with internal customers across functions, preparing data for analysis, employing a combination of machine learning and traditional inferential statistics as dictated by the use case, communicating findings with stakeholders, and writing technical documentation for internal company publication. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a willingness to learn and adapt, having led projects in the areas of machine learning, predictive analytics, statistics, value-added modeling, data forensics research, large-scale K-12 educational assessment, and professional credentialing. My applied work in machine learning has resulted in industry awards and recognition, and I successfully obtained a large grant funding a one-year research study in a previous position. My technical documentation consistently garners praise for its balance of rigor and accessibility for various audiences. I value technical excellence in execution and delivering outcomes that meet or exceed my customers' requirements, but I also understand the vital importance of integrity and trust in this relationship. As a passionate advocate for responsible practices in data science, I share key takeaways as well as my honest assessment of any limitations that may impact the validity of the outcome when discussing results with my customers. Although my career has taken me in a number of different directions, my firm commitment to open, frank communication with my customers has remained a through line.