Seth Billiau
Welcome to Seth's Personal Website
Hi, I'm Seth!
I am a graduate of Harvard University with a Bachelor of Arts in Statistics (Data Science) and a minor in Government. Raised in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I gained experience as a political organizer and campaign manager, leveraging data to win important local elections during the competitive 2016, 2018, and 2020 election cycles. Now, I work as a data scientist, bringing my passion, technical know-how, and strong communication skills to new challenges at Booz Allen Hamilton.
FEATURED PROJECTS
Modeling | Visualization | Analysis
WINNER OF CITADEL’S BOSTON REGIONAL DATATHON
In Spring 2021, my team earned first place in Citadel’s Boston Regional Datathon, receiving a $20,000 prize and entry into the international Data Open Championship. COVID-19 was the theme of the Boston Regional Datathon, and our submission explored the relationship between public trust in government and excess mortality from COVID-19.
GIBBS SAMPLING EXPLAINED PUBLISHED WITH TOWARDS DATA SCIENCE
In my first article published with Towards Data Science, I crafted a visual explanation of how Gibbs sampling works. Gibbs sampling is one of the most popular Markov Chain Monte Carlo (MCMC) algorithms with applications in Bayesian statistics, computational linguistics, political science, and more.
BALLOT ROLL OFF IN KENT COUNTY, MI
This QGIS web map was a project commissioned by 6 County Commission candidates in Kent County, MI. It shows precinct-by-precinct election results for all partisan races in the 2018 November general election. This app helped candidates identify precincts that were susceptible to down-ballot roll-off.
MORE PROJECTS
My full portfolio of data science and data visualization projects
EXPERIENCE
Background & Expertise
Data Scientist, Consultant, Booz Allen Hamilton
July 2021 - Present
Hired as a member of the Strategic Innovation Group (SIG) to develop algorithms, write scripts, use automation, and find answers to help clients make important decisions.
Legislative Aide, Michigan House of Representatives
April 2020 - September 2020
Lobbied state lawmakers in favor of restorative justice legislation including reforms to expungement of public criminal records, drug sentencing guidelines, and cash bail. Problem-solved during the COVID-19 crisis by connecting constituents to services like the Michigan eviction diversion and food assistance programs.
Teaching Fellow/Course Assistant, Harvard University
September 2018 - May 2021
Instructed undergraduate and graduate students in a variety of quantitative topics from linear algebra and real analysis to Markov Chains and statistical inference. Recipient of the Derek Bok Center Certificate of Distinction and Excellence in Teaching in Fall 2018 and Spring 2019.
Courses: Linear Algebra and Real Analysis I, Mathematics for Computation and Data Science, Intro to Probability, Intro to Statistical Inference
Summer Campaigns Fellow, Michigan House Democratic Fund
May 2018 - August 2018
Coordinated campaign operations for State House and County Commission campaigns in Western Michigan. Raised over $40,000 in 3 months. Kept 2 State House seats and flipped 2 County Commission seats.
Director of Communications/Campaigns Director, One Michigan Alliance
March 2017 - September 2017
Liaised with candidates to impact policy and help progressives win elections in West Michigan. Communicated with media to publicize events and wrote press releases and notifications.
District Staff, Michigan State Representative David LaGrand
March 2017 - September 2017
Overhauled the representative’s contact database and fundraising infrastructure using R and NGPVAN. Raised over $26,000 in 3 months. Supervised a research team to further the Representative’s legislative goals.
Campaign Manager, Phil Skaggs for County Commission
August 2016 - November 2016
Managed all campaign staff and volunteers while organizing daily canvassing events. Served as the candidate’s primary advisor on strategy and tactics using data analytics to target voters. Raised over $33,000 in 3 months and filed appropriate campaign finance reports. Won election by 1,057 votes over a three-term incumbent.
Lead Intern, Hillary for America – West Michigan
February 2016 - May 2016
Responsible for managing and running phone banks. Main point of contact for volunteers. Organized events with notable guests including Chelsea Clinton.
EDUCATION
What I’ve Learned
Harvard University
August 2017 - May 2021
A.B. in Statistics (Data Science) with a secondary in Government with Honors. 2018 & 2020 John Harvard Scholar, Detur Book Prize recipient.
Study Abroad: University of Oxford
June 2019 - August 2019
Study Abroad coursework in evolutionary biology and population genetics at Queen's College. Created an R Shiny app to teach introductory population genetics with interactive simulations.
Grand Rapids Christian High School
September 2013 - May 2017
Valedictorian, National Merit Finalist, Congressional Medal of Merit Recipient, 2-time State Champion/National Quarterfinalist Public Speaker
INTERESTS AND HOBBIES
HARVARD COLLEGE OPEN DATA PROJECT
Vice President/Treasurer Emeritus
HARVARD-RADCLIFFE COLLEGIUM MUSICUM
Financial Manager Emeritus and
Bass II Alum
AVID SPORTS FAN
Go Red Sox!
THE GREAT OUTDOORS
Hiking, Backpacking, and Traveling!
