Thomas J. Pfaff Resume

(Resume PDF Version)

Contact

Thomas J. Pfaff
Ithaca, NY 14850
thomas.pfaff@sustainabilitymath.org
LinkedIn

Miscellaneous Information

Academic Vita
Patent
sustainabilitymath.org
Briefed by Data

Summary

Highly analytical and dedicated professional with strong commitments to leverage 20+ years of teaching experience in mathematics, probability, statistics, data science, spatial statistics, and data visualization to address real-world challenges within the industry. Knowledgeable in designing and integrating multiple data sources, models, and software tools with scientific and engineering workflows for data analysis and decision support. Expertise in leveraging advanced analytical techniques to derive actionable insights and solve complex problems. Expertise in data manipulation, statistical modeling, and geospatial analysis with passion for developing innovative solutions to drive business objectives and inform strategic decision-making. Proficient in ArcGIS Pro, R, SQL, HTML, and Latex.

Areas of Expertise

Machine Learning & Data Science, Data Visualization & Reporting, Project Planning & Execution, Data Wrangling & Exploration, Geographic Information Systems (GIS), Predictive Modeling & Analytics, Cartography & Geographic Visualization, Pattern Recognition, Data & Statistical Modeling, Spatial Data Analysis, R Programming, Cross-Team Collaboration, Probability, Statistics, and Mathematics,

Background

I am self-motivated and combine a range of technical skills, management skills, and experience with personal skills to succeed in a variety of settings. As a mathematics, statistics, and data science educator, I have a history of communicating complex ideas to diverse audiences, and I will be effective at communicating within teams, with clients, and with other stakeholders.

Data doesn't exist in a vacuum. Throughout my career, I have demonstrated a wide range of content knowledge through numerous publications spanning different areas of mathematics and statistics, including traditional and applied mathematics, probability, and spatial statistics, as well as essays on higher education and two published books. I've supervised student projects in exercise science, environmental science, climate change, and baseball. With over 5 years and 600 posts on sustainabilitymath.org and briefedbydata.substack.com I am familiar with multiple data sources and data in a variety of contexts.

I have a Ph.D. in mathematics (stochastic processes), an M.S. in applied statistics, but also a B.S. in exercise science. I have a patent for strength training equipment specifically designed for rowers. I’m an accomplished gardener. I rowed in college. I've hiked the Adirondack High Peaks, ran a marathon, and skated an inline marathon. I am competitive and curious, and I continually challenge myself.

I have a strong foundation in data analysis and problem-solving, which positions me well to excel in supporting decision-making through data and modeling.

Professor of Mathematics | Ithaca College | 2001-present

Engage students and colleagues as a professor of mathematics with a strong foundation in probability, statistics, and data visualization. Develop and deliver innovative courses, such as Spatial Statistics with ArcGIS Pro, Modern Data Science with R, and Interactive Graphics, with a focus on improving students’ performance. Leverage strong knowledge of R and ArcGIS to conduct research and provide statistical consulting, including climate change impact studies and power grid load forecasting. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to communicate complex mathematical and statistical findings through verbal, written, and graphical communication skills.

●     Predicted utility and environmental changes with advanced statistical modeling to influence strategic decisions in various industries. Examples:  A Case Study on Regional Impacts of Climate Change: Peak Loads on the Power Grid in Rochester and Studying the Impacts of Changing Climate on the Finger Lakes Wine Industry

●     Led the development and introduction of new courses in data science and spatial statistics to address evolving educational needs.

●     Leveraged strong knowledge in exercise science as statistical advisor for master's theses, demonstrating interdisciplinary collaboration.

●     Prepared and delivered numerous invited presentations, showcasing thought leadership and expertise in the academic community.

●     Authored and published two innovative textbooks integrating R programming into the college mathematics curriculum to modernize courses. R for College Mathematics and Statistics and Applied Calculus with R

●     Quantified effectiveness of honors program in attracting students through implementation of an admissions A/B test.

●     Headed and mentored cross-functional team of four academics from different disciplines as principal investigator of four-year NSF grant, resulting in multiple publications and presentations.

Additional Experience as Director of the College Honors Program and Chair of the Math Dept. at Ithaca College, Ithaca, NY

• • Interactive Map: A map of Saw-whet Owls captured by biologist John Confer that were captured a second time by another biologist.

• • Exploring Data: All Saw-Whet Owls from the USGS North American Bird Banding Program Data Set. Each histogram is the longitude of the second capture of an owl based on a 5-degree bin of original banding.

• • Interactive Graph and Animation: My versions of the cumulative snowfall graphs seen in the NYT article You Call That Snow?! See How This Winter Stacks Up. (1/26/2023)

• • Animation: There are animations on the Probability and Statistics page of Briefed by Data and older animations for mathematics on the animations page of Sustainability Math.

• • Interactive Graph: Forbes 2019 college financial rankings and the 2022 update.  The interactive graphs page includes other examples.

Degrees

• • Syracuse University, Ph.D., Mathematics (Stochastic Processes)
  • Syracuse University, M.S., Applied Statistics
  • Syracuse University, M.S., Mathematics
  • State University of New York at Cortland, B.S., Mathematics
  • Ithaca College, B.S. Exercise Science

Professional Development

• • Datacamp: Completed 40 courses, 4 tracks, and 3 projects with over 169,690 XP.
  • Passed Actuary Exam 1 (10)