Splash Biography

ARNAV PRASAD, Mathematics Undergraduate

Major: Math/Statistics

College/Employer: UChicago

Year of Graduation: 2022

Brief Biographical Sketch:

I am interested in using data and math to learn about complex systems and human behavior!

Outside of classes, I work with the UChicago Basketball team on basketball analytics and pursue research with a professor in artificial intelligence. I have worked closely with various pro-sports teams, most notably with the LA Dodgers after my freshman year of college.

Past Classes

(Clicking a class title will bring you to the course's section of the corresponding course catalog)

H1837: Sports Analytics: How Teams Win Games with Data in Droplet Droplet 2021 (Jan. 16, 2021)

In 1858, Henry Chadwick, a baseball sportswriter in New York, invented the "box score," a simple data-based summary of a sports game. Since then, there have been (multiple!) statistical revolutions in and out of sports. From Bill James to Billy Beane (Oakland A's) to Daryl Morey (Houston Rockets/76ers), teams from all major sports are finding ways to use data to identify talent, optimize game strategies, and win games. Now more than ever, major sports teams are looking for the next generation of sports managers, coaches, and analysts who have an understanding of data-driven strategy. This class will present a basic overview of how math, statistics, and computer science are being applied in various sports (e.g., NBA, MLB, NHL, NFL), but will assume no prior technical knowledge. Students will get an inside look into how technology is changing how sports are being played. The class will conclude with a mini-research project where each student will find a statistic, article, or visualization and design a single powerpoint slide explaining their findings and how it relates to sports. The instructor has previously worked for the Los Angeles Dodgers in Baseball Analytics and currently pursues research work with other NBA, MLB, and college teams.