Jake Smith

Data Scientist @U.S. Small Business Administration, Office of Inspector General

Chicago, IL, US

As part of this nimble data team of data scientists and engineers, I used Python and Azure to help train and evaluate an NLP model (semantic similarity) to better classify millions of complaints to the SBA hotline; our updated model yielded a 39% improvement in topic accuracy over the previous LDA model. I also wrote advanced SQL queries (in PostgreSQL and Microsoft SQL Server) to extract and link data from complex database schema containing servicing/origination/forgiveness information on tens of millions of small business loans (total value >$1.2 trillion). And I worked cross-functionally with auditors, investigative agents, and OIG leadership to build and refine PowerBI dashboards that offered actionable insights about OIG operations, helped identify bottlenecks, and facilitated business processes for audits and investigations.

University of Chicago

BA, Political Science

Clear Creek Amana High School

HS Diploma

Harris School of Public Policy at the University of Chicago

Master of Arts - MA, Public Policy Analysis