About
Hi, I’m Billy
I build machine learning models for hard, real-world problems where uncertainty, time, and imperfect data matter. My work spans survival analysis, reinforcement learning, and agentic systems – with a particular interest in making model outputs interpretable and usable, not just accurate.
I recently completed my M.S. in Data Science and Analytics at Georgetown University, where I continue to collaborate on research at the Massive Data Institute with my advisor. Before Georgetown, I studied at Villanova University, double majoring in Economics and Business Analytics. As part of Villanova’s Honors Program, I studied abroad at the University of Cambridge, where I focused on international political economy and economic theory – the experience that first made me realize how much data could say about complex global systems.
Work
My research centers on uncertainty quantification and survival analysis. The flagship project is FrailNet, a variational frailty model built on top of a Cox proportional hazards neural network, applied to interstate conflict prediction using dyadic time-series data. It is currently being submitted for publication.
Other work includes a reinforcement learning project for autonomous lunar rover navigation, developed in collaboration with NASA-affiliated researchers and presented at StatConnect 2025.
On the applied side, I have built production projects ranging from an LLM-powered code analysis agent to a React/Next.js movie dashboard to a computer vision pipeline that mapped 500 individually addressable LEDs in 3D space.
Top Shelf Designs
During undergrad, my sisters and I co-founded Top Shelf Designs – a company that designs and builds custom shelving for college dorms. It started as a practical solution to a problem we knew firsthand, and turned into a real business.
Outside of Work
Music – I play piano and taught myself guitar during COVID. I have a music project in the works – more on that soon.
Sports – I am an avid Yankees, Giants, and Villanova basketball fan. More recently I have become a genuine Knicks fan: watching Jalen Brunson, Josh Hart, and Mikal Bridges – players I watched at Villanova – now competing at the highest level makes it hard not to be.
Travel – Italy remains the gold standard (food, wine, history), but a recent trip to San Francisco and Napa Valley made a strong case for California. Alcatraz alone is worth the trip.
Gaming – Currently high diamond in Valorant, which I find genuinely competitive and strategic in ways most shooters aren’t.
Reading – Working on a reading notes page where I track recent reads and recommendations. Link coming soon.
DC – Always looking for new spots around the city. Recommendations welcome.
Roxie
No about page would be complete without mentioning Roxie – our family dog for years, and one of the best things about coming home.
