ISyE Seminar Series: Douglas Armstrong

"Data Science Applied at Securian Financial: Using Data to Drive Insights"

Douglas Armstrong

Data Science Manager
Securian Financial

About the seminar:

In this presentation, I will share the journey of data science at Securian Financial and how it has evolved from a few data scientists to an enterprise team working to build and deliver solutions. I will provide an overview of the tools used by a modern data scientist and how these tools have caused an evolution in the data scientist’s approach to problem solving. Finally, I will review a couple of use cases, highlighting how a data scientist interacts with stakeholders to ideate, develop, test, and deliver solutions.

Bio:

Doug Armstrong graduated with a Ph.D. in Computational Science and Statistics from South Dakota State University in December 2017. Shortly after completing it, he went to work for Securian Financial in St. Paul where he partnered with actuarial and operational services to advance the use of statistics and data science. Over the years, his work stretched across multiple business lines and ranged from rebuilding actuarial assumptions with advanced statistical modelling, performing retroactive analyses to assess data value, and advancing the technology stack utilized by the data science teams. Currently, he manages a team of data scientists that continue to advance the practice of data science and drive results that support the strategic aspirations of Securian Financial.