Probability & Statistics/Expert Profile

Expertise

I am qualified to answer probability questions through the undergraduate level. I can also assist with the first actuarial exam in probability and explain the roles of probability in applications such as economics and game theory. I hope to address any topics that I am currently unfamiliar with during my studies as an actuary.

Experience in the area

I am beginning employment as an Actuarial Assistant with a major auto insurer. On the side, I have experience applying probability to poker at a highly competitive level.

Organizations

Mensa

Education/Credentials

University of Rochester Class of 2008:
Bachelor of Arts, Mathematics and Economics
Certificate in Actuarial Studies
Certificate in Mathematical Modeling in Political Science and Economics
Certificate in Management Studies with track in Accounting and Finance

Completed Actuarial Exam SOA P / CAS 1

What do you like about this subject?

Probability is a valuable objective descriptor for any element of uncertainty and yet it is understood by so few. Subjective hunches may be natural to most, but learning the fundamentals of probability can help anyone make better decisions.

What do you still hope to achieve/learn in this field?

I hope to develop the intuition and understanding to provide a reasonable insight on even the most uncertain events.

Something interesting about this subject that others may not know:

Seventeenth century philosopher Blaise Pascal was perhaps the foremost pioneer in the development of probability as decision-making tool. He examined gambling and sport to show proper betting odds at any point in a series of matches between equally strong opponents.

Something controversial or provocative about this subject

Religion, however, was the subject of Pascal's most notable work. In Pascal's Wager, he evaluated the consequences of belief in God through the concepts of probability.