Nick Hand, PhD
Technologist, data scientist, and educator based in Philadelphia.
My work focuses on data, technology, and public accountability, especially where technical systems affect people's everyday lives.
about
I currently lead an analytics team at Voyatek, supporting data engineering and analytics tools for IRS anti-money-laundering compliance exams. Previously, I worked as an enforcement technologist at the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, where I focused on technology issues including AI/ML, algorithmic bias, data security, and privacy.
Before that, I led the Finance, Policy, and Data unit in the Philadelphia City Controller's Office, producing public analysis on property assessments, gun violence, spending, taxes, and city operations. I have also taught a graduate-level course on geospatial data science in Python at the University of Pennsylvania.
I started my career in astrophysics, earning a PhD from UC Berkeley and a BA from Princeton.
selected work
Mapping Philadelphia's Gun Violence
Interactive public data dashboard tracking shootings using public records, geospatial analysis, and web-based visualization.public-data · geospatial · dataviz · philadelphia→02ProgressPHL
A neighborhood well-being dashboard developed at the Philadelphia City Controller's Office.civic-indicators · public-dashboard · philadelphia→03Geospatial Data Science in Python
Course materials for a graduate course I taught at the University of Pennsylvania.teaching · python · geospatial · public-policy→04Parking Jawn
An older civic data project exploring parking violations in Philadelphia.archived · maps · civic-data→writing & public data
I'm an occasional contributor to The Philadelphia Citizen, with an op-ed on the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and interactive data pieces on the Philadelphia and Pennsylvania budgets.