After winning his state’s grappling championship, James retired from fighting, at least in the physical sense. Now instead of fighting on the mat, he grapples with data, using his mad math skills to ensure quality samples and to solve modeling problems for clients. When he isn’t listening to cool jazz or heavy metal, his favorite sound is the sound of silence.

Do you have any skills or talents that people don’t know about?

I’m an avid Chess player.

Who is someone you admire?

Herman Bavinck, a Dutch politician/theologian/educator.

The best piece of advice I’ve ever been given is…

Learn to read.

What motivated you to select this career path?

To help make a difference in my country.