Christian Caron, PhD
ABOUT ME
I’m a quantitative researcher and analytics leader with expertise in applied data science, machine learning, statistical modeling, and predictive analytics. As Research Lead at Matrix Design Group, I manage a team of data scientists and analysts, oversee complex analytical projects, and develop evidence-based solutions to strategic and operational challenges. My experience spans the full research lifecycle, from methodological design and advanced statistical analysis to communicating actionable insights.
Beyond technical research, I have successfully managed dozens of projects and built profitable portfolios of analytics and consulting work through business development, strategic planning, and client relationship management. My technical experience includes analyzing complex datasets, developing predictive models, and automating analytical workflows to improve efficiency and support decision-making.
My work spans a diverse range of organizations, including federal defense, state and local governments, and private-sector clients. This breadth of experience has strengthened my ability to adapt advanced analytical methods to new challenges and deliver practical solutions across industries and organizational contexts.
I hold a PhD in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, where I specialized in advanced quantitative methods and computational social science. My peer-reviewed research reflects a commitment to methodological rigor, analytical innovation, and evidence-based inquiry.
To explore examples of my work, see the Portfolio and Publications sections of this site.
"Let me remark on how unusual Christian's profile is. Very few have the staying power to complete the PhD, and yet he has done it while publishing a number of articles in top academic journals. . . . Christian has always been an efficient worker, and he simply got going early on this and kept his eye on the prize. And it did not come at the cost of the substantive or theoretical importance of his work." – Dr. Frank Baumgartner, Richard J. Richardson Distinguished Professor, Dept. of Political Science, UNC Chapel Hill and author of Agendas and Instability in American Politics and The Politics of Information, among other seminal works
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EXPERIENCE
Matrix Design Group, Inc.
Research Lead
July 2022 – Present
Denver, CO
UNC Chapel Hill, Dept. of Political Science
Researcher & Instructor
August 2016 – May 2022
EDUCATION
UNC Chapel Hill
PhD, Political Science | 2022
Chapel Hill, NC
Dissertation: Three Essays on the Political Determinants of Public Policy in the U.S. States
UNC Chapel Hill
MA, Political Science | 2018
Chapel Hill, NC
UCONN
BA (Honors), Political Science | 2016
Storrs, CT
GPA: 3.9 | Magna Cum Laude | Phi Beta Kappa
Recipient of Bennett Award for Best Honors Thesis and Reiter Senior Award for Graduate Study
SKILLS & EXPERTISE
- Statistical Modeling & Forecasting: Advanced statistical analysis, including generalized linear models, time-series forecasting, Bayesian inference, and predictive modeling.
- Programming & Data Analytics: Proficiency in R and Python for data manipulation, statistical computing, visualization, and automation of analytical workflows.
- Machine Learning: Practical experience with supervised and unsupervised learning techniques, including classification, regression, regularization, and predictive modeling.
- Natural Language Processing: Experience analyzing unstructured text data using computational techniques, including sentiment analysis and topic modeling.
- Research Design & Quantitative Analysis: Expertise in developing rigorous analytical methodologies, designing surveys, analyzing complex datasets, and applying statistical sampling and weighting techniques.
- Impact Assessment & Scenario Analysis: Experience developing quantitative frameworks to evaluate economic and financial impacts, assess alternative scenarios, and support strategic decision-making.
- Data Visualization & Communication: Ability to translate complex analytical findings into compelling visualizations, actionable recommendations, and clear communications for technical and nontechnical audiences.
- Analytics Leadership & Project Management: Experience leading technical teams, managing complex analytical projects, optimizing workflows, and delivering data-driven solutions aligned with organizational objectives.
Christian Caron, PhD
Quantitative Research, Data Science & Advanced Analytics