May 17, 2019 in What's Your StORy?
What's Your StORy? John Angelis
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https://doi.org/10.1287/orms.2019.03.12
Name: John Angelis
Employer: Elizabethtown College
Job Title: Assistant Professor
INFORMS member since 2003
How do you define “analytics”?
The study of turning past and present data into verifiable patterns leading to actionable recommendations in the real world: or when necessary, the ability to also detect that no such patterns exist.
You are currently a professor, but previously worked for General Electric and the U.S. government – what prompted the switch from industry to academia?
I should first clarify that those were mostly jobs while still in undergrad and grad school. I did enjoy industry, but the freedom and intellectual pursuits of academia appealed to me. I also had seen how my undergrad professors were able to connect with the community and students, and inspire the students to learn and find a career path.
What advice do you have for new students entering this field? Can you argue both sides of entering either industry or academia after graduation?
I have to shout out Tim Hopper and his “Should I get a Ph.D.?” book, which is a free e-book that interviews several INFORMS members on their opinions. I would argue that if one has the freedom and choice, it’s best to do some time in industry before deciding on academia. But I am also glad that I went to grad school at a relatively young age.
What were you like in high school?
I went to small schools where everyone did everything, and so somehow played on more than one high school sports team! I was quite nerdy, and more interested in the liberal arts than math and science in high school. However, even then I was interested in using numbers to improve my performance in sports and academics. So when I got to college and discovered stats and applied math, I was quite excited.
Which INFORMS event do you look forward to most each year?
I do love the Annual Meeting, but also quite enjoyed the Analytics Conference and am glad I finally got to attend one.
What is something you've learned recently?
I enjoyed talking to an academic who also does a satellite radio talk show with guests. I think it can be a struggle to find the right medium to get our content out into the community. I hadn’t thought of radio before, but it does have a natural fit. I’m not going to start a podcast anytime soon, but it’s fun to see the diversity in sharing information.
What interest do you have outside of work that might surprise us?
I enjoy watching independent films in my spare time, and also connecting with my Greek heritage and visiting Greece when possible.
If we were sitting here a year from now celebrating what a great year it's been for you, what would we be celebrating?
I’d have published a research paper and also finished some sort of data project in the community, preferably for a small or new business. I would also have developed a new class or major curriculum that improved the type of education we can offer our students to prepare them for their careers.
Which social network do you use most and why?
I’ve become a fan of Instagram for its relaxed style. It’s a good way to find out more about fun things to see and do in my local community, and I appreciate the simplicity.
What is your favorite Sunday night activity?
I enjoy seeing a new movie at the theater and then matching it with a relaxing reading time at a bookstore café.
Desert island question: what three things would you bring with you?
Following in the footsteps of the great Tom Hanks, I’d bring a volleyball. I’d also take a book that I found meaningful that I could read over and over. And as the old joke goes, my third book would be “Guide to Practical Shipbuilding!”
Pineapple on pizza – yes or no?
A tough one, but I’m going to say no. It’s not bad, but there are better options.
