Jay Stotsky

I take a lot of motivation from the fact that people really pay attention to our work at the Laboratory and that our work is used to inform decision makers in many domains.

What does your job entail, and what are you currently working on?
My job entails a mix of data analysis, mathematical modeling, and creating graphics and presentations. I currently am working on a fairly broad range of projects ranging from analyzing the performance of radar systems to modeling economic changes in critical industries.

What aspects of your work do you take the most pride in?
After spending some time working out all the details and making sure everything runs smoothly, I find it rewarding to see code I have worked on running in software that others use at the Laboratory. I also take pride in the briefings I have given. While there are always future steps in research, I find that briefings are a nice way to encapsulate what has been done, and they are a chance to highlight those parts of my work that matter most.

Why do you think the Laboratory is a good fit for you?
I really enjoy the mix of projects that I am involved in at the Laboratory and appreciate the opportunity to explore some very interesting data sets. I also value the stimulating discussions that happen day to day with colleagues at the Laboratory, and the sense that what we are doing matters and informs decisions that could have far-reaching effects.

Tell us about your favorite activities, hobbies, or interests outside of work.
I have played piano for more than 25 years. I grew up playing classical piano, but now play a mix of classical and tango music, and I have been a member of a number of music groups and bands over the years. I also enjoy kayaking and swimming and exploring the bike trails throughout the Boston metro area. I got into bird-watching a few years ago. It is incredible how many species of birds there are in the U.S., even just locally. I am up to about 150 different species of birds that I have seen.

From day to day, where do you find inspiration?
I take a lot of motivation from the fact that people really pay attention to our work at the Laboratory and that some of our work is used to inform decision makers in many domains. I also am driven by my sense of curiosity. I enjoy figuring out how things work and experimenting with what happens when something is modified, be it a software program, a mathematical model, or even a physical device.