Alex Din

Social Science Analyst

Current Responsibilities

Research Projects

Post-Disaster HUD Exits - We are studying the locational outcomes of HUD-assisted households, both those that remain in assistance those that exit assistance, following a Presidential Disaster Declaration.

Mapping Neighborhood Change - I produce the data for and manage PD&R's Neighborhood Change Web Map. The tool allows map users to click on one-or-more census tracts to access longitudinal and quarterly administrative address data and HUD tenant data for quick data visualization and analysis. Read more here.

Matching HUD Tenant Data and Maryland Eviction Data - We are working to match address-level eviction data from the State of Maryland with HUD tenant data to learn about HUD-assisted households that have been evicted.

Cityscape

I am a Co-Managing Editor for Cityscape, HUD's journal for high-quality original research on housing and community development issues.

• I have recruited guest editors for upcoming issues of Cityscape.
• I have been the guest editor for two issues of Cityscape. I recruited authors to submit articles of original research, and organized blind reviews of submitted articles.
• I am the Department Editor for Graphic Detail which focuses on short articles and data visualizations. I have recruited and reviewed more than 15 contributions.

Contracting Officer's Representative (FAC-COR) Level 2

I am the COR for multiple contracts. I have worked on data acquisition contracts, interagency agreements (IAA) with other Federal partners that acquire data or leverage data resources, and research and analysis contracts.

Geographic Information Systems (GIS)

I use Python and SQL to create and update multiple datasets on HUDUser.gov and HUD's Geospatial Data Storefront.

I create physical maps, web maps, geocode, and perform ad-hoc spatial analysis for clients in PD&R, other HUD program areas, and outside organizations.

Other Work

I have served as a panel chair and reviewer for multiple Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) projects.

I have mentored new employees, Pathways Interns, and university students in spatial analysis. I have participated in data challenges with students from the University of Maryland College Park, the University of Washington, Georgetown University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Previous Responsibilities

I managed HUD's Geospatial Data Storefront

• I used Python, the ArcGIS API, and PowerBI to track and visualize engagement and data downloads with HUD'S Geospatial Data Storefront.
• I worked with contractors and other program areas to manage and update feature services.
• I managed HUD user accounts and credit usage for hosted data.
• Served as the point-of-contact for communication with HUD's GIS software vendor, Esri.
• Coordinated bi-monthly Esri instructor-led training for HUD staff.

Fellow

I used Python and ArcGIS Pro to perform spatial analysis and write or contribute to the following articles:

• Performed spatial analysis to assess the distance-weighted supply and demand of childcare seats for students attending District of Columbia Public Schools (DCPS) and charter schools in the Needs assessment of out-of-school time programs in the District of Columbia. This work was also used for a Chart of the week: D.C. children face unequal access to out-of-school time programs.
• Increased transit delays in fall of 2021 and the potential impact on high school commutes
• Proximity to homicide exposure in Washington, D.C., 2021. This article was referenced on TV by WUSA9, and online by The Washington Post and Greater Greater Washington.

Adjunct Lecturer

I created the course content and taught the following courses:

• GES 600: Building Spatial Datasets
• GES 679: Leveraging Web Data

Housing Research and GIS Analyst

I collected, stored, and utilized data from a variety of internal and external data sources for reporting on DHCD programs and housing & market conditions in Maryland. I responded to ad-hoc information requests from the Maryland General Assembly and other requestors. I migrated data from various databases and spreadsheets into a central Access database system.

Special Projects

• I mapped Maryland's 149 Opportunity Zones
• Rural Broadband Asset Mapping and Inventory

Regular Reports

• Housing Beat
• Foreclosure Events
• Foreclosure Hot Spots

GIS Analyst

I worked on a variety of projects and delivered products to several different clients:

• LiDAR and breakline production for delivery to the United States Geological Survey.
• Performed analysis and reporting for PaintCare, a nonprofit that places paint collection centers in communities.
• Performed task management of six analysts assessing over 3,000 miles of riverine engineering studies in support of FEMA's Coordinated Needs Management Strategy (CNMS) program.
• Performed QA/QC support to data collected in the field following the 2016 Louisiana Floods.
• On behalf of the Fish and Wildlife Service, I remapped 30 "units" and identified five potential new "units" of the Coastal Barrier Resources System in central Long Island, New York. These maps were signed into law in November 2024 with the Bolstering Ecosystems Against Coastal Harm Act (BEACH Act) (Pub. L. 118-117).
• Digitized and updated to new imagery all 21 "units" in Louisiana of the Coastal Barrier Resource System - maps are availble online.
• Processed Letters of Map Amendments (LOMAs) on behalf of FEMA.