Alex Din

Social Science Analyst

Current Responsibilities

Analysis and Research

I am the subject matter expert for the HUD-USPS Address Data. Key Projects:

• I reimagined HUD’s large administrative datasets into the Neighborhood Change Web Map (NCWM) a point-and-click query tool to enhance data accessibility and understanding. I used Python, SQL, and SAS to build the data pipeline from 2 billion+ records. I worked with the HUDUser contractor to develop the web map application. I have done 40+ demonstrations of the NCWM to governments, universities, and nonprofits. Read more the NCWM here.
• I manage the HUD-USPS ZIP Code Crosswalk Files which translate data between ZIP codes and other administrative geographies. These data are used by thousands of financial, healthcare, and other businesses. I have helped ~500 users with this dataset.
• I researched changes in HUD-USPS Address Data following highly-destructive wildfires finding that these administrative data have potential to signaling destroyed housing units following a wildfire. I presented this work at the Population Association of America 2023 Annual Meeting
• I used Python, SQL, and SAS to create the HUD-USPS Census Tract Crosswalk Files which translate data between 2010 and 2020 census tracts.
• I led a two-person team to improve housing vacancy rate estimation in rural areas.

I use Python and ArcGIS Pro to conduct disaster analysis to query, clean, and visualize restricted FEMA data to inform post-disaster recovery funding allocations. I perform spatial analysis of FHA loans and HUD-assisted households near active wildfires to present findings to senior HUD leadership. Most recently, I supported disaster recovery efforts for Hurricane Helene, Hurricane Milton, and the Los Angeles Wildfires.

I manage data licenses with partner research institutions. I review research proposals, craft data sharing contracts, monitor data sharing, and use SAS and SQL to construct datasets from millions of household level records.

I led a team of four analysts to conduct research on changes in neighborhood quality for households participating in the Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) program. We used SAS, SQL, Python, and R to analyze millions of household-level records.

I use Python, SQL, SAS, and ArcGIS Pro to conduct ad-hoc analyses on structured administrative datasets to extract insights.

Project Management

I am a Co-Managing Editor for Cityscape, HUD's journal for high-quality original research on housing and community development issues. I recruit guest editors for each issue, review final articles, coordinate with copy editing and production teams, review articles submitted to the department sections, and manage double-blind peer reviews for refereed papers.

I oversee contracts and grants. I conduct background research, market research, draft contracts and cooperative agreements, review proposals, track performance, asses deliverables, manage budgets, review invoices, and provide feedback to grantees and contractors to keep projects on track and in compliance. I also work on interagency agreements with other government agencies to acquire and manage data. Key project:

• Neighborhood Change Indicators - I oversaw a contractor apply machine learning techniques (random forest, gradient boosting) to HUD's large administrative datasets to predict binary outcomes of neighborhood change. I drafted procurement, reviewed proposals, monitored contract performance, and evaluated deliverables.

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 use ArcGIS Pro to create physical maps, web maps, and perform ad-hoc spatial analysis for clients in PD&R, other HUD program areas, and outside organizations. I am a subject matter expert for HUD's Geocoding Service Center and help others geocode their data, including interpreting geocode quality and impact for analysis.

Mentorship

I have mentored fellow civil servants, interns, and university students in geocoding data, using ArcGIS Pro, and applying spatial analysis to their research.

I taught students to use HUD data and apply spatial analysis in data challenges with the University of Maryland College Park, the University of Washington, Georgetown University, and Virginia Commonwealth University.

Previous Responsibilities:

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:

• Used MicroStation and ArcGIS to produce LiDAR and breakline datasets for 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 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.