About Me

Hello! I'm Justin.

I'm a blockchain researcher and data scientist driven by curiosity and a passion for solving complex problems at the intersection of economics, technology, and decentralized systems. Currently, I'm pursuing a Master of Science in Economics and Data Science at Northeastern University, where I serve as President of the Northeastern Blockchain Club.

Academic Journey

My academic path began with a Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics from The University of Pennsylvania, graduating magna cum laude with a 3.9 GPA. The interdisciplinary nature of PPE sparked my interest in how economic incentives shape human behavior and institutional design—questions that would later draw me to blockchain technology.

I'm currently completing my MS in Economics and Data Science at Northeastern University (expected May 2026), maintaining a 3.9 GPA while leading research initiatives and contributing to the academic blockchain community. This combination of economic theory and quantitative methods provides the perfect foundation for analyzing decentralized systems and token economics.

Professional Experience

My professional journey in crypto and data science has taken me through several innovative organizations:

  • Optimum — As a Data Science Fellow, I'm building tools to visualize and analyze blockchain infrastructure, including a hackathon-winning Shiny application for virtual machine memory visualization.
  • The Rekt Group Capital (TRGC) — Conducted research for a $10 million digital asset liquid fund, analyzing token fundamentals, portfolio optimization strategies, and market dynamics.
  • Fireblocks — Developed comprehensive risk assessment frameworks for digital assets, specializing in proof-of-stake tokens, DeFi protocols, and MPC wallet security architecture.

Research & Leadership

As President of the Northeastern Blockchain Club, I lead a 12-person board and coordinate research initiatives that make Web3 accessible and understandable. Our work spans protocol analysis, governance design, tokenomics, and risk assessment. I'm passionate about bridging the gap between complex blockchain concepts and practical applications.

My research interests include tokenomics design, governance mechanisms (DAO vs. hybrid vs. centralized models), digital asset risk frameworks, and DeFi protocol mechanics. I've published articles on M&A communication and AI adoption in The Legal Intelligencer, and I'm currently working on a research paper analyzing the Gamma Options protocol.

Skills & Expertise

Technical Skills

Python, R, SQL, Solidity, JavaScript, React, Next.js, Shiny, Git, Stata, Excel

Research Areas

Tokenomics, DeFi protocols, Governance design, Risk assessment, Portfolio optimization, Econometric analysis

Looking Forward

I thrive in collaborative, fast-paced environments where I can apply rigorous analysis to emerging technologies. Whether I'm analyzing tokenomics, researching governance structures, building data visualization tools, or writing about blockchain innovations, I'm committed to adding value through a process-focused, goal-oriented approach.

I'm actively seeking opportunities in the crypto industry—whether at startups, VCs, fintechs like Coinbase, or asset managers like Grayscale—as well as data science roles in quant finance, consulting, or research. If you're working on challenging problems at the intersection of economics, technology, and decentralized systems, I'd love to connect.

Get in Touch