Quantity and quality of data is no longer a privilege of developed countries. Remotely sensed data, access to cell phones, and a push to formalizing economic transactions - among others - have increased the amount of data available. Recongnizing its usefulness, I have incorporated data-intensive statistical learning methods into my research. Currently, I have two projects that leverage these methods:
Crop shifting dynamics in Colombia’s coffee region, funded by the Global Food Security Fellowship and in Collaboration with the International Center for Tropical Agriculture (See sample code here: Sample code).
Machine learning for maximizing the impact of poverty-alleviation programs by improving the selection process.