Ben Packer
About Ben Packer
Ben Packer is a Staff Data Scientist currently working at Recidiviz, focusing on fairness and responsibility in machine learning. He has extensive experience in data science and software engineering, having worked at Google and Opower, and holds a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University.
Current Role at Recidiviz
Ben Packer serves as a Staff Data Scientist at Recidiviz, a position he has held since 2024. He works in Redwood City, California, in a hybrid capacity. His focus includes leveraging data science to enhance the organization's mission and objectives.
Experience at Google
Packer worked at Google for a total of eight years, from 2016 to 2024. During his tenure, he contributed to projects related to fairness and responsibility in machine learning and personalized prediction. He also held the role of Software Engineer and completed a three-month Engineering Internship in 2006.
Background in Data Science at Opower
At Opower, Packer was a founding member of the Data Science team, contributing to projects involving the world's largest repository of residential energy usage data. He worked there from 2012 to 2016, holding various positions including Data Scientist, Research Engineer, and Principal Data Scientist.
Educational Qualifications
Packer earned a PhD in Computer Science from Stanford University, where he studied from 2005 to 2010. He also holds a Master of Science in Engineering (M.S.E.) in Computer Science from the University of Pennsylvania, achieved in 2004, and a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Cognitive Science from the same institution, completed in 2004.
Consulting and Early Career Experience
Before his roles in data science, Packer worked as a Consultant at Soar BioDynamics from 2009 to 2010. He also gained early experience as an Engineering Intern at Omgeo in 2002 and at Google in 2006.