Data Science and Economics
I am a Senior Economist/Data Scientist in the Health Services Management Team of one of the largest health insurance companies in Switzerland. I spend a lot of time asking whether healthcare financing can be designed to reward what actually matters: good outcomes for patients, and efficient use of resources for all. In other words, value-based healthcare.
My role includes conceptualizing and conducting statistical analyses based on claims data, leading projects on healthcare financing, and using data to monitor costs, evaluate our interventions, and generate value for our insurees. This includes applying methods such as causal machine learning and quasi-experimental designs. I like talking about what I do and have presented our ideas and research at national and international conferences in health economics, statistics, and population research.
Before, I was an Economics researcher at the Swiss Institute for Empirical Economic Research (SEW) at the University of St. Gallen, where I led projects in education economics and applied econometrics. I published some work on gifted students and their positive effects on their peers.
Teaching
Since 2023, I have been teaching introductory data science with R, and since 2026, Introduction to Programming for undergraduate economists at the University of St. Gallen. I focus on making statistical concepts accessible and helping students develop practical skills for their future careers in data science, economics, and related fields.
Other interests
When I’m not analyzing data or teaching, I’m likely outdoors, running and biking in the Swiss Alps. I’m also passionate about civic engagement and the R community. Since 2023, I’ve been a co-organizer of the Zürich R User Group. In 2024, I was elected to the audit commission of the municipality of Flawil, where I contribute to local democratic oversight.