Work with thought leaders and academic experts in Analytics

Jim Samuel is an Associate Professor of Practice and Executive Director of the Informatics Program at the Bloustein School. He is an information and artificial intelligence (AI) scientist, with significant industry experience in finance, technology, entrepreneurship and data analytics. Dr. Samuel’s primary research covers human intelligence and artificial intelligences interaction and information philosophy.  Dr. Samuel’s applied research focuses on the optimal use of big data and smart data driven AI applications, textual analytics, natural language processing and artificially intelligent public opinion informatics. His expertise extends to socioeconomic implications of AI, applied machine learning, social media analytics, AI education and AI bias. Dr. Samuel completed his Ph.D. from the Zicklin School of Business, Baruch College – City University of New York, and he also has M.Arch and M.B.A (International Finance) degrees.  Dr. Samuel has worked with large multinational financial services corporations, and advises businesses and organizations on data analytics and AI driven value creation strategies. He is passionate about research driven thought leadership in AI, information philosophy, analytics and informatics. 

A senior executive, scientist, and strategist with more than 20 years of leadership experience across health, wellness, longevity, hospitality, consumer products, professional sports, and human performance. He has held executive leadership roles within Fortune 50 companies, global wellness organizations, professional sports franchises, national governing bodies, and higher education institutions, leading multidisciplinary teams across research and development, health and wellness, longevity, performance, coaching education, technology, analytics, and operations. Throughout his career, Dr. Kovacs has been responsible for multi-million-dollar budgets, full P&L responsibilities, large-scale teams, overseeing hundreds of employees across multiple locations while driving innovation, organizational growth, operational excellence, and measurable business outcomes. His executive leadership experience includes serving as: • Vice President of Health & Performance, Canyon Ranch • Senior Director of Sport Science & Health, Cleveland Cavaliers (NBA) • Director of the Gatorade Sport Science Institute • Director of Research & Development, PepsiCo/Gatorade • Directed Coaching Education & Sport Science, United States Tennis Association • Sport Science Advisor to the NCAA Dr. Kovacs brings a rare combination of scientific expertise, business leadership, and operational management with deep experience in: • Health, wellness, and longevity strategy • Consumer health and hydration innovation • Nutrition and ingredient science • Product development and commercialization • Sport science, human performance experience at the professional and NCAA level • Technology and wearable innovation • Leadership development and organizational performance • Facility design & development Beyond his executive roles, Dr. Kovacs has advised organizations including the USTA, US Soccer, ATP, WTA, ITF, NCAA, Seattle Mariners, MLB, IMG Academy, Harvard University, Princeton University, Georgia Tech, Clemson University, University of North Carolina and numerous Collegiate athletic departments. He has also served as an advisor to emerging and established companies in nutrition, hydration, wellness, longevity, medical devices, digital health, and performance technology. His unique background includes coaching and advising some of the greatest athletes of all time. He has worked with Novak Djokovic, Aryna Sabalenka, Frances Tiafoe, Dansby Swanson, Emily Sonnett, Mallory Swanson among dozens of others across sports.