William Zhu

Incoming Analytics and Modeling Associate @ Fannie Mae | Davidson Math & Data Science

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area

About

I am an incoming Analytics and Modeling Associate at Fannie Mae. My experience centers on building and validating models (supervised learning, experimentation, pretrained neural nets). I am interested in the intersection between business and data science and bringing a balance between the quantitative and qualitative side of data.

Experience

  • Davidson College (Davidson, NC · On-site)
    • Student Data Science Consultant
      Aug 2024 - May 2025 · 10 mos

      Atlantic 10 Conference (College Basketball Analytics): Jan 2025 – May 2025 • Built a Python neural network to project NCAA team rankings from historical data, informing scheduling strategies to improve win probability and rankings • Translated stakeholder questions into end-to-end workflows and presented insights to leadership at the Atlantic 10 Conference Baltimore Orioles (Sports Injury Analytics): Aug 2024 - Dec 2024 • Integrated MLB Hawkeye, Driveline Pulse, and injury data to develop machine learning models predicting elbow injury risk in professional players • Collaborated with a data scientist from the Baltimore Orioles to align modeling with research goals and present findings

    • Davidson Men's Basketball Manager
      Aug 2021 - May 2025 · 3 yrs 10 mos

      • Collaborate with coaches, players, and support staff, to coordinate effective practice and game schedules. • Organized and delivered player resources, including equipment, uniforms, food and recovery gear.

  • Head of Player Scouting Operations at CatStats
    Aug 2022 - Mar 2025 · 2 yrs 8 mos

    • Led a team of analysts to produce scouting reports, managing timelines and ensuring quality for Davidson Wildcats men's basketball preparation • Collected and analyzed Synergy Sports data and built player/opponent profiles; delivered insights via Excel and presentations

  • Machine Learning Research Intern at Algorithms for Learning in Physics Applications @ Davidson College
    May 2024 - Aug 2024 · 4 mos

    • Developed pretrained Machine Learning models using Python (TensorFlow) to determine number of reaction products from particle collision events • Created data pipelines using Pandas and NumPy to filter data from raw data from the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams (FRIB) for the deep learning model • Presented poster summarizing how the pretrained model achieved ~90% better performance in scarce-data settings, highlighting its potential to cut labeling effort and accelerate experimentation.

  • Camp Counselor at Davidson Basketball Wildcat Ready Camp
    Jul 2022 - Jul 2023 · 1 yr 1 mo

    July 2022 and July 2023 summer camp: • Managed 50+ youth (ages 5–13) in an overnight setting, prioritizing safety and personal development. • Facilitated inclusive recreational programs and team-building games to enhance group cohesion. • Authored detailed daily progress reports and maintained rigorous administrative records for camp directors.