MIT senior James Simon is proving that data and heart can go hand in hand when it comes to tackling world poverty. Known for his prowess on the soccer field, Simon has matched his athletic commitment with an academic pursuit uniquely his own – using computer science, economics, and data to study and impact global issues, as reported by MIT News.

Following an eye-opening class with Nobel laureates Esther Duflo and Abhijit Banerjee, Simon quickly embraced new ways to use scientific research to address societal problems. He has notably been involved in a research project focused on development economics and has been featured in multiple research papers, as documented by his mentor Senior Lecturer Sara Ellison. One of his standout projects included an analysis of how internet access might level the economic playing field between rich and poor countries.

But Simon isn’t just about digits and data. He's also deeply involved with Project Somos, a Guatemalan charity that combats poverty through education and food access. At MIT's Global Research and Consulting Group, Simon led a team that provided the charity with analytic tools, a testament to his blend of empathy and analytics. Simon's connection to Project Somos didn’t just end there; he continues to serve on its board of directors. As he told MIT News, "The charity I work for says 'Use your head and your heart.' If you can approach the problems in the world with empathy and analytics, I think that is a really important way to help a lot of people."

Simon's academic excellence mirrors his sports achievements. As a consistent player on the varsity soccer team since his freshman year, Simon has also earned distinction as an Academic All-American. In winter 2023, he went on to join the wrestling club, proving to adapt quickly to any new athletic endeavor and even walking onto the MIT basketball team his senior year.

Off the field, Simon has engaged in community service. He was involved with the MIT Little Beavers Special Needs Running Club, helping children on the autism spectrum, and became president of the Phi Beta Epsilon fraternity. His role there was aimed at bolstering social and professional abilities among peers. Simon values the brotherhood and camaraderie within the fraternity, which brought him many fond experiences during his college years.

Going forward, Simon plans to transition his analytical skills to the finance sector. His upcoming master’s degree in economics at MIT is set to propel him into a role in New York, where he spent a summer at BlackRock working to help individuals plan for retirement. He has also used his analytical abilities to assist at Surge Employment Solutions, connecting formerly incarcerated individuals to stable jobs, as he recognizes from his past experiences that even "as a college student," he can "make an impact around the world," Simon explained to MIT News.