Winning Against all Odds!
“How can’t you be romantic about baseball?” — Moneyball (2011) Anything you care deeply about—even the silliest things—can be special!
About Me
If we haven’t met yet, my name is Jeff Decary. In Fall 2020, I began my Ph.D. journey at the University of Connecticut (UConn) in the Operations and Information Management department of the School of Business. I’m fortunate to be advised by Professor David Bergman.
Before joining UConn, I completed an M.Sc. in Mathematics at Polytechnique Montreal, where I worked at the Canada Excellence Research Chair in Data Science for Real-Time Decision-Making under the guidance of Professor Andrea Lodi. My studies began with a B.Sc. in Actuarial Science from the University of Quebec in Montreal (UQAM).
🔹 Research Interests
I study optimization for strategic decision making and market design in prediction markets. My research centers on risk-sensitive combinatorial allocation, platform pricing, and econometric methods for causal inference. Methodologically, I integrate discrete, stochastic, and bilevel optimization, dynamic programming, and applied machine learning to design exact and simulation-based algorithms for high-stakes decisions. I use digital platforms such as sportsbooks and betting pools as testbeds for studying allocation, pricing, and strategy. These platforms are structured marketplaces where participants compete under platform-defined rules and incentives. My passion lies at the intersection of optimization and strategic interaction: I aim to design tools that help participants and platforms make better decisions in competitive environments where existing methods fall short and lack rigorous guarantees.
🔹 Outside of Research
I had the privilege of growing up in the vibrant city of Montreal, Canada. Much like my research, my hobbies are deeply intertwined with sports and games. Like many Canadians, I have a love for hockey, but in recent years, I’ve also taken up sailing and golf. However, my true passion lies in racket sports—these days, I primarily enjoy tennis, pickleball, and golf.
When I’m not playing or watching sports, you’ll likely find me cooking, baking, traveling, or playing board games—as long as friends or family are involved.
In a previous chapter of my life, I was among the top table tennis players in Canada. Recently, I had the opportunity to revive this skill in a unique way—by performing in a contemporary art show titled Speed Glue. The goal was to move beyond the competitive nature of sports and highlight their collaborative essence. This performance was a creative collaboration with my friend, Antoine Bernadet, and was beautifully choreographed by Dorian Nuskind-Oder and Simon Grenier-Poirier.
🔹 Final Thoughts
Thanks for taking the time to get to know me. As Robin Williams once said:
“Make your life spectacular!” — Jack (1996)
If you’d like to chat, collaborate, or just grab a coffee, feel free to reach out at 📩 Jeff.Sylvestre-Decary@uconn.edu.