Robert Blanchard is a Senior Data Scientist at SAS where he builds end-to-end artificial intelligence applications. He also researches, consults, and teaches machine learning with an emphasis on deep learning and computer vision for SAS. Robert has authored several professional courses on topics including neural networks, deep learning, and optimization modeling. Before joining SAS, Robert worked under the Senior Vice Provost at North Carolina State University, where he built models pertaining to student success, faculty development, and resource management. While working at North Carolina State University, Robert also started a private analytics company that focused on predicting future home sales. Prior to working in academia, Robert was a member of the research and development group on the Workforce Optimization team at Travelers Insurance. His models at Travelers focused on forecasting and optimizing resources. Robert graduated with a master's degree in Business Analytics and Project Management from the University of Connecticut and a master's degree in Applied and Resource Economics from East Carolina University.