Who is Alexander Rossell Hayes from Jeopardy? Political Scientist’s Age, Job, Family & More

Alexander Rossell Hayes, originally from Baltimore, Maryland, has built a career at the intersection of political science, data analysis, and education. Currently based in Erie, Pennsylvania, he combines rigorous scholarly training with practical applications in data science and policy analysis. Hayes earned multiple Bachelor of Arts degrees at Hofstra University in Political Science, Economics, and Public Policy & Public Service, with a focus on migration and a minor in European Studies. Graduating Cum Laude, he also received an Honors College Associate Degree, highlighting both his academic excellence and broad intellectual interests.

Following his undergraduate studies, Hayes pursued graduate education at the University of California, Los Angeles, where he earned a Master of Arts in Political Science and continued toward a Ph.D. During his time at UCLA, he served as a research assistant, graduate student mentor in R programming, and project manager for major survey initiatives, including studies tracking COVID-19 attitudes and political behavior. This combination of quantitative skills and political insight established a foundation for his unique blend of analytical and academic expertise.

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Professional Experience and Data Science Acumen

Professionally, Hayes has amassed experience across academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and the private sector. He is currently a Senior Data Scientist at YouGov America, where he applies data analysis and statistical methods to understand political behavior and social trends. Previously, at Posit PBC (formerly RStudio), he developed R packages, interactive tutorials, and automated feedback systems, supporting learners in data science and programming. His skill set in R and C++, coupled with data automation expertise, demonstrates his ability to bridge technical and applied domains effectively.

Hayes also has experience in educational program development and civic engagement. At the Central American Refugee Center (CARECEN) in Hempstead, New York, he designed and implemented U.S. Civics curricula, taught English to naturalization candidates, and gained first-hand insight into immigration policy and administration. Combined with his academic research on comparative political institutions, radical populism, and migration, these experiences provide him with a nuanced understanding of both policy and community impact.

Research, Publications, and Intellectual Contributions

Hayes’ research reflects a focus on contemporary political issues, particularly immigration policy and the influence of radical populist movements. His publications, appearing in journals such as the Journal of Immigrant and Refugee Studies, Regional Labor Review, and Vaccine, include studies on immigration economics, migration policy, and factors influencing vaccination intentions in the U.S. Multilingual in English, Spanish, and proficient in French, Hayes leverages language skills to conduct research with international relevance and communicate complex ideas effectively.

His academic work is complemented by practical contributions, including survey development, data collection, and policy analysis. Hayes’ ability to translate research into actionable insights underscores his commitment to bridging theory and practice, whether through educational programs, public-facing initiatives, or advanced data science projects.

Personal Interests and Extracurricular Engagement

Outside of professional life, Hayes is a language enthusiast and an amateur musician and composer, combining creativity with analytical thinking. His interests in languages and music reflect a broader commitment to intellectual curiosity and personal growth. Colleagues describe him as a collaborative and adaptable professional who integrates humor and curiosity into his work, whether in data science education, research mentorship, or civic engagement initiatives.

Preparedness for Jeopardy! and Future Impact

Alexander Rossell Hayes brings to Jeopardy! a rare combination of analytical rigor, intellectual breadth, and practical experience. His deep knowledge of political science, quantitative methods, and public policy, coupled with strong problem-solving abilities and multilingual skills, positions him as a formidable competitor. Representing his academic and professional communities, Hayes is poised to demonstrate both quick-thinking knowledge and thoughtful insights on the Jeopardy! stage, offering viewers a compelling example of interdisciplinary expertise in action.