John C. Flournoy, PhD

Social Scientist, Methods Geek—Currently open to consulting and full-time work

I am a research scientist with a focus on statistical methodology, psychometrics, and research computing infrastructure. I have published on adolescent health and development, and more recently driven business strategy with insights about software developers and other technologists. My unique perspective and skillset comes from:

• Deep methodological and empirical rigor (which has primarily meant statistical rigor to me), with particular strength in Bayesian modeling using Stan and brms in R
• A PhD in psychology and background as a (reformed fMRI) neuroscientist, specializing in adolescent development, stress, and well-being
• A strong focus on both empirical and conceptual rigor, integrating quantitative methods with philosophical frameworks and qualitative discovery

My research approach stands out through:

• Advanced statistical modeling and uncertainty quantification across diverse data sources - from traditional surveys and experiments to incidental observational data like Jira tickets (in forthcoming work)
• Extensive experience with longitudinal data at various cadences
• Deep commitment to construct validity and philosophical foundations, shaped profoundly by works like Alexandrova’s “A Philosophy for the Science of Well-Being”.

Alexandrova, A. (2017). A philosophy for the science of well-being. Oxford university press.

I strive to be effective through this intimate dialogue between our numeric approach, our theory, and our philosophy of the phenomena of interest

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