chemistry<\/a> comfort zone. Last spring, he collaborated with Paul Gross, PhD, assistant professor of cyber security and information systems. They supervised undergraduate research designed to assist Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPcoaches.<\/p>\n\u201cPaul and I worked with our research students to analyze specific softball and baseball team data in comparison to opponent data,\u201d he says.<\/p>\n
For example, such analysis could be used to inform the batting lineup structure to optimize run production for both teams, Spudich says.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe met with the coaches to present our findings as well as our analysis of the teams they would be playing in the next week or two, then the coaches would decide on a course of action based on what we provided to them,\u201d Spudich says.<\/p>\n
While Ë¿¹ÏÊÓƵAPPSaints coaches found it beneficial, their research also impressed decision-makers in the major leagues.<\/p>\n
\u201cA student and I met with members of the player development and data analytics team from the St. Louis Cardinals,\u201d says Spudich. \u201cThey shared extremely positive feedback on our direction and were impressed with what we were able to accomplish.\u201d<\/p>\n
Spudich\u2019s personal motto is Semper Gumby\u2014”Always Flexible\u201d\u2014a reference to Gumby, a bendable, popular 1960s animated clay cartoon character who engaged in endless adventures, often winding up surprised by the outcomes.<\/p>\n
\u201cRemain open to suggestions,\u201d Spudich says, \u201cbecause things don\u2019t always go as planned.\u201d<\/p>\n