Dr. Jake Pasner is an Assistant Research Professor at Georgetown University’s Massive Data Institute, where he leads pioneering efforts in secure and privacy-preserving data linkage across intergovernmental and intersectoral communities. He is currently engaged in the development of a new Secure Query Service for the IRS and an Education data interoperability project with the District of Columbia.
As data work stream lead of the UPWARD project he played a key role leading data integration efforts for a $60 million transformation of California’s water rights data system, focusing on enhancing data infrastructure and governance. Through his “kindness-first” approach, Jake fostered collaboration across multiple government entities, accelerating project implementation and providing vital support to decision-makers.
Previously, as a member of Senator Ron Wyden’s Technology Policy Team, Jake contributed to shaping critical national data policies. His work includes the development of the National Secure Data Service (NSDS) within the CHIPS Act and the State and Local Digital Service Act, advancing secure, equitable, and transparent digital services that address key challenges in evidence-based policymaking.
Jake’s passion for leveraging data and technology to address real-world challenges stems from his research background in advanced statistics, distributed computing, and data visualization. He earned his Ph.D. in Particle Physics from UC Santa Cruz, where he studied the Higgs Boson at the Large Hadron Collider, the world’s largest international experiment. This deep research foundation equipped him with the expertise needed to address the pressing issues facing the United States data modernization efforts.
Born and raised on his family’s organic farm in rural California, Jake’s journey from big tractors to big data reflects his passion for ensuring equitable access to government digital services via the modern technologies of the information age. In his free time, he enjoys hiking, cooking, playing music, and working on his family’s farm.
Academic Appointment(s)
- Primary
- Assistant Research Professor, McCourt School of Public Policy