#WeAreArity Wednesday: Chris Billman

When Mom asks me what it is that I do again, I say…

Talk to her in detail about my work, actually. My mom has been working with data in Medicare for decades, so I can get into the weeds with her. It wasn’t that easy when I was working in Physics, though. But if I’m talking to random people, I tell them that I design algorithms and models to make sure we have the most accurate measures of driving behavior. This means moving to a world where customers are evaluated increasingly by things in their control.

In your own words, what is Arity?

Arity is a group of good, smart people who are trying to solve hard problems in transportation. It’s a place where there’s a strong culture of doing the right thing, respecting our customers and their needs while trying to better understand patterns in risk and the way people move in their daily lives.

My favorite mode of transportation is…

Biking, especially in fall and spring when the weather is nice. I love the freedom a bike offers without negatively impacting the environment.

On a Saturday afternoon, you can find me…

Hanging out with my cat or rock climbing at First Ascent.

If you could volunteer for any cause, what would it be? Why?

Sustainability. Climate change really freaks me out and it feels fulfilling to help protect future generations and our way of life.

Most people don’t know… 

I spent a lot of time acting when I was supposed to be working in grad school. I actually met my wife in a play by Steve Martin! I’m still not sure if my advisor knows that’s why I was so unproductive my second year (Sorry Hai-Ping!).

The theme song of my life is…

Yabby Loop by Guerilla Hi-Fi. It’s from this really obscure album I found in a bargain bin at Amoeba records like ten years ago and it’s just so weird and funky. That whole album is great to work to and really sets the tone at a dinner party. I’m not sure what tone it is, but it definitely sets one.

Talk to your rideshare driver or silent ride?

Talk to the driver but if I’m honest I’d rather have the silent ride. It just feels weird to be in someone else’s car and not talk to them.

Would you get in a self-driving car? Why or why not?

Sure! I’ve been in some pretty crazy uber rides so it’s got to be better than that, right?