--- title: "2025 | Business Analytics Competition" url: "/academics/business/student-competitions/business-analytics-competition-bac/2025-business-analytics-competition" type: page date: 2026-05-04 updated: 2026-05-04 --- # 2025 | Business Analytics Competition Student Competitions # 2025 Business Analytics Competition The 2025 Business Analytics Competition at Manhattan University (BAC@MU) was held May 19-22, 2025. Each spring, the O’Malley School of Business hosts the Business Analytics Competition & Conference at Manhattan College (BAC@MC), bringing together undergraduate students from business analytics and related fields to test their skills in a real-world setting. Competing teams engage in the art and science of decision-making as well as practice their ability to draw business insight from a comprehensive analysis of relevant data Image ![Students hold a ceremonial check for $5,000 awarded to the University of Waterloo at the Business Analytics Competition at Manhattan University, May 2025](/sites/default/files/styles/4_3_327w/public/media/2026-05/Award-Ceremony-8_resized.jpg?h=42ab2369&itok=ZEZ-LKa3) ## 2025 Competitors SchoolResultsCalifornia State University, San Bernardino Fairfield UniversityHonorable Mention: Best PosterLa Salle University Loyola Marymount University2nd PlaceLucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania Manhattan UniversityFinalistMeredith College Ramapo College of New JerseyHonorable Mention: Best PosterRochester Institute of Technology Saint Mary’s College of California2nd PlaceSt. John’s University 1 (Team Garrison)3rd PlaceSt. John’s University 2 (Team Abdool) St. Mary’s University Suffolk University SUNY New PaltzFinalistTrinity UniversityHonorable Mention: Best PosterUniversity of KansasHonorable Mention: Best PosterUniversity of Massachusetts, Amherst 1 (Team Alptekin)FinalistUniversity of Massachusetts, Amherst 2 (Team Bailes) University of Waterloo1st Place ### #### Keynote Speaker ## David Solganik **Head of U.S. Wealth Management AI and Data Strategic Initiatives** David Solganik is a dynamic and results-driven executive specializing in artificial intelligence, decision sciences, and data-driven business solutions. With more than 30 years of experience leading large-scale AI initiatives, he has a proven track record of driving business growth, improving operational efficiency, and enhancing client experience. Known for bridging the gap between business and technology, David builds high-performing teams, optimizes resources, and enables enterprise-wide decision-making. His expertise in strategic planning, project management, and stakeholder engagement allows him to translate complex data insights into actionable, scalable solutions. ### #### Judges ## Bill Amarosa, Jr. **Senior Vice President of Subways, New York City Transit** Bill Amarosa is Senior Vice President of Subways at New York City Transit, where he leads the team responsible for operating, maintaining, and improving the largest subway system in North America. In his previous role as Vice President of Operations Support, he led a diverse team overseeing critical back-office functions that enable operating divisions to focus on their core missions. --- ## Micky Mukesh Chhabda **Analytics Manager, Ipsos MMA** Micky Mukesh Chhabda is an analytics manager specializing in marketing mix modeling and analytics consulting, with more than eight years of experience in business analytics, project management, and data science. He has led analytics initiatives across industries including retail, apparel, fitness, and automotive, helping organizations optimize marketing strategies and drive growth. He was recognized as a Silver Winner for Marketer of the Year in the 23rd Annual American Business Awards by the Stevie Awards. --- ## Nneka Penniston Nneka J. Penniston is a data-driven analytics leader with experience across pharmaceutical, healthcare, finance, and education sectors. She specializes in applying artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing to deliver high-impact, cost-saving solutions. With expertise in supply chain, manufacturing, and business performance analytics, she holds a master’s degree in Business Analytics and serves as adjunct faculty in Applied Analytics at Columbia University. --- ## Paul Thompson **VP, Industry Strategy for Health Plans, DXC Technology** Paul Thompson leads industry strategy for health plans at DXC Technology, focusing on innovation, implementation, and strategic execution within the healthcare sector. He has also served as a regional director of underwriting for commercial healthcare products across multiple U.S. markets. He holds a BA in Economics from Fairfield University and an MBA in Marketing and Finance from the University of Connecticut. --- ## Saggi Nevo **Associate Professor, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute** Dr. Saggi Nevo is an associate professor of Information Systems and Business Analytics at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute’s Lally School of Management. His research focuses on human-machine interaction, creativity, entrepreneurship, knowledge transfer, and information security. He is a senior editor at the Journal of Strategic Information Systems and coordinates its early career editorial board. --- ## Jong Gyu Park **Assistant Professor of Management, CUNY** Jong Gyu Park, Ph.D., is an assistant professor of management at the College of Staten Island, City University of New York. His research focuses on leadership, team dynamics, and organizational development and change. His work has been published in leading journals including the Journal of Organizational Behavior and Human Resource Management Review. --- ## Raunak Rajore **Senior Data Analyst, Capital One** Raunak Rajore is a senior data analyst at Capital One, where he applies advanced analytics to drive business insights. He holds a Master of Quantitative Management with a focus on Business Analytics from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. He also earned a bachelor’s degree in Finance and Digital Technology Management from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and has experience in both analytics and project management roles.