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
2025 Competitors
| School | Results |
|---|---|
| California State University, San Bernardino | |
| Fairfield University | Honorable Mention: Best Poster |
| La Salle University | |
| Loyola Marymount University | 2nd Place |
| Lucian Blaga University of Sibiu, Romania | |
| Manhattan University | Finalist |
| Meredith College | |
| Ramapo College of New Jersey | Honorable Mention: Best Poster |
| Rochester Institute of Technology | |
| Saint Mary’s College of California | 2nd Place |
| St. John’s University 1 (Team Garrison) | 3rd Place |
| St. John’s University 2 (Team Abdool) | |
| St. Mary’s University | |
| Suffolk University | |
| SUNY New Paltz | Finalist |
| Trinity University | Honorable Mention: Best Poster |
| University of Kansas | Honorable Mention: Best Poster |
| University of Massachusetts, Amherst 1 (Team Alptekin) | Finalist |
| University of Massachusetts, Amherst 2 (Team Bailes) | |
| University of Waterloo | 1st 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.