Adler Staff Star: Meet Jess!

Jess Ray

Decision Support Analyst

What do you enjoy most about working at the Adler?

Getting to partner with colleagues that have such diverse expertise to help them understand and use their data. Numbers can be scary to some people, but together we demystify the dataset and find the story hidden within.

What is something you do in your role that people might not expect?

Probably that my role exists. Adler is one of the leading Chicago cultural institutions when it comes to data consumption and utilization. I work to ensure that our business decisions are based on the best information we have available at the time and that we are constantly monitoring and evaluating those choices.

What is your favorite Adler sky show or exhibition?

I really enjoy our newest sky show, Imagine the Moon. I like the balance of recent scientific theory and whimsical storytelling about the celestial body that has fascinated humans and influenced nature for millennia.

Why, in your opinion, is space freaking awesome?

Space is awesome because it is enormous and there’s so much we have left to discover. Scientists estimate countless billions of galaxies and this number is ever changing as we continue to look up and learn more.

What are some things you enjoy doing outside the Adler?

I started running a couple years ago and ran eight races this year, including my first half marathon. I also enjoy playing fantasy football. Being a data person, I love analyzing all the stats and evaluating the accuracy of the projections.