How a Data Scientist Ended Up Running Safety!?
Abstract: My career trajectory is proof that data science is rarely a straight path. It started in rigorous quantum dot physics research and startup Data Science (Hipmunk), evolved into building Reddit’s foundational threat detection systems, and now culminates in leading the company’s Safety, Moderation, and AI strategy. While the surface roles changed dramatically, the underlying foundation remained consistent: using data and modeling to analyze complex systems and drive scalable decisions. This discussion will explore how core DS competencies (analytical rigor, systems thinking, and professional curiosity) are uniquely transferable to high-impact leadership. I will share lessons from this non-linear journey and discuss why data science has become not just a technical discipline, but a necessary proving ground for strategic leadership in the age of AI governance.
Tyler Otto
VP of Safety & Moderation
Reddit
Tyler Otto leads the teams responsible for all user safety, platform enforcement, machine-learning systems, and applied data science across a global platform of hundreds of millions of users. His path to running safety for one of the largest online communities is non-traditional: he began with a PhD in quantum dot semiconductor research at UC Davis, transitioned to Head of Data Science at travel startup Hipmunk (acquired by Concur), and joined Reddit in 2016, where he helped form the company’s first threat-detection team before expanding to lead the entire Safety organization. His background in analytical rigor and systems-level data thinking shapes his approach to building responsible, high-impact safety infrastructure at scale. A former member of the Air Force and Navy Reserves, Tyler is also an avid outdoorsman and a fan of subreddits like r/hotdogs (ironically), r/fixedbytheduet, and NFL meme communities.
About the Series: The HDSI Data Science in Industry Seminar series provides the opportunity for Harvard students, faculty, and postdoctoral fellows to hear directly from industry data scientists about the role data science plays in their organization, the methods and techniques being used, and their own career trajectory.