Welcome to the Quantitative Quill, my little corner of the internet. As the website’s URL suggests, I’m Kent Butt, and I’m an aspiring economist from Edmonton, Canada.
I’m currently building my skillset to work in evidence-based decision making and policy. I’m most interested in working on adapting cities and regions to technological, economic, and demographic changes. I finished an MSc. in Math and Stat Modelling, Data, and Predictions to get the evidence-based decision-making part of that down, and now I’m heading to the London School of Economics to study for an MSc. in Local Economic Development to gain domain knowledge. I spent a fun 8 months analyzing the effectiveness and ethical implications of machine learning models at WCB-Alberta, and if you want to see more of my professional achievements you can visit my LinkedIn.
Beyond professional stuff, my main hobbies right now are dungeons and dragons, aquatics, and going for long conversational walks through the Edmonton’s river valley with friends.
I have avidly played dungeons and dragons for about the same timeframe. I really enjoy DMing (that is, planning and running the game), but it’s a bit of a tricky hobby to take with me as I have about 13kg/29lbs in D&D books alone, and certainly can’t pack them. I’ll be placing DMing on the backburner for a while.
I’ve taught swimming and lifesaving part-time for 8 years, and I’ve got lots of fun stories from my time there. Over the years, I’ve done almost every job available, including a shift as a massive red lifejacket mascot, Buckles, and performing emergency first aid on Olaf the Snowman at the zoo. If I find the time, I might do some teaching while in England, but my studies definitely have priority.
Long walks will be an easy hobby to transport. While Edmonton’s river valley will be just a touch inaccessible, I’m sure the wharf of the Thames will make a fine substitute. While my other hobbies might be on hold, I’m really excited to explore the history and culture of a place entirely new to me. I look forward to discovering what London has to offer and sharing that journey here.
This website came about when I wanted a way to keep sharing my thoughts with my friends and family as I move away to England. Social media is evolving towards shortform video right now, which isn’t my style. I’d rather deliver carefully crafted articles directly to those who want them, so I created this website to do that instead. If you are interested in hearing from me semi-regularly, sign up for my mailing list here!