Daniel Distler

Daniel Distler is an experienced Data Scientist currently at Netflix since September 2025 and previously at Duolingo from August 2022 to August 2025. At Duolingo, Daniel developed a market sizing framework that contributed to significant user growth and redesigned the friend recommendation algorithm to increase daily active users. Daniel also utilized regression discontinuity design to optimize language learning goals, enhancing user retention. Prior experiences include a Data Science internship at Duolingo, a fellowship with Hope Starts Here focusing on early childhood policy analysis, and a teaching role with Detroit Public Schools Community District. Daniel holds an M.S. in Public Policy & Management with a concentration in Data Analytics from Carnegie Mellon University and a B.A. in Public Policy from the University of Michigan.