You probably remember that streak of 38 straight wins, over $1.5 million earned, and a signature “What’s…” intro to every answer.
But after his run on Jeopardy! In 2021, mathematician Matt Amodio shifted focus entirely to his PhD at Yale’s Computer Science department.
Amodio already had an impressive academic resume: a BS in Actuarial Science and MS in Statistics from Ohio State, followed by another MS in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
His Jeopardy! run began in July 2021 and wrapped up in October, setting some historic records on the way.
Jeopardy Champ Amodio: Using AI to Solve Biological Puzzles
Currently, Amodio is delving into cutting-edge AI. He’s building Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs), a powerful type of neural network and using them to analyse biological datasets.
The main aim? To create models of complex, high-dimensional gene data. This allows for “what-if” simulations, such as changing B-cell counts and observing the potential effects, all without the need for expensive laboratory experiments.
This fascinating work blends mathematics, artificial intelligence, and genetics. His advisor in Yale’s genetics department then assesses the real-world impact of these innovative models.
Before Jeopardy!: Amodio’s Journey from NSA Contractor to Yale Researcher
Before Jeopardy!, Amodio worked at Booz Allen Hamilton (2014–2015) as an NSA contractor. There, he designed machine-learning algorithms, analysed social-media data networks, and built graph analysis tools for IP networks.
That professional experience helped anchor his transition into deep academic research at Yale, where he’s now working toward successfully defending his dissertation.
Appearances & Tournaments Since
Even after his incredible run on Jeopardy!, you might be wondering what Amodio has been up to. Well, he hasn’t faded from the spotlight!
He’s been busy competing in various Jeopardy! Tournaments, including the Tournament of Champions in 2022 and the Masters tournaments in both 2023 and 2024, consistently placed as a finalist or in the top three.
And the wins just keep coming! Amodio recently took home the 2025 Invitational Tournament, adding another $150,000 to his impressive earnings, bringing his game-show total to over $1.9 million.
He’s even used his platform for good, participating in events like the Game Theory $1M Challenge fundraiser for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Quite the journey, right?
Life After Jeopardy!: Amodio’s Academic Focus
After his initial Jeopardy! Amodio intentionally stepped back from the social media frenzy. Fans on platforms like Reddit speculated why, with one person guessing:
“Matt defended his Ph.D. thesis successfully on March 7th at Yale… If he wants to continue his career as an Academic or Research Computer scientist, he has to interview for Post-docs or other positions… he may now be focusing on his non-trivia career.”
It turns out that fan was spot on! Amodio is indeed concentrating on finalising his dissertation and securing a post-doctoral or research position within academia. He’s traded the bright lights of the game show for the dedicated work of a researcher.
What it All Comes Down To
Matt Amodio has pivoted from TV trivia powerhouse to serious AI researcher, using his game-show prize as a springboard to fund his education and research in intelligent biological modelling.
Now, on the verge of earning a PhD, he’s likely heading into post‑doctoral research, continuing to innovate at the crossroads of machine learning and genomics.