Ernest Battifarano holds a doctorate in mathematics from the Courant Institute of Mathematical Sciences of New York University. His research focused on the analysis of numerical methods for partial differential equations, particularly in the area of weather prediction and fluid dynamics. After completing his degree he held positions at government laboratories: NASA; the Naval Surface Warfare Center; and the David Taylor Naval Ship R&D Center. Early in his career, Ernest taught mathematics at every level, from elementary school through graduate school, either as a teacher or as a tutor in an after school program. Ernest then took a detour to Wall Street where he joined a group of engineers, mathematicians, and computer scientists to construct Yield Book, a highly regarded application for buy-side and sell-side institutional fixed income investors. He was promoted to Managing Director in 2006.