My Background and Qualifications

I have an MS in Information and Computer Science from UC, Irvine, 1994. My specialization was in Theory of Algorithms and Data Structures. That is like the “physics” of computer science. I take pride in understanding how computer systems work and what they do. I take pride in being able to explain these to less technical people. I feel that’s our responsibility as computer scientists, as it keeps us honest.

I have over 35 years professional experience designing and building software products. I built a 3-tier phone app in 1999 before many people imagined that those were a thing. In the 00s, I built picture book authoring software and what was essentially a social network for kids learning to read. I’ve recently built virtual machine software regular people can use on Windows PCs. I’ve explored a multitude a side roads on my journey and somehow have been paid to do so.

I have taken a keen interest in AI, LLMs, and debunking hype since January, 2022, when an overenthusiastic co-worker proclaimed that we all had to learn AI to keep our jobs. That kinda thing sets me off. It’s a horrible look for my profession and for humanity.

I focus on understanding and sharing understanding of what these systems actually do, not what boisterous proponents and doom fearing critics claim they do. From this reality-based understanding, I find applications where regular people can take easy wins without getting bogged down in expensive problems. I’ve been told repeatedly that this was and remains a unique approach.