About me

I’m a computer scientist interested in computer science education as well as applications of artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and computer vision to a variety of different areas. I’ve been teaching at Drake University since 2009, and in addition to teaching Computer Science, I contribute signficantly to interdisciplinary programs in Artificial Intelligence and Data Analytics. I currently serve as a co-director for Data Analytics. I especially enjoy crafting “nifty assignments” that use real data and make interesting technologies accessible, but with a big impact.

I also consult on AI/ML, data science & engineering, and web applications on a contract basis, and I contribute to a few open-source projects.

Some recent projects include SegBuilder, a web-based tool for semi-automated semantic segmentation annotation; and Mapbots, a series of map-based environments for experimenting with AI agent designs.

A SegBuilder workflow

Education

• (2009) Ph.D. Computer Science, University of Nebraska –– Lincoln
• (2006) M.S. Computer Science, University of Nebraska –– Lincoln
• (2004) B.S. Mathematics, Computer Science, University of Nebraska at Omaha

Awards

• Dean & Sue Wright Outstanding Teacher of the Year, Drake University College of Arts & Sciences, 2014-2015
• Department of Computer Science and Engineering Outstanding Graduate Teaching Assistant Award, University of Nebraska – Lincoln, 2008