Q+A Interview

What are you passionate about?

Data and AI, and Information and Technology (IT), are all very analogous. I see each one as ever-evolving with new versions spontaneously emerging. I am very much interested in understanding the lineage of these changes, for what purpose did it evolve in a specific direction, and correspondingly what is the future direction.

What do you like most about MANTECH?

I am reinvigorated to be in an environment with a culture of learning, excellence, collaboration and great people. I think that goes a long way in attracting like minded individuals and injecting some meaningful flavor into the work of life.

What is or has been the most unusual or interesting job you’ve ever had?

While working as a Systems Engineer at a previous employer, I was assigned to be a Line Repair Worker for contingency purposes. I had a month of online training and 3 separate onsite training trips on driving the telephone repair truck, residential and wiring closet maintenance, and telephone pole/line servicing. The highlight was the final test where you choose from servicing the telephone pole or midspan. I chose midspan where you had to throw a rope over the telephone line at the mid-point between two telephone poles to pull up and attach a ladder so you can climb and service the lines midspan.

What advice do you have for those looking to start a career in Data and AI?

It is going to be an exciting ride: be curious, embrace change and have hope. We most likely are at an important crossroad in the story of our species. Data and AI are not only at the center but most likely be the driver of what is to come. There will be many new things to discover and create with the help of realizations supported by AI and the limitless fuel for it.

What’s the coolest thing you’re working on now?

I just finished up an exhilarating project. When I came on board nothing was built and I got to help build and launch the service, then support it through many pivots after launch. The project leveraged AI in meaningful ways to educate and inspire the targeted consumer on kitchen remodeling which included image analysis and generation (and witnessing how the latest models significantly improved) and rules based guided AI design. A chance to create something from absolute nothing (from an Infrastructure/Development/Brand/Marketing perspective). The entire lifecycle, from creating everything needed to release a service/product to the public, to launching and adjusting to the realities of the market, is an impactful experience I will always remember.

What do you wish people understood about Data and AI?

AI does not fix bad data, it just amplifies it. Depending on the quality, consistency, and context, AI might produce inaccurate or misleading outputs faster and at a greater scale. Because AI-generated results can appear polished and authoritative, underlying data issues might become harder to recognize. Organizations need strong data foundations, clear definitions, data quality controls, governance, ownership, and trusted sources in order to have more trustworthy and valuable AI outcomes.

How do you balance career and home life?

Probably the same way as spinning a plate on a stick while riding a unicycle (and no I have never attempted it but for some reason I get the feeling that they are similar). You just have to feel your way around balance, be flexible, divert attention where needed, and adjust to make sure everything is addressed.