Mark Havens

ABOUT ME

I'm a Data Scientist at the University of Texas at Arlington. I use deep learning systems, game theory, psychology, and neuroscience to computationally guess what people are thinking and feeling just by processing images of their faces and body language. Many people I meet find this both fascinating and creepy. They sometimes wonder what kind of person would be interested in doing this type of research. Well, for anybody into in personality typing, I'm an ENTP like Tony Stark, Wade Wilson, Rick Sanchez C-137, and Q. That might give you an idea. In addition to my research, I'm occasionally an aspiring science fiction author. However, I've begun to focus most of my writing on technical books and training material for the courses I teach. I'm also the principal founder and proud founding member of Dallas Makerspace, the largest all-volunteer-run non-profit community workshop on the planet.

SKILLS

Python•C•C++
Teaching•Presenting•Technical Writing
Machine Learning•Big Data•Affective Computing
Facial Expression Analysis•Psychology•Game Theory
Cloud Architecture•Systems Architecture•Data Center Architecture
Organizational Leadership•Team Leadership•Project Management
Information Security•Computer Networking•UNIX/Linux Administration

DATA
SCIENCE

Because of modern advances in machine learning, we use to solve problems that were previously unsolvable. In fact, we are finding solutions to problems that we didn't know existed. The more a project needs to make sense of huge amounts of structured and unstructured data, the more it needs someone with my intuition for data. Data science is generating limitless innovation.

CLOUD
ARCHITECTURE

Companies and business units are motivated to change and adapt to new technology. The smart and agile ones leverage cloud to easily manage costs and scalability. In order for an organization to be competitive, there must be systems in place that can help keep everyone productive and on the same page. No matter how large or small the enterprise, as long as there's cloud, there will be a need for a Cloud Architect like me.

CYBER
SECURITY

The more complicated a system, the harder it is to secure. As IoT continues, these problems will get worse. Malicious programmers write code to access or destroy sensitive data or extort money every day. There's no magic bullet. Protecting and recovering networks, devices, and programs from cyberattacks requires someone with my expertise that will evolve as dangers evolve.

THINGS I'VE DONE

Some honorable mentions from my technical history

Worked for the NSF

In 2018, I supervised a deep learning research team for the National Science Foundation to build a working prototype of a wearable emotion detection device for the autistic and visualy impared.

Worked for the US Air Force

In 2018, I conducted deep learning research for the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory in Rome, New York that could lead to more reliable ways to detect microexpressions in the face from standard video sources.

Worked for NASA

In 2016, I organized a research team to build a prototype of a wifi mobile disruption-tolerent ad-hoc mesh network for use on the international space station.

Began Ph.D.

In 2016, I was awarded a full fellowship, funded by the Department of Education, to pursue a Ph.D. in Compuer Science at the University of Texas at Arlington.

Finished Masters

In 2013, I received an MSM in Information Security from Colorado Technical University.

Worked for AT&T

In 2010, I became a senior principal cloud architect at AT&T, where I began designing production datacenter and cloud infrastructure. My most notable project was the development of the nationwide datacenter infrastructure blueprints for the nationwide rollout of the iPhone's online billing system.

Began Nonprofit Startup

In 2009, I began working with members of the Dallas Personal Robotics Group (DPRG) to co-found Dallas Makerspace the following year as the first makerspace in Dallas. It's now a million dollar company.

Worked for Verizon

In 2006, I began working as a principal systems engineer for core customer-facing voice and internet applications.

Finished Bachelors

In 2005, I earned a BS in Computer Science from what is now the University of Texas Rio Grand Valley.

Worked for Microsoft

In 1999, I began working as a SQL Developer & Database Analyst.

Sold Tech Startup

In 1998, I sold a tech startup that I began just three years earlier.

Finished Trade School

In 1998, after taking many programming courses that included mastering COBOL (in preparation for Y2K), I received an Applied Associates Degree in Computer Science Technology from Texas State Technical College.

First Employees

In 1996, I began to hire the first members of my support and sales staff.

First Support Contract

In 1995, I was hired exclusivily to provide systems support for a startup Internet Service Provider and its customers.

First Hacker Gig

In 1995, I was hired by a startup hardware manufacturer to decompile and reverse engineer a disk caching feature of Microsoft DOS.

First Government Job

In 1995, I became the youngest intern to work in what is now the Information Technology and Security Services division of the Texas Attorney General.

First Real Job

In 1992, at the age of 16, I got my first hourly job as a computer technician, where I discovered the unpleasant duty of paying taxes.

First Community Organization

In 1990, at the age of 14, I started the Lower Valley Computer Club (LVCC) in my hometown, which grew to over 100 members.

First PC Build

In 1989, at the age of 13, I built an 8088 IBM PC XT clone from the free parts I had collected while doing computer repair and upgrade work for various business owners at my church. I then put it to work as a BBS that remained in popular use for the next six years.

First Program

In 1984, at the age of 7, I wrote my first computer program in Applesoft BASIC that went beyond copying from the manual:

10 PRINT "MARK"
20 GOTO 10

Hi there, I'm