About
📖 Biography
I was going to be a physicist, even telling my mom I’d study at MIT. In high school, reading Einstein’s Universe by Nigel Calder sealed the deal, and I started college as a physics major. But life had other plans, and a series of events led me away from physics. The pivotal moment was reading another book, Robot: Mere Machine to Transcendent Mind by Hans Moravec. Now I was going to build robots. Since I was more interested in building robot minds than robot bodies, I switched to computer science which is what I’ve been doing ever since.
As an undergrad, I dove into robotics, serving as vice president of the club and taking every AI and robotics course available. I earned degrees in computer science and mathematics, then started grad school aiming for a PhD in Human Computer Interaction—the closest option to AI and robotics at the time. Life intervened again, and I paused my studies to work in industry.
My career has spanned transportation, finance, startups, and now aerospace and defense. Throughout, I’ve steered my path towards AI and XR, landing my current position at Collins Aerospace. Along the way, I finally completed my PhD.
I thrive as a research engineer, balancing theory and application. I’m driven to build things while understanding the ‘why’ behind them. For me, the best projects combine intellectual challenge with practical problem-solving.
🤖 Interests
My core interest is AI/ML technologies - from reinforcement learning and causal inference to multi-agent systems and evolutionary methods. In parallel, I explore XR technologies, leaning towards mixed and augmented reality, and branching into FinTech, cryptocurrency, and the supporting fields of XOps and software engineering.
Robotics has remained mostly a hobby and is complemented by a fascination with simulations. For instance, I immediately fell in love with the work of Karl Sims when I first encountered it. I’m also working on switching my smart home system from a proprietary platform to a DIY solution.
Beyond the digital realm, I find joy in creative and outdoor endeavors. I enjoy playing guitar and am also learning to draw. Water beckons me in various forms - whether it’s sailing, boating, or SCUBA diving.
Having many interests is both a gift and a curse. It’s easy to find exciting projects and make connections across fields. But it’s hard to focus on just one or two things. I’ve learned to use this trait to my advantage, bringing unique perspectives to my work while trying to balance exploration with dedication.