My journey in computer science has been defined by a single question: How can AI empower rather than replace human creativity and reasoning? This thread connects every experience—from research to industry to service—weaving together a narrative about technology's role in amplifying what makes us human.
Research as Foundation
In Dr. James Ghawaly's AISX Lab, working on both MikeGPT and PECAN (formerly BetterGuessLang), I've learned that effective AI requires more than achieving high accuracy—it requires thoughtful design that considers real-world constraints. MikeGPT taught me that retrieval design matters more than model size, a lesson that directly informed my approach to PECAN. When we achieved 99.5% accuracy with a smaller encoder-only model, it validated my conviction that accessibility and performance need not be mutually exclusive. These research experiences have given me a rigorous foundation in NLP, information retrieval, and model evaluation.
Industry as Application
My time at Tri-Core Technologies provided the software engineering foundation that transformed me from a researcher into someone who can build production systems. Working on enterprise-level full-stack systems for the Louisiana Department of Insurance, I learned that clean design, collaboration, and reliability are non-negotiable. This industrial experience became the bridge between academic research and real-world deployment. When I later became Machine Learning Software Engineer for MikeGPT—an AI assistant now serving thousands of LSU students and faculty—I could merge research insights with software engineering rigor. The result was a system that doesn't just work in theory, but delivers value to real users every day, with custom agents that bridge knowledge gaps and enhance learning.
Leadership as Integration
My leadership roles have taught me that technical skills alone are insufficient—communication and collaboration amplify impact. As Scrum Master and lead developer for the Nexus Louisiana ClimateTech Challenge, I'm not just writing code; I'm facilitating team dynamics, translating technical requirements for diverse stakeholders, and ensuring our CO₂ tracking system addresses genuine accountability needs. This role pushed me to integrate everything I'd learned: research insights about AI integration, software engineering practices from Tri-Core, and collaborative leadership skills developed through teaching and service.
As a Teaching Assistant for CSC 4700, I guide student teams tackling complex problems for industry partners. This role reversed the learning dynamic—instead of just acquiring knowledge, I'm translating research and industry experience into accessible guidance. Watching students progress from confusion to confidence has reinforced that clear communication is as valuable as technical expertise.
Service as Purpose
My work with LSU Water Brigades, where I created and maintain a website for over 100 students supporting clean water initiatives, reminds me why technical skills matter. Technology should serve communities, addressing real needs and creating tangible impact. This conviction—that my skills can improve lives—shapes every project I undertake.
The Connecting Thread
What unifies these experiences is my belief that AI should be a tool for augmentation, not replacement. Whether I'm fine-tuning models, building production systems, leading development teams, or supporting service organizations, I'm driven by the vision articulated in I, Robot: finding balance between machine intelligence and human creativity. My research explores how to build more effective AI systems. My industry work demonstrates how to deploy them reliably. My leadership experiences teach me how to communicate their value and ensure they serve genuine needs.
Looking forward, I see these experiences not as separate chapters, but as integrated preparation for advancing AI systems that empower human reasoning and creativity while addressing societal challenges—from education to climate accountability to equitable access to technology.
