Bio
Personal Profile
Talented and accomplished people leader and data scientist with a consistent record of pulling golden needles from fields of haystacks. Adept at project and team management in critical, deadline-driven environments. Domestic and international experience. Published author of ANSI standards. Always willing to learn and teach. Extensive military and corporate training. Security clearance level: Secret, status: inactive.
My Experience
Data Science Fellow, General Assembly
Austin, TX
Director of Data Science, Carfeine, Austin, TX
2018 - Current
Designed, built, and directed the research and development department of an AI-based digital marketing software platform. Created intellectual property such as algorithms, deep learning models, and data pipelines to solve problems and improve outcomes. Recruited, retained, and nurtured data scientists, data engineers, data analysts, and solution architects.
• Developed fine-tuned Large Language Model (LLM) system based on LLAMA2 and Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG) using agentic workflows, multi-agent conversations, and Databricks accelerators for digital advertising, inventory management, sales operations, and customer success.
• Evaluated entity relationship advances with Multitasking Unified Model (MUM) using multimodal media, and generative AI advances in ChatGPT for novel business capabilities
• Created Multi-Armed Bandit (MAB) model for maximizing learning and minimizing regret of predictive budget optimization
• Created reinforcement learning neural network using a predictive LSTM architecture for time series budget forecasting
• Created text classification NLP model for inventory normalization and ranking
• Created data mining pipelines and data analysis frameworks for e-commerce applications
• Designed computer vision generative AI image manipulation agents based on Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) and Generative Adversarial Networks (GANs)
2018 - Current
Designed data science curriculum and trained instructors. Performed visual and statistical analysis on data using Python and its associated libraries and tools. Evaluated the differences between supervised and unsupervised learning by applying various modeling techniques such as classification, regression, and clustering. Gathered, stored, and organized data using the data science toolkit: SQL, Git, and UNIX. Applied analysis and modeling skills to real-world data problems in engineering, finance, and public policy. Created reproducible results and reports, and used data visualization tools to present findings to key stakeholders.
-
Developed a deep learning image recognition system in Python using TensorFlow wrapper Keras for Convolutional Neural Network
-
Conducted natural language processing with TF-IDF and other vectorizers
Data Scientist, Principal Member of Technical Staff, AT&T Labs
Austin, TX
2013 - 2018
Network Architect, AT&T Global ServicesAustin, TX
2009 - 2013
Lead engineer for the transition to IPv6 project. Designed and deployed IPv6 transition integration testing lab. Wrote business case to fund the transition to IPv6 project. Wrote transition plan and joint requirements document to illustrate the transition plan. Wrote technical services description, detailing how we would deliver on the transition plan. Tested transition scenarios to ensure we had the best plan for the transition to IPv6. Designed and delivered quarterly IPv6 training to all employees.
Protected $6.8B revenue stream for products dependent on IPv4.
Developed $10M budget for the 2-year transition plan.
Saved $1.2M on lab budget by building proof of concept labs on the path to a full integration testing lab, including CALEA elements.
Consulted with application developers to assess IPv6 impact to applications, and developed plan to transition operational and network support systems to IPv6 where necessary.
Designed and implemented processes and layouts for complex, large-scale (petabytes) data sets used for modeling, machine learning, automation, and research purposes. Evaluated new technologies based on service specifications. Wrote requirements for new products and services. Created new technology standards and represented AT&T in standards forums – Broadband Forum, WiFi Alliance, and CTA.
-
Designed an artificial intelligence (AI) system in C++ and Python, with a Bayesian inference rule engine, to simulate access point clients using multiple sensors and a rational agent for navigation, using Hadoop ecosystem.
-
Member of core research group with advanced skills in the use of predictive modeling, statistics, trend analysis, and other data science techniques assigned to collect, explore, and identify the right data to be analyzed from internal and external sources to explain or predict behavior and/or solve a variety of business problems and monetize products for sale.
-
Developed best practices in data collection, data cleansing, data validation, data modeling, model evaluation, and visualization of insights.
-
Created Generalized Linear Model (GLM) for predictive maintenance system
-
Chairman of CTA Working Group, designed a new standard for 24-hour battery energy in support of VoIP devices – R7WG20, “VoIP Battery Backup Working Group” ANSI/CTA-2062.
-
​Lead NDA activities for interoperability and unit testing pre-release consumer electronics with top global technology companies.
2007 - 2009
Contracted to design and deploy global MPLS VPN systems for customers of IBM and AT&T. Developed architecture and design standards. Sustained engineering for service delivery.
Saved major customer >$1M per year by identifying and resolving disaster recovery system needs.
Improved application performance for three of customer’s business units by resolving bottlenecks.
Designed large scale network for a multinational company to replace legacy IP network. Developed plan to migrate 281 locations in 12 countries and assisted with migration activities.
Avoided costly network downtime for the client by identifying and resolving root causes of issues. Reconfigured network devices and recovered company from an outage in 15 minutes.
Selected as Consulting Engineer on Joint Architecture Review Board.
2006 - 2007
Senior Network Engineer, JTSI/PROSIS
on contract to US DoD Central Command
Baghdad, Iraq
Network Architect, TAC WorldwideAustin, TX
Designed, installed, and maintained network and communications systems for US Dept. of Defense. Conducted training sessions. Consulted to DoD Central Command, Dept. of State’s Baghdad Embassy, and Government of Iraq. Completed several projects in active military zones.​​
-
Developed an AI battlefield friend-or-foe system which integrated several sensors and sources into one command view.
-
Earned several letters of commendation for problem solving and technical performance.
-
Recognized as a key member of the only team in Iraq to deliver 100% of projects on time and on budget.
-
Designed metropolitan Ethernet architecture that saved $10M and met all State Dept. requirements.
-
Created VoIP network and ensured proper maintenance by designing new testing process. Created QoS policies focusing on WAN, voice, and video performance.
-
Lead Architect for $80M Iraqi Defense Network. Carried out design and implementation of LANs, WANs, VoIP, storage, email, and other services country-wide.
-
Provided field engineering and support for IP services, including Cisco Call Manager, VoIP phones, IDS, and IPSec DMVPN.
-
Created network management systems, incorporating CiscoWorks VMS and NetFlow analyzer.
-
Designed Prime Minister’s National Operations Center and Baghdad Wireless Broadband Network.
Senior Network Engineer, AlterpointAustin, TX
2004 - 2006
Developed and tested network services and devices for the manufacturer of change management and network configuration software. Coordinated project teams. Communicated extensively with developers on the creation of integrated network environment tools. Administered $200,000 annual budget. Supported 80,000 different devices. Evaluated and procured laboratory equipment. Formulated test plans. Determined engineering requirements and performed strategic technical planning.
Facilitated $4M in new revenue by designing a system to test network configuration and change management software. Created Linux-based network device simulators capable of simulating 100,000 devices per physical interface.
Successfully designed and tested interface modules used to collect data from network devices.
Implemented laboratory test environment to test software against real-world devices. Procured, configured, and tested 340 devices from 38 switching, routing, firewall, and load balancer vendors.
Manager, Network Engineering, New Edge NetworkVancouver, WA
2002 - 2004
Designed and sustained engineering for data communications network, with wholesale and retail broadband and dedicated Internet access subscribers. Supervised staff of five network engineers for $50M CLEC. Administered $400,000 annual budget.
-
Facilitated $4M in new revenue by creating systems, networks, and processes to integrate four ISPs and transition into company’s available service offerings.
-
Conducted due diligence on network assets of potential ISP acquisitions.
-
Delivered $1.2M in new revenue by developing a process to migrate customers following acquisitions.
-
Prepared and conducted TCP/IP Layer 1-4 training classes for various internal departments.
-
Produced $800,000 in first-year sales by leading development of VoIP and VoDSL products.
Previous Experience
Director, Network Operations
Exodus Communications
1999 - 2001
Santa Clara, CA
Manager, Network Engineering
Manager, Network Engineering
Level (3) Communications
Level (3) Communications
1998 - 1999
​
Broomfield, CO
1998 - 1999
​
Broomfield, CO
Manager, Network Engineering
Concentric Network Corporation
1997 - 1998
​
Cupertino, CA
Senior Systems Engineer
DIGEX, Inc.
1996 - 1997
​
Washington, DC
Systems Engineer
Intercon Systems
1995 - 1996
​
Reston, VA
Enterprise Support Specialist III
PSInet, Inc.
1994 - 1995
​
Reston, VA
Senior Analyst & Data Communications Engineer
General Electric, Industrial and Power Systems
1990 - 1994
​
Schenectady, NY
Education & Professional Development
BS Computer Science & MathematicsUnion College
Multi-disciplinary degree program customized by my desire to utilize my analytical and critical thinking capabilities.
Data Science MicroMastersEdX
This is an accredited USC San Diego graduate degree program for data scientists.
Data Science Immersive Certificate
General Assembly
Intense 12-week graduate level data science program.
Certificate in Statistical Process ControlWorcester Polytechnic Institute
Application of statistical methods to monitor and control a process.
Information Systems Management Program
GE corporate management training program offered to select graduates. After an 18-month intense training program, employees were offered choices of three careers in their sponsored division. I carved out a multi-disciplinary position to bring GE Industrial and Power Systems into the Internet age by designing and interconnecting computer networks with other divisions, education institutions, research and development networks, and the federal Advanced Research Project Agency.
Professional Associations
& Continuous Improvement
IEEE Senior Member
ISOC Work Group Member
NANOG Member
ARIN Member
Broadband Forum Work Group Member
WiFi Alliance Member
CTA Work Group Chairman
My Skills
No matter the role or project, I’m confident in the skill set I bring to the table. Take a look below to learn more about my specific abilities, and feel free to get in touch if you’d like to learn more.
Data Science
Exploratory Data Analysis, statistical analysis (regression), information entropy, Bayesian probability, Big Data, machine learning, deep learning, text classification, natural language processing, forecasting, reinforcement learning, optimization, sentiment analysis, and recommender engine
Coding, Models, API, Methods, Dataframes, and Visualization
Python, SQL, TensorFlow, Gradient Descent, Keras, Hadoop, Spark, Scala, Pandas, Matplotlib, FastText, nltk, BERT, XGBoost, scikit-learn, SciPy, Tableau, R, Google Cloud Platform (GCP), Amazon Web Services (AWS)
Business Verticals (Domain Knowledge)
Engineering (Electrical, Network, and Software),
Science, Research & Development, Consumer Electronics, Planning, and Supply Chain
Systems, Applications, Tools, & Processes
Linux (primarily Debian, Ubuntu, RHEL), Mac OS X (Darwin), Windows, Android, iOS, MS Office, firewalls, security systems, Splunk, FCAPS, ITIL, ISO9000, Six Sigma, and Agile
"Teaching someone to program is like giving them a superpower."
Hilary Mason
