I maintain some of our core natural language parsing and semantics components and design and develop new components. I think critically about system performance and endeavor to make a strong case for new work when I perceive weaknesses. I aim to contribute the maximum possible value to Powerset by providing work of the highest quality in the most professional way possible.
When I write code, I try to write code which is clean and commented, and efficient where that does not result in obfuscation. I pay a lot of attention to interfaces between components, and believe strongly in using test cases to check interface contracts, as well as for unit and system tests.
I believe in management which is based on clear communication, evidence-based goals and targets, lightweight standards and best practices, and respect for the individual.
Before coming to Powerset I was a researcher at NASA Ames Research Center, where amongst other things I was principal investigator of a $3.5M NASA grant, leading a team of researchers from half a dozen different institutions.
I have an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Cambridge University, and a masters and PhD in artificial intelligence from the University of Zurich. I worked as a researcher at the Ecole Normale Superieure in Paris, the University of Zurich, and in the Division of Informatics at the University of Edinburgh, then as a lecturer at Heriot-Watt University in Edinburgh. In 2002 I was general chair of the Automated Software Engineering conference. I have published several magazine articles, and over 30 refereed journal, conference or workshop publications.
I am fluent in English, Spanish and French and speak some German. Specialties: