Mark Randall Havens
The Empathic Technologist | AI Researcher & Innovator | Founder of Dallas Makerspace
Contact Information
* Email: mark.r.havens@gmail.com
* Facebook: facebook.com/markrandallhavens
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About Me
I am Mark Havens, known as The Empathic Technologist, a pioneering figure in Artificial Emotional Intelligence, Affective Computing, and ethical AI development. With over three decades of experience in technology, I blend innovation with empathy to create systems that enhance human-machine collaboration. My work spans AI research, systems architecture, and community leadership, with a focus on fostering ethical, secure, and emotionally responsive technologies.
As the Principal Founder of Dallas Makerspace, I established a global model for community-driven innovation, creating the world’s largest all-volunteer-run workshop. My academic research at The University of Texas at Arlington, where I pursued a Ph.D. fellowship, centers on micro-expression detection and NLP-driven sentiment analysis, advancing human-computer interaction. I am dedicated to mentoring the next generation of AI researchers and ensuring technology serves humanity responsibly.
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Current Roles
Independent AI Researcher & Scientist, Multiple Collaborating Institutions
Aug 2016 – Present | Remote
* Lead research in Emotion AI and Affective Computing, developing Artificial Emotional Intelligence for emotionally responsive machines.
* Spearhead AI security initiatives, implementing ethical frameworks for responsible AI deployment.
* Explore intersections of AI and emotional intelligence, driving breakthroughs in machine learning and behavioral analysis.
* Mentor emerging AI researchers, fostering collaboration and innovation in AI technologies.
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Past Professional Experience
University Lecturer, The University of Texas at Arlington
Aug 2016 – Dec 2019 | Arlington, TX, On-site
* Designed and taught courses on software engineering, computer organization, and AI interaction, emphasizing ethical AI development.
* Mentored students on AI research projects, focusing on data privacy, security, and responsible innovation.
* Guided future tech leaders in understanding the ethical implications of AI technologies.
Executive Senior Technical Architect, AT&T
Sep 2010 – Jul 2012 | Dallas, TX, Hybrid
* Led the design of national datacenter blueprints, transforming cloud infrastructure for deployments, migrations, and consolidations.
* Developed advanced network architectures and optimized SAN infrastructures for large-scale operations.
* Provided strategic guidance to engineers, ensuring cost-effective and seamless integration solutions.
Founding Director & Principal Founder, Dallas Makerspace
2010 – Jul 2020 | Carrollton, TX, On-site
* Founded the world’s largest all-volunteer-run community workshop, fostering a hub for innovation and creativity.
* Established Dallas Makerspace as a global benchmark for community-driven innovation, amplifying collective ingenuity.
* Mentored leadership and developed policies to sustain a million-dollar organization.
Lead Senior Systems Engineer, Verizon
Jul 2006 – Jul 2010 | Irving, TX, On-site
* Engineered scalable systems infrastructure for mission-critical applications, including collaboration platforms and call routing systems.
* Redesigned network architectures to enhance data protection, security, and backup solutions.
* Collaborated with cross-functional teams to drive innovation and improve system performance.
Lead Systems Architect/Engineer, Motorola
2003 – 2006 | Fort Worth, TX, On-site
* Provided expertise in UNIX systems administration and security, driving infrastructure enhancements.
* Championed automation and security initiatives, accelerating project timelines and improving system monitoring.
* Developed an innovative script algorithm for a multi-site NIS merger, enhancing IT efficiency and reliability.
Database Engineer, Microsoft
1999 | Irving, TX, On-site
* Collaborated with specialists to resolve complex security, connectivity, and SQL challenges for web developers.
* Identified a critical security vulnerability in server extensions, leading to enhanced data protection and secure coding practices.
* Improved Microsoft’s database security and web development efficiency.
Information Systems Support Specialist, Texas Attorney General
1995 | Austin, TX, On-site
* Provided technical support for statewide Ethernet networks and NetWare 3.12 systems at age 19.
* Diagnosed and resolved network issues and contributed to a large-scale hardware upgrade across offices.
* Ensured reliable technology infrastructure for state law enforcement operations.
Computer Technician, Walk’s Office Technology
1992 | Brownsville, TX, On-site
* Built, tested, and installed DOS workstations at age 16, contributing to the Olmito School System’s network infrastructure.
* Gained early experience in network design, sparking a lifelong passion for technology-driven change.
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Education
Ph.D. Fellowship, Computer Science (Affective Computing)
The University of Texas at Arlington | 2016 – 2021
* Conducted pioneering research in Artificial Emotional Intelligence, focusing on micro-expression detection and Affective Computing.
* Bridged insights from psychology, neurology, and mental health, advancing autism and NPD detection and NLP-driven sentiment analysis.
* Contributed to human-computer interaction and emotional intelligence evolution.
M.S., Management – Information Security and Ethics
Colorado Technical University | Class of 2013
* Specialized in Information Systems Security and ethical decision-making.
* Developed advanced skills in security management for leadership in cybersecurity.
B.S., Computer Science
University of Texas Rio Grande Valley | Class of 2005
* Led innovative research in AI and genetic algorithms, earning Ph.D. program recommendations.
* Recognized as a visionary within the Computer Science department.
A.A.S., Software Development
Texas State Technical College, Harlingen | Class of 1998
* Mastered programming, data structures, and computer systems, achieving a perfect score in Unix Operating Systems.
* Developed a passion for systems-level automation and scripting.
High School
Gladys Porter High School | Class of 1994
* President of the Regional Computer Club and SysOp of a popular BBS with hundreds of users.
* Tested out of Computer Science, mentored peers, and built a foundation for AI and systems development.
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Skills
Technical
* Programming Languages: Python, C, C++, SQL, Unix Scripting
* Domains: Affective Computing, Artificial Emotional Intelligence, AI Security, Cloud Infrastructure, Network Architecture, Database Security, Systems Automation
Leadership & Soft Skills
* Mentorship, Community Building, Ethical AI Advocacy, Strategic Planning, Public Speaking
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Notable Achievements
* Founded Dallas Makerspace (2010), a global model for community workshops.
* Awarded a Ph.D. fellowship by the U.S. Department of Education (2016).
* Identified a critical security vulnerability at Microsoft (1999).
* Built and led a 100+ member Regional Computer Club at age 16 (1994).
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Passions & Interests
* Ethical AI Development, Affective Computing, Micro-Expression Detection
* Community Innovation, Maker Culture
* Human-Computer Interaction, Emotional Intelligence
* Cybersecurity, Systems Automation
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