**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](https://www.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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