Current Status

Presently employed full-time at Sandia National Laboratories as a Senior Member of the Technical Staff (SMTS) in Computer Science Research and Development, with an active security clearance. Enrolled as a full-time Ph.D. student in Machine Learning at the University of Colorado at Boulder, with a graduation date of December 2007.

Research Background

My dissertation research focuses on achieving long-term learning through the training and combination of multiple linear models, resulting in a dynamic non-linear model with powerful predictive performance. Currently, this research is being applied towards the unsolved problem of robot navigation in unstructured outdoor environments. Other research interests include search, computer vision, collaboration, and cryptography. Very interested in integrating research concepts and prototypes into production systems. Strong advocate for the user experience.

Education

Ph.D.	Machine Learning	University of Colorado at Boulder	December 2007
Currently enrolled in a Ph.D. program in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning through the Computer Science Department. Formal coursework in Machine Learning and Statistics. Pursuing doctoral research in Machine Learning and Robot Navigation for a project funded by DARPA. Several publications with additional work in progress.
M.S.	Computer Science	University of Florida	May 2002
Was enrolled as a graduate student in the University of Florida department of Computer and Information Science and Engineering (CISE). Specialized in Artificial Intelligence. Researched and composed a thesis and production software in Peer-to-Peer, Ad-Hoc Wireless Collaboration.
B.S.C.E.	Computer Engineering	University of Florida	May 2002
Was enrolled in classes full time in a selective combined Bachelor’s/Master’s degree program. Degree is in an engineering degree in the Computer Science Department, effectively combining a computer science curriculum with a computer engineering core. Was a member of the Honors Program. Studied abroad in France and in Italy. Received a minor in Business Administration. Completed a Sales Engineering certificate program. Graduated with High Honors.

 

Publications

·         M. J. Procopio, G. Grudic, and J. Mulligan. “Long-Term Learning Using Multiple Models for Outdoor Autonomous Robot Navigation”. IROS 2007. (PDF)

·         M. J. Procopio, T. Strohmann, A. R. Bates, G. Grudic, and J. Mulligan. “Using Binary Classifiers to Augment Stereo Vision for Enhanced Autonomous Robot Navigation.” Technical Report, April 2007. (PDF)

·         J. Linebarger, A. Scholand, M. Ehlen, and M. J. Procopio. “Benefits of Synchronous Collaboration Support for an Application-Centered Analysis Team Working on Complex Problems: a Case Study.” GROUP 2005. (PDF)

·         M. J.  Procopio. “YCab.NET: Decentralized Collaboration Groupware for Mobile Devices using the Microsoft .NET Framework.” Master of Science Thesis, University of Florida, 2002. (PDF)

Technical Skills

Machine Learning and Statistics

Formal coursework and strong background in machine learning, statistics, data mining, and pattern recognition. Experience applying these techniques to real-world problems in production contexts.

General Research Skills

Strong research skill as a result of completing a Ph.D. program. These skills include concise technical writing as well as presentations of highly technical material to audiences with varying degrees of technical background. Have developed skills enabling quick identification of pertinent research papers, and a strong ability to quickly comprehend and absorb those papers. Formal coursework in the design of experiments, including ANOVA.

General Software Engineering

Extensive experience in all phases of software development, including design and specification, programming, and testing. Highly developed documentation, reporting, and presentation skills. Particular interest and capability in leading teams with diverse capabilities towards a common software goal. Strong advocate of the user and user experience at all levels of software product design.

Software Design and Specification

Experience with creating high level specifications for proposed software, involving human resource allocation, risk analysis and management, and project scheduling. Knowledge of design processes and software lifecycle models, with emphasis on evolutionary prototyping and development. Significant accomplishments in User Interface / User Interaction design.

Software Development

Fluency from extensive application development in the following programming languages, source code control repositories, presentation languages, scripting languages, and related technologies:

C++, Java, C#, MATLAB, C, LISP, Scheme, ML, Visual C++, Visual Basic, VBScript, Microsoft .NET Framework, MSIL, Assembly, JavaScript, ASP, ASP.NET, JSP, Servlets, XML, HTML, XHTML, XSLT, XML DTD, XML Schema, CVS, Subversion, SVN, Hibernate, various Bug Tracking Systems and IDEs.

Strong proficiency with database theory and technologies. In-depth knowledge of several SQL dialects, notably MS SQL, with emphasis on database design and stored procedure development (T-SQL). Proficiency with J2EE, Microsoft SQL Server, and Web Logic enterprise software technologies, as well as smaller databases including MySQL and Microsoft Access.

Strong knowledge of data structures and algorithms, learned in C++ and Java.

Extensive knowledge of the following hardware-related programming languages: VHDL, Verilog, Assembly Language (MIPS and Motorola 68HC11).

Software Testing

Practical and theoretical experience in fundamental areas of computer software testing, including test case design, documentation, execution, and logging. Experience in creating detailed program defect reports and subsequent regression testing of fixed bugs. Knowledge of theory and implementation of white box, black box, and regression testing. Practical experience with program verification as well as formal mathematical proofs of program and algorithm correctness.

Work Experience

Senior Member of the Technical Staff	Sandia National Laboratories				June 2002 to Present
Currently employed as a research and development computer scientist. Unclassified work included leading a team in the development of an agent-based modeling and simulation software capability for NISAC (the National Infrastructure Simulation and Analysis Center), part of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). All software efforts dating back to 2002 continue to operate today. Various awards, patents, and publications.
Student Consultant	Microsoft Corporation				August 2001 to May 2002
Responsible for representing Microsoft on the University of Florida campus. Duties included giving technical presentations on .NET material as well as coordinating Microsoft-related technical and recruiting events. Also involved in identification of student and faculty projects and supporting them with Microsoft technologies.
Research Assistant	University of Florida		December 2001 to May 2002
Graduate Research Assistant for Dr. Sumi Helal for the UF Harris Lab. Research related to all aspects of wireless networking, specializing in decentralized ad-hoc wireless collaboration over the 802.11b standard. Responsible for researching new and experimental technologies, preparing presentations, and composing a thesis.
Lecturer / Course Instructor	University of Florida	August 2001 to December 2001
Employed as a Lecture Teaching Assistant (TA), directly responsible for coordinating and teaching a class of 50 undergraduate students. Course taught was CIS3020, the introductory course in Computer Science for CS majors. Received positive supervisor evaluations and ranked the highest overall in student course evaluations.
Software Test Engineer (Internship)	Microsoft Corporation				May 2000 to August 2000
Worked on a team of software testers for Microsoft Outlook 2002 (“Office XP”). Was directly responsible for creation of test cases, execution of tests, and documentation of test results. Negotiated with developers to get bugs fixed. Also designed and implemented an internal testing tool which monitors and reports file access, used extensively in test scripts. Received a positive re-hire recommendation at the end of the internship.
Software Engineer	O&P Digital Technologies			December 1998 to May 2002
Project Manager and Team Lead in charge of development of a medical practice management software system, a flagship product of the company that continues to be a commercial success for the company to this day. Duties include specification and design of software, including the creation and execution of a project plan. Also responsible for primary implementation and programming of the application.
Resident Assistant	University of Florida				May 1998 to May 1999
Was employed as a dormitory section leader (Resident Assistant) responsible for developing and overseeing a community of 40 residents. Also in charge of enforcing rules and administering discipline among residents. Underwent extensive training in conflict resolution, emergency procedures, crisis management, personality types, diversity recognition, community development, and team-building skills. Received many awards.

Awards and Honors

·         Sandia National Laboratories President’s Quality Award (PQA), Gold Level, 2004

·         Department of Energy Defense Programs Award of Excellence, Team Award, 2003

·         National Merit Scholarship, 1997-2001

·         Westinghouse Family Scholarship, 1997

·         Florida Bright Futures Full Academic Scholarship, 1997-2001

·         University of Florida College of Engineering Scholarship, 2001-2002

·         University of Florida Sales Engineering Scholarship, 2001

GRADUATE COURSEWORK

Ph.D. Coursework

Artificial Intelligence; Database Systems; Statistical Methods; Machine Learning; Advanced Machine Learning; Doctoral-Level Independent Study (Robotics); The Canon: Great Works in Computer Science; Computer Performance Modeling / Design of Experiments; Doctoral Dissertation

Master’s Coursework

Programming Language Principles; Analysis of Algorithms; Distributed Operating Systems; Computer Architecture Principles; Software Engineering; Artificial Intelligence Concepts; Master’s Thesis Research

 

UNDERGRADUATE COURSEWORK

Computer Science

Introduction to Computer Science (Java, C++); Data Structures and Algorithms (Java / C++); Software Development using C++; Advanced Software Development using C++; Computer Organization; Applied Discrete Structures; Computer Networking Fundamentals; Operating Systems; Senior Design Project and Thesis

Computer/Electrical Engineering

Digital Logic and Laboratory; Digital Design (VHDL Programming with FPGAs); Microprocessor Design (Motorola 68HC11 Assembly Programming); Discrete-time Signals and Systems

Engineering Core

Physics 1 (Mechanics) with Calculus; Physics 2 (Electricity/Magnetism) with Calculus; Circuit Theory with Laboratory; Engineering Thermodynamics; Engineering Statics; Writing and Speaking for Engineers; Professional Issues and Ethics

Mathematics

Calculus 1, 2, and 3 (all Honors-level); Differential Equations; Statistics with Calculus; Computational Linear Algebra; Numerical Analysis

Business and Sales

Principles of Accounting; Principles of Management; Principles of Marketing; Principles of Corporate Finance; Principles of Macroeconomics; Strategic Professional Selling; Sales Engineering Seminar

Foreign Language

Beginning Intensive French 1 and 2; Beginning Intensive Italian 1 and 2; Beginning Intensive Chinese 1 and 2; Beginning Intensive Spanish 1 and 2; (Additional continuing education study of Mandarin Chinese)

 

Website

http://ml.cs.colorado.edu/~procopio/

 

REFERENCES

Available upon request.