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

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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).

Passions & Interests

• Ethical AI Development, Affective Computing, Micro-Expression Detection
• Community Innovation, Maker Culture
• Human-Computer Interaction, Emotional Intelligence
• Cybersecurity, Systems Automation