Prior Experience

My journey to a career in cognitive science and artificial intelligence has been anything but conventional. From the disciplined world of the military to the fast-paced environment of entrepreneurship, each chapter of my professional life has provided me with a unique set of skills and a valuable perspective that I bring to my work today. This page offers a glimpse into the experiences that have shaped my approach to research, teaching, and innovation.

United States Air Force

My eight years of service in the United States Air Force, where I achieved the rank of Staff Sergeant, instilled in me a profound sense of discipline, leadership, and commitment to excellence. As a Weapons Specialist and later a Recruiter, I learned how to perform under pressure, manage complex systems, and communicate effectively with people from all walks of life. These experiences provided me with a solid foundation for the rigors of academic research and the challenges of leading a team.

Entrepreneurship and Business Leadership

After my military service, I embarked on an entrepreneurial journey that taught me the importance of innovation, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of human behavior. As the owner of Gruntz Fitness LLC, I grew a small startup into a thriving business with over 90 clients and a team of six employees. I also gained valuable experience in the financial services industry as a Senior Regional Leader with Primerica and in human resources as an HR Manager at Interim Healthcare.

These experiences in the business world provided me with a practical understanding of the challenges and opportunities that organizations face. They also sparked my interest in the cognitive biases that can influence decision-making, a theme that has become central to my current work in AI.

A Bridge to the Future

My diverse background in the military and business has provided me with a unique perspective on the intersection of psychology and technology. It has taught me the importance of grounding theoretical knowledge in real-world applications and has fueled my passion for using technology to solve complex human problems.

Today, as a cognitive scientist and AI innovator, I draw on all of these experiences to inform my research, my teaching, and my work at CogBias AI. I believe that the most effective solutions come from a deep understanding of the human element, and I am committed to using my unique background to make a meaningful impact in the world.

Giving speech to 500 Financial Agents in NJ

Giving speech at open house for Financial business

Other Education

NYS Life license | 11/2014 | PFSU

Related coursework: Whole life, term life, Insurances, Home/Auto, Legal, Investments, Indexed Annuities,
Fixed Annuities

Certified Personal Trainer | 02/2014 | National Academy of Sports Medicine

Major: Personal Training
Minor: Fitness nutrition, Bodybuilding, Business Management
Related coursework: Learned how to properly relay information to clientele and guide them to get results

Management | 02/2011 | Airman leadership school/ professional military education

Major: Managing people
Minor: Public Speaking
Related coursework: Given different scenarios and tests on what to do in a leadership role. Learned interpersonal skills

Professional selling skills | 06/2010 |Achieve Global

Major: Learned interpersonal Skills
Learned how to build a lasting working relationship
Learned how to probe to understand needs
Learned how to market and bring in new business

Skills & Abilities

Management

Senior Regional Leader with Primerica Financial Services. Oversee roughly 100 Agents
Owner of Gruntz Fitness LLC, Managed 6 Employees and over 90 Clients

Sales

#1 in sales in Feb, Mar, Apr, May, Jun, Aug, Sept, Oct, in 2015
Revenue for Gruntz Fitness LLC finished over $82,000 in 2016

Communication

Run training at the office. Also, send and receive correspondence between 88 Clients. I have given two speeches at a conference in NJ in front of 500+ Agents.
Effectively schedule employees and run weekly meetings and training with Staff

Leadership

Staff Sergeant in the USAF, Gym Owner, HR Manager, and Senior Regional Leader. I am always put in a leadership role and can motivate those under me. I would never ask a subordinate to do something I wouldn’t do or haven’t done before. Lead by example

Experience

OWNER/TRAINER/NUTRITIONIST | GRUNTZ FITNESS LLC | 5/2016- 2/2017

Startup with only myself and three clients in May
Grew to over 90 clients and managed a team of 6 employees
From May to December, did over $82,000 in sales
Effectively designed programs and trained multiple clients who have hit their fitness goals

Senior Regional leader | Primerica financial service | 10/2014- 2/2016

Ran a team of agents who act as financial planners and salesman to a wide variety of clientele

Gym Owner | The Training Grounds | 07/2014- 11/2015

Started, furnished, and handled the paperwork in all day-to-day operations at the gym. I was responsible for running a team of trainers and employees, as well as obtaining new clientele for the gym.

HR Manager | Interim Healthcare | 11/2014- 02/2015

Responsible for new hires and management of personnel and records of over 400 health professionals.

Recruiter | United States Air Force | 09-2010- 05/2014

Responsible for enlisting recruits into the Air Force and managing them through a training and entry process while they waited to ship out to Basic Training

Weapons Specialist | United States Air Force | 08/2006- 09/2010

Responsible for all weapons systems and functions of the A-10A and C model
Worked HH-60 Weapons for Combat Search and Rescue

Professional Affiliations

Member, Exploring Program 2013-2014
Member, Big Brothers Big Sisters 2007-2014
Member, AAUW STEM initiative 2013-2014
Member, Greece Chamber of Commerce 2014-2015
Member, BNI, Midday Masters 2015