Innovation in service of people.
I’m an experimental psychologist working at the intersection of emerging technology, learning, health, and accessibility.
My federal service has spanned Defense, Education, and Health, with ARPA work connecting all three. Across those areas, the goal has remained the same: turning promising research into practical tools that improve people’s lives.
Selected writing
Essays on R&D strategy, AI in education, and autism technology.
Applying the DARPA Moonshot Model to Autism Technology Development (opens in new tab)
An essay on adapting high-risk, high-reward R&D practices to autism technology development.
Focus on the Problem, Not the MacGuffin (opens in new tab)
A reflection on defining the underlying problem before selecting a technology or solution.
Embracing the DARPA Model for EdTech Innovation (opens in new tab)
An argument for mission-driven, evidence-oriented R&D in education technology amid rapid advances in generative AI.
What guides my work
Psychology, neuroscience, and lived experience shape how I approach technology.
Start with the human problem
Define the need before choosing a technology. The problem should guide the tools and the research.
Read the essay (opens in new tab)Design with people
Accessibility and neurodiversity belong at the center of development, informed by the people and families most affected.
Explore my personal missionCarry research into practice
Evidence, implementation, and real-world use determine whether a promising idea makes a lasting difference.
Explore selected workSelected work
Projects connecting research with learning, care, communication, and everyday life.
DARPA & ONR
Managed portfolios in psychological health, STEM education, VR therapy, pain control, virtual humans, adaptive learning, and serious games.
National Policy
Established the Department of Education's first Office of STEM, coordinated 60+ programs, and helped define an ARPA-style model for education R&D.
Personal Mission
Autism, Veterans, and education have shaped much of my work, with a continuing focus on communication, accessibility, family impact, independence, and technologies that improve people's lives.
Featured Speaking & Media
Talks, panels & interviews
Featured talks and interviews
TechEquity AI Summit – AI Conversational Agents
Panel exploring how conversational AI is transforming service delivery across healthcare, education, government, and nonprofit sectors.
Watch Panel
AI Optimist Podcast with Skip Rizzo – AI, Autism, & EdTech
Exploring AI, autism and mental health, VR therapy, and how innovation scales through public service and partnerships.
Watch InterviewUnited Nations – AutismTech 2025
Policy and innovation strategies for inclusive tech in global autism and mental health and disability ecosystems.
Watch Panel
Games for Change: Strategic Partnerships for Social Good in Gaming
Moderating a panel on games for diabetes support and child motor therapy—how small teams spark big change.
Watch Panel
CAPT Russ and Murray Retirement Video
When you retire from the U.S. Navy after 22 years – including time at DARPA – you don't expect Sesame Street to make you the star of your own farewell sketch.
Watch Video