Hi, I'm Max
I'm a Research Scientist with a Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Texas at Dallas. I've been teaching computers since middle school, and my passion for computers and technology eventually led me down the academic research path.
My research focuses on Natural Language Processing (NLP) and Artificial Intelligence, specifically on understanding how controversial issues are framed on social media. I had the unique opportunity to pursue my Ph.D. during a global pandemic, which significantly influenced my research into how misinformation spreads and impacts public opinion—particularly around topics like vaccine hesitancy.
Beyond academia, I'm the Founder and CEO of AI Escape, where we're building revolutionary escape room experiences powered by AI. I also run AI Escape Consulting, helping businesses integrate AI into their operations in meaningful, practical ways.
This blog, less artificial, is my platform for sharing the positive side of AI—because while there's plenty of doom and gloom in the discourse, I believe AI is a tool that can be used for incredible good. The people using it for harmful purposes are the problem, not the technology itself.
Dissertation
Automatic Discovery of Frames of Communication and Their Stance Information
Novel methods for uncovering Frames of Communication on social media, detecting when they're evoked, and identifying stance towards them.
Read the full dissertationResearch Focus
My research focuses on employing Natural Language Processing with Artificial Intelligence on social media to understand how controversial issues are framed. I worked under the guidance of Dr. Sanda Harabagiu at the Human Language Technology Research Institute (HLTRI) at UT Dallas.
Key areas include stance detection, misinformation identification, frame discovery, and multimodal analysis of social media content.
COVID-19 Vaccine Hesitancy Framings
Analyzing how misinformation frames vaccine confidence and impacts public opinion on social media.
Frame Discovery
Using Chain-of-Thought reasoning with GPT-4 to uncover frames of communication from social media discourse.
Education
Ph.D. in Computer Science
University of Texas at Dallas
Natural Language Processing, Social Media, Public Health, and Machine Learning
M.S. in Computer Science
University of Texas at Dallas
Intelligent Systems Specialization
B.S. in Computer Science
University of Texas at Dallas
Responsibilities
Founder & CEO
AI EscapeRevolutionary escape room platform using AI to generate dynamic, customized escape room experiences. Also offering consulting services for integrating AI into businesses.
Research Scientist
Language Computer CorporationProviding natural language processing services to government agencies & businesses using the latest in NLP technology.
VP of AI & Technology Development
USA Restaurant SuppliersSupercharging operations with AI, including AI assistants, automated storefront pricing, and AI-powered quotes for 1,000+ commercial kitchens.
Need AI expertise?
AI Escape Consulting helps businesses integrate AI into their operations—from strategy to implementation.