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Hello.  My name is John Howard.  I am a scientist and researcher.   Throughout my career, I’ve lead cross-cutting research teams on topics such as “bias” in biometric recognition systems, the test and evaluation of artificial intelligence more broadly, and how humans and algorithms accomplish socio-technical tasks.  I am a published author of over 20 technical papers and am currently the lead editor for ISO/IEC 19795-10, a (draft) international standard on measuring fairness in biometric systems.  These works are cited regularly in print media outlets, such as the New York Times and the Washington Post, as well as in congressional testimony.

I currently serve as the Chief Data Scientist at the Maryland Test Facility, a government funded research lab focused on AI application testing.  I also hold an appointment as a research fellow at SMU’s AT&T Center, where I advise students and faculty on projects related to AI fairness and computer science ethics.  I’ve also consulted on numerous projects as a technical expert, most recently in court litigation regarding biometrics and privacy, such as cases involving the Illinois Biometric Information Privacy Act or BIPA.

I try to update my LinkedIn and Twitter profiles regularly with news and thoughts about these activities and topics.  If you find these interesting please follow along.  You can also find a list of upcoming events I will be attending or speaking at here.

Education

  • Ph.D. 2015

    Computer Science

    Southern Methodist University, Lyle School of Engineering

  • Masters of Science 2010

    Computer Engineering

    Southern Methodist Univeristy, Lyle School of Engineering

  • Bachelors of Science 2009

    Mathematics

    Southern Methodist University, Dedman College

  • Bachelors of Science 2009

    Computer Engineering

    Southern Methodist University, Lyle School of Engineering

Professional Experience

  • Present2021

    Editor, ISO/IEC 19795-10: Quantifying Biometric System Performance Variation across Demographic Groups

    International Standards Organization - Geneva, Switzerland

  • Present2021

    Research Fellow

    AT&T Center, Southern Methodist University - Dallas, Texas

  • Present2016

    Representative

    American National Standards Institute - Washington, DC

  • Present2014

    Chief Data Scientist, Data Science Manager

    The Identity and Data Sciences Lab // The Maryland Test Facility - Upper Malboro, Maryland

  • 20142012

    Senior Research Scientist

    Scitor Corporation - Annapolis Junction, Maryland

  • 20122010

    Software Engineering Leadership Development Program

    Lockheed Martin, Missile and Fire Control - Dallas, Texas