Mark Polak is a Lecturer in Computing Science at University of Alberta. Colleagues describe him as "Dr. Mark Polak was a principal research engineer at Matrikon and instructor at University of Alberta at the time when I was with Matrikon. Within Matrikon community he was known as a versatile researcher with expertise in Machine Learning, Signal Processing, Pattern Recognition and Soft Computing methods. He is quite approachable and always willing to share his experience and knowledge: either to demonstrate current research projects or to provide advice. Having a hands-on can-do attitude, he has independently run projects and demonstrated that he is capable of developing innovative solutions. He demonstrated adaptability when changing teams, subject of research, or environment. One of his notable projects while at Matrikon was related to automated, camera-based performance monitoring of ore processing equipment at a major oil sands operation. This particular work contributed to redesign of equipment that increased the ore processing capacity and reliability of the operation. I firmly believe that Mark will be a valuable player in any team tasked to develop and deploy novel technological concepts." and "Mark Polak developed a brain computer interface system for his PhD. The objective was to use EEG signals of a subject to control a cursor on a computer screen. Initially, his work was supervised by Dr. Aleks Kostov who, tragically, passed away before it was completed. I continued as advisor on issues relating to machine learning working together with Dr. Richard B Stein of U of A, an internationally recognized authority in the area of rehabilitation. Despite the major loss of his supervisor, Mark achieved the objectives of the project, showing great determination and research ability. I recommend him as a conscientious researcher and as a person with whom one can effectively collaborate."