Steve Sickels Email & Phone Number

Virginia, United States

My previous employer, Innovative Decisions, Inc., was acquired by ITA International in September 2020. My focus at ITA is prototyping and developing innovative and intuitive Bayesian and machine learning software applications. In addition, I've expanded my skills to include the "R" programming language and associated statistical and machine learning libraries. As a part-time employee, my primary focus is now more "hands on": I develop and prototype statistical and machine learning applications and visualizations in "R" -- a deliberate shift away from my previous roles (with IDI and General Dynamics Mission Systems) as a program manager, principal investigator, and technical lead.

My passion is developing innovative applications that transparently connect clients and end-users to powerful analytic applications – enabling insight and confident action. My expertise includes Bayesian inferential and machine learning techniques and their application to “real world” problems. I led the conceptualization and development of an innovative and intuitive Bayesian network application that displays the “weight of evidence” and how those weights combine to support conclusions. The central goal of this application is to provide end-users with rigorous analytic insight – but without the often-challenging Bayesian “learning curve.” I supported clients in developing and refining Bayesian analytic applications for maximal insight and utility. With my experience as a project manager and technical lead, and with my passion for team-based collaboration, I supported clients in creating and leveraging new and innovative forms of analytic value.

Washington D.C. Metro Area

I create photography that captures place and mood. I specialize in landscape and architectural photography. (I'm still an avid photographer, but am no longer actively pursuing architectural photography.)

Principal Investigator and Project Manager on multiple research and development / software development efforts collectively valued at over $33M, focused on developing collaborative analytics capabilities for the Intelligence Community (IC). Full responsibility for projects’ technical direction and scope, staffing, cost, and schedule. Spearheaded the development of software that brings the power of Bayesian inferencing to the IC via an intuitive, interactive visualization.Responsible – as Capture Manager, Proposal Manager, and Technical Lead – for 4 contract awards collectively valued at over $6M.

Demonstration Integration Manager for the Open GIS Consortium’s (OGC) Web Mapping Testbed. Developed an Integrated Master Plan (IMP) for Lockheed Martin Astronautics’ winning proposal effort for the “Discoverer II” space-based radar (as a subcontractor).

Technical Director and Systems Development and Prototyping Lead for the Army and OSD Rapid Terrain Visualization Advanced Concept Technology Demonstration (ACTD).

Ms, Electrical Engineering

Bs, With High Distinction, Systems Engineering