Neal Crawford Evans, Jr.'s Professional & Home Page

About

Neal, an AI theorist with over three decades of experience, has been exploring the theory and practical applications of machine learning and AI since the 1990s. His work focuses on balancing disruptive innovation with real-world utility. Neal holds a Ph.D. in computational physics, where he pioneered the use of machine learning to solve complex problems in theoretical optics.

He and his wife, Finley, enjoy life on a smallholding farm, where they care for their two dogs and a flock of twelve chickens.

Research Interests

• Theoretical Foundations: Advancing artificial intelligence through the development of robust machine learning algorithms.
• Quantum Computing: Exploring how quantum technologies can enhance the computational power and efficiency of machine learning algorithms.
• Ethical AI: Investigating the philosophical and ethical challenges posed by AI and machine learning advancements.
• Deep Learning Applications: Applying AI to solve complex, real-world problems across various industries.

Selected Presentations, Articles, Essays, and Books

Google Scholar

• Monstrous Pictures of Whales and Realities - 7/15/2019
• Integrating Merged Reality - 3/18/2019
• Blockchain of Fools? - 8/15/2017
• Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning in Healthcare - 5/16/2017 pdf
• The Ethics of Artificial Intelligence - 2/14/2017
• Security is a State of Mind, Not an End State - 11/10/2016
• Congratulations, You’re Now a Software Company - 10/11/2016
• "Optimization-Based Designs", Alexander Laskin, D. L. Shealy, and N. C. Evans, Chapter 7 of Laser Beam Shaping: Theory and Techniques, Second Edition, edited by Fred M. Dickey (CRC Press, Boca Raton, FL, 2014). Google Books Amazon
• Interview with Trade Show Radio at the Atlanta Chamber Health IT Leadership Summit - 11/11/2014 podcast
• A Homily on Data Visualization - 5/8/2014
• Artificial Intelligence, Machine Learning and Their Application to HealthCare IT - 3/17/2011 presentation
• Interview with David Karabinos on ClearCast: Conversations with Technology Innovators and Entrepreneurs - 2007 podcast
• Design of a Gradient-Index Beam Shaping System via a Genetic Algorithm Optimization Method, N. C. Evans and D. L. Shealy. SPIE 10.1117/12.405265 (2000). pdf
• "Optimization-Based Techniques for Laser Shaping Optics", N. C. Evans and D. L. Shealy, Chapter 5 of Laser Beam Shaping: Theory and Techniques, edited by Fred M. Dickey and Scott C. Holswade (Marcel Dekker, Inc., New York, 2000). Google Books Amazon
• Genetic Algorithm Optimization Methods in Geometrical Optics, N. C. Evans (Univ. of Ala. at Birmingham, Birmingham, 1999). pdf scribd
• Design and optimization of an irradiance profile shaping system with genetic algorithm method, N. C. Evans and D. L. Shealy, Applied Optics 37.22 (1998).
• Design of three-mirror telescopes via a differential equation method, S. H. Chao, N. C. Evans, D. L. Shealy and R. B. Johnson, Proc. SPIE 2863-35 (1996). pdf
• SPIE '96 Denver, CO "Design of three-mirror telescopes via a differential equation method"
• SESAPS '95 Tallahassee, FL "Calculation of Irradiance Profiles for Laser Reshaping Systems Using CODE V"

Published Software and Code

• machine-learning-ga164-Code-V: Machine Learning in Optical Design

  This GitHub repository contains the 'machine-learning-ga164-code-v' project, showcasing the integration of machine learning through a genetic algorithm with CODE V for optical design optimization. The project exemplifies the use of genetic algorithms, a key technique in machine learning, to solve complex problems in geometrical optics.

Education

• University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama. Ph.D., Physics, 1999.
• University of Alabama at Birmingham, Birmingham, Alabama. M.S., Physics, 1996.
• Birmingham-Southern College, Birmingham, Alabama. B.S., Physics and Philosophy, 1994.