A brief autobiography for anyone in dire need...     Work How to describe my job? I am a computational social scientist, and a cognitive scientist, and a user experience researcher, and a learning research analyst, and a software engineer, and an educational technologist. For sixteen years, my work at RTI International investigated technology assisted learning, how best to apply advanced technologies for learning and training. I continued some of this research at Soar Technology. Much, though not all, of my work has involved making synthetic characters behave appropriately in training and assessment situations. So I still do such work, but have—and have always had—other interests. I was recently at the UNC Eshelman School of Pharmacy focused on multiple technologies for supporting teaching and research, and then had an appointment at UNC's Renaissance Computing Institute doing much work at the intersection of data science and user engagement. These days I am leading the UW Simlab, developing simulations for training and assessment of professionals in challenging situations. I occasionally also consult through my small business, Intelligent Assessment. I have a c.v., and a more traditional resume; more can be found at the professional links provided on my main page.   Family What keeps me sane? I have a terrific wife of over 35 years. We have a terrific twentysomething son. I am blessed with close extended family.   Hobbies Do I actually do anything besides work? One long-term hobby has been conducting a genealogy search. I have uploaded my family tree at the Ancestry site. (Note: Some details are hidden; contact me for access.) I am slowly populating a blog, Blindingly Obvious, about the unbelievably evident, patently ridiculous, and exasperating. For many years I was closely involved with our local Federation. First modified August 30, 1995 Last modified January 30, 2026 rhubal {at} nc.rr.com