Michael Perkins
Software and Artificial Intelligence Engineer
Dallas, TX | (214) 701-2414 | michaelperkins@smu.edu | LinkedIn | GitHub | michaperki.com
Professional Summary
Data Engineer and BI Developer with over 4 years of experience in building and optimizing data pipelines and leveraging machine learning. Adept at managing large datasets, collaborating with cross-functional teams, and implementing AI solutions to solve real-world problems.
Work Experience
Data Engineer
Nomi Health | Austin, TX
Jan 2022 - May 2023
- Built ETL pipelines on Domo BI, processing 1M+ records/month to boost model accuracy by 45% and cut manual errors.
- Partnered with key stakeholders to define data needs and engineered self-service dashboards for informed budgeting.
Founder
eSports Startup | Dallas, TX
Jan 2021 - Dec 2021
- Designed and launched a React/Node.js app using ML models to evaluate game outcomes and deliver actionable insights.
- Identified market demand and built a platform serving 250 active users with innovative game strategies.
- Secured seed funding with persuasive VC proposals and a business plan outlining key value propositions.
Data Scientist
LinkIt | New York, NY
Jul 2018 - Jan 2021
- Automated processes with Python/SQL across hiring, capacity planning, onboarding, and finance, gaining 60% efficiency.
- Conducted data analysis to drive model improvements and optimize workflows for AI-driven decisions.
- Led digital rebranding (website and social media), increasing click-through rates by 20% and conversions by 15%.
Education
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
Bobby B. Lyle School of Engineering, Southern Methodist University | May 2025
GPA: 3.7
Relevant Coursework: Advanced Algorithms, Machine Learning, Software Engineering, Operating Systems
Capstone Project: Developed a ML model to detect move quality in real-time chess games.
Bachelor of Arts in Quantitative Social Science
Dartmouth College | June 2018
Executive Editor at the Dartmouth Review
Skills
Programming Languages
AI & Automation Tools
Cloud Platforms
Engineering Projects
SQL to Text Pipeline (Fall 2025)
- Implemented a multi-stage SQL-to-NL pipeline using fine-tuned T5 transformers with PyTorch & Hugging Face.
- Improved BLEU scores through iterative dataset and hyperparameter optimization.
- Coordinated with teammates to align objectives and streamline deployment.
Chess Cheat Detection (Fall 2025)
- Built Python/TensorFlow models achieving 95% accuracy in detecting chess anomalies.
- Mitigated imbalanced data issues with augmentation, reducing false positives by 20%.
- Integrated neural networks and real-time processing; coordinated with experts to refine detection criteria.
Awards
- HAWK Prize, HackTheChains Hackathon (2024) – Developed CryptoBuddy, a coin analysis extension
- AI Connect4 Competition, SMU (2024) – 2nd place out of 100+ agents
- PanAm Chess Tournament, SMU (2024) – Selected to represent SMU on Board 2 (scored 4/6 points)
Interests
- Strategy Games and Rubik’s Cube Speedsolving
- Baking and Cooking
- Art
- Quality time with friends
- Fostering animals