Michael Perkins

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

PythonC++Java

AI & Automation Tools

Python-based ML workflowsETL pipeliningPrompt Engineering

Cloud Platforms

AWSDockerKubernetes

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

Profiles

GitHub: michaperki

LinkedIn: michaperki