Rowan Brad Quni, AI Expert and Futurist

Rowan is a visionary researcher, philosopher, and project management professional whose work spans a wide range of disciplines, including theoretical physics, artificial intelligence, consciousness studies, city planning, and data analytics. His research interests are centered around three interconnected meta-focal points, each contributing to a holistic understanding of the universe, the potential of artificial intelligence, and the application of interdisciplinary expertise to break down barriers and democratize knowledge.

Key Highlights

1. Pioneering Research in Theoretical Physics

  • Developing a comprehensive theory of reality by addressing shortcomings in language and mathematics

  • Contributing to the quest for a unified theory bridging general relativity and quantum physics

2. Transformative Advancements in Augmented Intelligence

  • Integrating advanced AI capabilities and democratizing access to information

  • Leading initiatives and partnerships to harness the potential of neural networks

3. Interdisciplinary Research Leadership for Progress

  • Managing innovative, multi-year, and multimillion-dollar research

  • Identifying cross-cutting approaches to equalize expertise and knowledge

4. Informational Dynamism and the Nature of Reality

  • Investigating universal information theory and quantum information theory

  • Exploring the relationship between the quantum realm and consciousness

5. Collective Benefit through Information

  • Combining expertise across disciplines for holistic improvements to systemic issues

  • Pushing boundaries and paving the way for transformative breakthroughs

At the core of Rowan's academic pursuits is the quest to discover the fundamental principles governing the universe. He is particularly interested in the challenge of uniting general relativity with quantum physics, a task that requires addressing the shortcomings in language and the way we approach mathematics. Through his research and publications, Rowan aims to contribute to the development of a more comprehensive and unified theory of reality.

Drawing upon his extensive experience in technology and intuitive understanding of neural networks, Rowan recognizes the vast potential of these systems to revolutionize the way we interact with and disseminate knowledge. He seeks to explore the transformative potential of AI in integrating advanced capabilities with accessibility to information. Rowan's expertise in managing similar products, research efforts, and partnerships positions him well to lead groundbreaking initiatives in this field.

Rowan's interdisciplinary background in city planning and data analytics informs his third research interest, which focuses on leveraging cross-cutting approaches to equalize expertise and knowledge. He recognizes the significant challenges posed by the entrenchment of systems and the resistance to change, having experienced broken systems firsthand in personal life and during his work in government. Undeterred by these obstacles, Rowan is committed to using his unique perspective and skills to identify and address the barriers to progress.

Central to Rowan's research is the concept of "informational dynamism," which posits that the universe is an intertwined plenum of information flows and experiential signatures. This concept, along with his investigations into universal information theory and quantum information theory, forms the bedrock of his efforts to shed light on the enigmatic relationship between the quantum realm and the emergence of consciousness.

Throughout his academic journey, Rowan has employed an interdisciplinary approach, drawing insights from fields such as neuroscience, information theory, philosophy of mind, and computational reasoning. His research methodology is characterized by the use of AI-assisted tools and techniques, which have been instrumental in extending the scope and depth of his investigations.

Rowan's published works, which include two books and a forthcoming third volume, showcase the evolution of his thought process and the culmination of his AI-assisted research investigations. These publications serve as a testament to his ongoing commitment to contributing to the collective knowledge and understanding of the intricate tapestry of existence.

In addition to his academic pursuits, Rowan is a seasoned project management professional with a proven track record of successfully leading complex, multi-year, and multimillion-dollar initiatives. His experience includes managing the AARP Livability Index, coordinating the National Household Travel Survey, and conducting research programs at the U.S. Department of Transportation's Federal Highway Administration.

Underpinning all of Rowan's research interests is his overarching vision of harnessing the power of information and augmented intelligence to drive collective human benefit. By combining his expertise in theoretical physics, AI, and interdisciplinary data analysis, Rowan aims to contribute to the development of a more holistic, accessible, and equitable framework for understanding and navigating the complexities of our world.

Through his research, publications, and collaborative efforts, Rowan seeks to push the boundaries of our current understanding, challenge entrenched systems, and pave the way for transformative breakthroughs that have the potential to reshape our relationship with the universe, technology, and each other. His work is a testament to the power of interdisciplinary thinking and the importance of leveraging diverse perspectives to tackle the most pressing challenges facing humanity today.

Education

  • Masters, City and Regional Studies, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-New Brunswick, 2005-2008

  • B.A., Urban Studies and Community Planning, Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey-Camden, 2002-2004

Professional Experience

  • Lead Researcher and Principal Investigator, Q8 (Empowering Change)

  • Managing Director & Lead Strategist, Data for Good, Oct 2023 - Present

  • Platform Data Product Manager, iManage, Aug 2022 - Oct 2023

  • Senior Product Manager, Epsilon, Jun 2021 - Jul 2022

  • Senior Product Manager, AARP, Aug 2016 - May 2021

  • Senior Data Scientist, Research, The Advisory Board Company, Jan 2016 - Aug 2016

  • Federal Associate, Data Analytics, Deloitte, May 2015 - Jan 2016

  • Research Manager and Deputy Program Manager, Federal Highway Administration, Jan 2011 - May 2015

  • Consultant, IBI Group, Nov 2008 - Jan 2011

  • Systems Planner, Delaware Valley Regional Planning Commission, May 2005 - Nov 2008

Publications

Grants and Funding

  • Principal Investigator, Q8 (Empowering Change): Leading research initiatives to develop a comprehensive theoretical framework for a quantum information-based universe. [https://q08.org/developing-a-comprehensive-theoretical-framework-for-a-quantum-information-based-universe]

  • Deputy Program Manager, Federal Highway Administration: Co-directed the $10 million National Household Travel Survey. Provided funding guidance, investigated survey instrument and sampling designs, maintained strong relationships with state and local government partners, and ensured project success. (Aug 2013 - May 2015) [http://nhts.ornl.gov/]

  • Research Manager, Federal Highway Administration: Contributed to research on long-distance passenger travel models and mode shifts due to automated vehicles as part of a multi-year effort with a budget of approximately $1 million. Managed the project, including contracting, procurement, staffing, work plan development, and successful delivery of work products. (Jul 2011 - Jun 2015) [http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policy/modelframework/model_framework.pdf]

  • Senior Product Manager, AARP Livability Index: Secured external funding from the first AARP Livability Index partner. Managed and executed the development, maintenance, and updates of the AARP Livability Index, a large-scale, data-driven web resource for age-friendly planning. Coordinated multi-million-dollar program objectives, oversaw all aspects of the project, including contracting, procurement, staffing, and work plan development, and ensured project success. (Aug 2016 - May 2021) [https://www.aarp.org/ppi/info-2018/the-livability-index-2018-.html]

  • Federal Lead, Deloitte: Secured a federal contract to examine technology infrastructure for autonomous vehicles. Managed project budgets, contracting, procurement, staffing, and work plan development, and ensured timely and cost-effective delivery of results. (May 2015 - Jan 2016) [https://www2.deloitte.com/us/en/pages/consulting/solutions/analytics-and-information-management-consulting.html]

Additional Experience

  • Volunteer, Various Organizations; DC, Chicago, San Francisco; 2015-Present

  • Elected Official, Advisory Neighborhood Commissioner; Washington, DC; 2016-2017

  • Committee Member, National Academy of Sciences (NAS), Transportation Research Board, National Transportation Data Requirements and Programs; 2018-2021

Skills

  • Data Mining, Analysis, and Visualization

  • Machine Learning and Artificial Intelligence

  • Programming Languages: R, Python, SQL, Fortran

  • GIS and Spatial Analysis

  • Project and Program Management

  • Stakeholder Engagement and Communication

  • Research and Technical Writing

  • Public Speaking and Presentations

  • Transportation Research and Modeling

  • Policy Analysis and Program Evaluation