About the Contributing Authors

Chad Mello is currently working on his PhD in Computer Science at the University of Colorado at Colorado Springs, with Dr. Rory Lewis as his mentor. Several research projects in machine learning keep him busy, such as research into epilepsy identification and predication models. Possessing Top Secret clearance, he is currently a freelance software consultant and architect for the U.S. Air Force, Army, and a number of private companies. His specialties are software architectures and framework design as well as geospatial applications. Chad currently lives with his wife and three children in the Rocky Mountains and loves every minute of it.

Ben Easton is a graduate of Washington & Lee University and has a BA in Philosophy. His eclectic background includes music, banking, sailing, hang gliding, and retail. Most of his work has involved education in one form or another. Ben taught school for 17 years, mostly middle school mathematics. More recently, his experience as a software trainer and implementer reawakened his long-time affinity for technical subjects. As a freelance writer, he has written several science fiction stories and screenplays, as well as feature articles for magazines and newsletters. Ben resides in Austin, Texas and is currently working on his first novel.