We have a very special episode of the Steemit Podcast today which features Dr. Dave Roberts. Unlike most of our guests like [Mahbod Moghadam](https://steemit.com/steemit/@steem.marketing/the-steemit-podcast-episode-1-mahbod-moghadam) or the [@good-karma the founder of eSteem](https://steemit.com/esteem/@steem.marketing/esteem-interview-with-the-founder-good-karma) who come from within the blockchain space, Dr. Roberts has an academic background, despite also having founded a startup that has raised multiple rounds of investment.  

https://youtu.be/bMyxrCrF-08

*<h1>[Audio only version](https://anchor.fm/andrew-levine8/episodes/Interview-with-Dr--Dave-Roberts---Comp-Sci-Professor--Startup-Founder-e5151c) </h1>*


<h1>Professor & Startup Founder</h1>

Dr. Roberts is not only a Professor of Computer Science at NC State where he runs their CIIGAR lab (Computational Intelligence and Interactive Games Research lab), but he is also the co-founder of a Silicon Valley startup. 

Dr. Roberts got his undergrad degree in Math and Computer Science, and went on to study “Interactive Virtual Experiences” at Georgia Tech, which he admits is just an academic way of saying “Computer Games.” 

<h1>Machine Learning & AI</h1>

His current research interests are generally in the area of machine learning and artificial intelligence and their applications to the design of interactive technological experiences such as computer games, interactive dramas, or training scenarios. The designs of his algorithms are informed by concepts from psychology that can enable efficient and intuitive authorial and gameplay experiences.

<h1>Games as Cultural Artifacts</h1>

Dr. Roberts views games as cultural artifacts and important platforms for Artificial Intelligence research. He seeks to use them as a window into human behavior by incorporating concepts from social psychology and observing how they manifest themselves in game play. 

<h1>Tech Outsider</h1>

Given his area of expertise, as well as his experience going from a tech-outsider to a startup co-founder, we believe that the insights Dr. Roberts can provide to anyone trying to build a business in the blockchain space is invaluable. 

<h1>Follow & Subscribe</h1>

Thank you for watching or listening to this episode of The Steemit Podcast. Don’t forget to subscribe on your favorite podcasting app, subscribe to our YouTube channel, or follow @steem.marketing on steemit.com. For updates from the Steemit Team on topics like Smart Media Tokens, Communities, or upcoming hardforks, be sure to follow @steemitblog.

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