Founder, CTO, and AI Specialist

Driving innovation with data-driven solutions and cutting-edge technology.

./About_Me

I initially intended to pursue a career as an engineer and physicist. However, during an aerospace engineering course, I developed a strong interest in algorithmically optimizing designs rather than relying on existing solutions. This shift led me to apply algorithms to solve unique problems in various sectors, including oil, healthcare, and local government.

I have also dedicated a significant part of my career to data collection, cleaning, and management, believing that the effectiveness of algorithms is directly tied to the quality of their inputs.

I am passionate about AI governance and advocated for a community-managed AI commission during my time at the City of Tulsa. My goal is to continue pushing the boundaries of what's possible with technology to create a meaningful impact.

James Benjamin Harris

./Featured_Projects

MunicipalAI

MunicipalAI is an open source project dedicated to leveraging the power of automation to minimize waste in government operations. We believe that by streamlining processes and employing advanced machine learning techniques, we can significantly reduce inefficiencies and save taxpayer funds.

AI/MLObject DetectionHardware
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Cross-Modal Deep Learning

Built an open-source architecture for efficient cross-modal attention between language, image, and video data. Flamcon enables flexible training and deployment of multimodal AI models, with a focus on accessible infrastructure and reproducible workflows.

Open Source Deep Learning Multimodal AI Cross-Modal Attention
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Eviction Prediction Model

Created a time-series model to predict evictions in Tulsa. By assigning an eviction risk score to single-family homes, the model helps the city proactively offer resources to at-risk residents. A randomized control trial was conducted to validate its effectiveness.

Predictive AnalyticsTime-SeriesSocial Impact
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Fire Risk Model

Developed a predictive model that assigns a fire risk score to every building in Tulsa. This tool enables the Tulsa Fire Department to prioritize inspections and allocate resources more effectively, ultimately enhancing public safety.

Risk ModelingPublic SafetyData Science
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VRNE.CO Platform

Designed and built a scalable, AI-driven platform architecture for VRNE.CO. The stack includes Django, React-Native, Node.js, Kubernetes, Kafka, and PostGIS, supporting real-time data flows, geospatial databases, and advanced AI processing pipelines.

ArchitectureFull-StackDevOps
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CPC+ Measure Engine

At Verinovum, I designed and implemented a scalable engine to calculate 17 KPIs for a population of over one million healthcare members. The system, built with SQL Server and NiFi, automated ingestion and analysis, dramatically reducing turnaround time.

Healthcare ITData ArchitectureETL
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./Work_Experience

Founder, Research & Early-Stage Development

Dolos Labs

July 2025 – Present

  • Exploring advanced embedded technologies related to data capture and perception in complex environments.

Personal Sabbatical

Girl Dad & Independent Research

Aug 2023 – Present

After 20 years in tech (starting with my first full-time tech role in 2005), I’m spending time focused on family as a girl dad to two daughters while staying active in research and side projects.

  • Working on open-source projects in computer vision, finance, and embedded systems.
  • Occasionally meeting with early-stage founders to provide architecture and product advice.

Founder, CTO

VRNE.CO, Tulsa, OK

Jan 2021 - July 2023

  • Designed a scalable architecture using Django, React-Native, Node, Kubernetes, Kafka, and Postgres.
  • Built a geospatial database with PostGIS and a real-time data flow with NiFi and Kafka.
  • Developed AI models for instance segmentation and object detection.
  • Engineered 3D printed parts for an affordable data collection platform.

Data Analytics Manager

City of Tulsa, Tulsa, OK

Sep 2018 - May 2021

  • Led multiple high-impact AI projects (NuisanceAI, Eviction Prediction, Fire Risk).
  • Designed and implemented a central data repository (Dremio) and established data governance policies.
  • Greatly contributed to Tulsa achieving "What Works Cities" certification, helping improve the overall score by 80%.
  • Managed data science interns and led community data outreach programs.

Data Architect

Verinovum, Tulsa, OK

May 2017 - Jul 2018

  • Designed and implemented a scalable CPC+ Measure Engine for a population of over a million members.
  • Built a nine-node Elasticsearch cluster for advanced data analysis.
  • Developed data strategies for transitioning to cloud-based MPP systems.

BI Developer

Helmerich and Payne, Tulsa, OK

Feb 2014 - Feb 2017

  • Architected and developed a responsive online/offline data collection application.
  • Developed real-time streaming algorithms using Kafka and Flink.
  • Managed big data platforms (Hadoop, Hive) and developed numerous data flows.
  • Contributed to the company's data governance strategy.

./Technical_Skills

AI & Data Science

  • Object Detection (SSD, Mask-RCNN)
  • Instance Segmentation
  • Predictive Modeling
  • Time-Series Analysis
  • Reinforcement Learning
  • Python (Scikit-learn, TensorFlow)
  • Computer Vision
  • LLMs
  • Deep Learning
  • Data Science

Data Engineering

  • Kafka, NiFi, Flink
  • PostGIS, SQL Server, Dremio
  • ETL/ELT Pipelines
  • Data Warehousing
  • Data Governance

Software & DevOps

  • Python, Django
  • JavaScript, Node.js, React-Native
  • C++, C#, Java
  • Docker, Kubernetes
  • CI/CD
  • Cloud (Azure)
  • Full Stack
  • IOS
  • Android

Hardware & Other

  • 3D Printing & Design
  • Embedded Systems
  • Network Engineering
  • Data Visualization (Tableau)
  • Agile Methodologies
  • Project Management

./Education_&_Certifications

Computer Vision Cert

Carnegie Mellon University, Pittsburgh, PA

December 2021 - March 2022

This three-month course covered the fundamentals of computer vision and neural networks.

B.S. Numerical and Analytical Analysis

University of Oklahoma, Norman, OK

August 2006 - May 2010

Multidisciplinary degree including graduate-level Math and Engineering courses, as well as courses in Physics, computer science, advanced sociology, advanced anthropology, and advanced history.

Network Technology

Francis Tuttle Technology Center, OKC, OK

August 2002 - December 2003

Completed a two-year vocational degree in IT management (MCSA) in a year and a half during high school.

./Publications_&_Papers

Using Computer Vision to Streamline City Code Enforcement

This research was completed by VRNE to demonstrate the efficacy of their product.

Research PaperComputer Vision
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Examining Factors with the Most Impact on the Per Capita Income of Tulsa City Tracts

This research was completed by TDS to explore per capita income in Tulsa. A link to the paper and the TDS site are provided.

Research PaperData Science
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Data Governance Policy

This policy allowed technology to streamline data governance at the City of Tulsa.

Policy DocumentData Governance
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Data Governance Manual

This manual described the Data Governance Policy in detail and facilitated quicker iterations through a committee.

ManualData Governance
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Bloomberg News

Work on data governance and the "What Works Cities" certification at the City of Tulsa was featured by Bloomberg News, highlighting the city's data-driven improvements.

Media FeatureData Governance
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Harvard Data-Smart City Solutions

The Urban Data Pioneers program, which I led for several cohorts, was recognized by Harvard's Data-Smart City Solutions for its innovative approach to civic tech and data collaboration.

PublicationCivic Tech
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TED Talk Feature

The partnership between Tulsa Data Science, which I founded, and the City of Tulsa was mentioned in a TED Talk, showcasing our work in using data science for social good.

Media FeatureSocial Impact
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Engaged Cities Award

Our collaborative work through Tulsa Data Science contributed to the City of Tulsa winning the prestigious Engaged Cities Award, recognizing effective city-community partnerships.

AwardCommunity Partnership
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Channel 8 Tulsa News

Local news coverage on Channel 8 highlighted the data governance initiatives and successes achieved during my time with the City of Tulsa.

Media FeatureLocal News
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