LLMs as Latent Library Maps
An analogy for understanding recent AI models
I help people understand how they fit into the world
I have spent my life looking for patterns and learning how to share them. My education included graduate math, music theory, undergrad physics, and professional writing. I eventually realized my curiosity and communication skills could help others better understand the contexts of their lives. Working in privacy, I help ensure uses of data about people align with their interests and expectations.
Resources
- Pumpkin Lovers’ Pie: A personal recipe for one of my favorite desserts
- More Than Concealing: A newsletter on privacy from a product perspective
- theharmonyguy’s Privacy Library: A collection of useful links on various privacy topics
- Strategies for Opening Words on Wordle: Fun exploration of approaches to a popular word game
Recent Writing
Becoming an Information Billionaire
And avoiding the pitfalls of your newfound riches
Privacy is More Than Security
Why simply protecting the data you collect is not enough
Expand Your Small Infinities
How knowing your limits can help you overcome them
Yes, “Not All Men” — But That's the Problem
How changing our focus can make us better allies
Lay Down Your Cyberweapons
What if how we talk about security became less aggressive?
Work/Education Background
| Where | What | When |
|---|---|---|
| Apple | Senior Privacy Engineer, AI | 2023– |
| Waymo | Privacy/Security Product Manager | 2019–2023 |
| Apple | Privacy Engineer, Services | 2017–2019 |
| Privacy/Security Engineer | 2012–2017 | |
| Gemini Security Solutions | Security Consultant | 2010–2012 |
| Wake Forest University | M.A., Mathematics | 2007–2009 |
| Harmony Computing Services | Part-Time IT Consultant | 2004–2009 |
| Kennesaw State University | B.S., Mathematics with Writing Minor | 2003–2007 |
More About Me
References from Past Colleagues
- “Joey is reliably calm under pressure and isn't afraid to lead by example with empathy, vulnerability, and integrity even during high-stress situations.”
(Melanie Ensign, CEO and Founder at Discernible, Inc.) - “Working with Joey really highlighted for me how important good communication is to effecting privacy change. His ability to contextualize complex trade-offs makes everyone he works with better.”
(Rachel Engel, Security Engineer at Facebook) - “Joey's understanding of data privacy goes beyond technical expertise—he has a deep understanding of the global discourse and evolving regulatory framework. This makes him an indispensable partner on cross functional teams because he can explain technical concepts and, most importantly, understands what issues matter the most.”
(Samantha Brennan, Privacy Counsel at Apple)
Professional Skills
- Writing and Public Speaking
- Creative Privacy Solutions
- Cross-Team Collaboration
- Web Application Security
- Programming (Java, PHP, Hack, React)
- Web Development (HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
A Few of My Favorite Things
- Journaling
- Ice Dancing
- Gender Equality
- Prime Numbers
- Thunderstorms
- Fall Leaves
- Anything Pumpkin
- Diet Mountain Dew
- Rainbow Sprinkles