About Dr. Bastias

TEDx Alfonso Bastias

I am a Teaching Assistant Professor in the Program in Data Science, Department of Computer Science, University of Colorado Boulder. Basically, my spirit is driven to the juncture between the fields of Data Science, AI, and their ethical responsibilities. Through teaching and research, it is my pledge to provide that next generation coming into the fields of data sciences with the appropriate technical knowhow but also impart critical thinking capability to understand navigating the rapid paradigm shifts happening currently in our global technological topography.

My professional journey has taken me through collaboration with a diverse range of organizations: the National Regulatory Research Institute, the National Cooperative Highway Research Program, the U.S. General Services Administration, the Federal Highway Administration, the California Department of Transportation, the Construction Industry Institute, and the National Renewable Energy Laboratory. These collaborations have enriched my perception of how data science can solve real-world challenges across transportation, energy, and regulatory compliance.

I am the creator of a Decision Support System called the Strategic Decisions Method Comparing Risks, Performance Outcomes, and Scenarios. This tool empowers businesses to design and analyze management strategies for ventures and capital expenditures by integrating computer-based platforms, data analytics, expert judgment, structured methodologies, and simulation analysis

Beyond the technical, I have a keen interest in the study of ethical ramifications in AI. From philosophical works, such as Plato's Allegory of the Cave, to psychological theories in Daniel Kahneman's book "Thinking, Fast and Slow", I connect timeless concepts to modern challenges in AI. Understanding cognitive biases and the human-AI interface, I believe, is quintessential to developing and applying responsible AI technologies.

As a Software Engineer, I created several software, some available for free use and others for commercial purposes. Some of them are:

  • ALBA AI is designed to empower companies by rapidly creating and evaluating strategic decision models, offering a significant competitive advantage. By seamlessly integrating into our proprietary decision-making methodology, Alba combines Large Language Models (LLM), advanced AI/ML algorithms, and the powerful Strategic Performance Engine (SPE) v3 to deliver highly accurate, context-specific decision support. This sophisticated AI engine understands the nuances of a company’s operational landscape, the complexities of its strategic choices, and the unique challenges it encounters.
  • CSRA interactive dashboard to calculate the Serious Injury and Fatality Exposure in a construction environment.  Technology: C#, Blazor, Syncfusion, .NET Core, Python (ML). See a video of the dashboard here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1o84d5DSdMc
  • The Construction Engineering Challenge: Inspiring Careers Through Artificial Intelligence. Prototype Technology C#, Xamarin.Forms, TensorFlow, NoSQL.
  • SPE: Strategy Performance Engine, a risk simulation tool to evaluate strategies, innovation in modeling of strategic decisions, and simulation process. Technology: C#, Blazor, Syncfusion, .NET Core, MongoDB, Proxmox Environment.
  • Arena:  A group management application for Android and iOS. Technology: C#, Xamarin.Forms/MAUI, NoSQL Cosmos DB, SignalR, Azure Functions, Python (ML).
  • Boulder Dashboard: Law Enforcement Data Dashboard for Boulder County, Colorado - USA. Technology: C#, Python, Tensorflow, Blazor, .NET Core, MS SQL Server, Proxmox Environment.
  • LEONARDO: Learning Organization Rapid Diagnostic Tool. Technology: ASP.NET, MS SQL Server. Research Paper, Outstanding Paper Award Emerald LiteratiNetwork - 2008.
  • GPM: General Performance Model, a desktop application with more than 160,000 lines of code. Technology: C++, MFC, Prof-UIS. Research Paper.
  • THE PROGRAMMER: Project Control System for Engineering firms to control man-hours used and estimated to complete a project. Technology: ASP, MS SQL Server. After a ten-year cycle, it was migrated to SAP and integrated into FI/CO Modules.

My multicultural background and lifelong commitment to education—rooted in innovation, creativity, leadership, and excellence—drive my academic and professional growth. Throughout my career, I have embraced significant challenges alongside my colleagues, always striving for excellence.

I am proud to be a TEDx curator in two events in Chile. TEDxUDP :