Applied Research
With a focus on open source data architecture, data standards and semantic interoperability, and moving products up the TRL food chain to commercialization
Since 2014, I’ve been knee deep in applied research and open source software product development related to data standards and interoperability.
My team at Yet Analytics is the developer of SQL LRS and other open source solutions for xAPI and related IEEE standards.
If you are interested in potential joint research or if you have an implementation need related to anything in our portfolio, please don’t hesitate to reach out.
The bibliography and cv posted here includes a range of activities and venues — from peer reviewed papers and book chapters to work on data standards, reports on software prototypes, government-funded applied research, and a variety of conference presentations and demonstrations. I am grateful to my colleagues and collaborators across government, academia, and industry — all of whom are far smarter and a maybe bit more respectable than me.
If you are interested in leveraging my experience in developing and funding your own R&D projects, please check out my advisory services.
Example
DATASIM
github.com/yetanalytics/datasim
Started 2019
The Data and Training Analytics Simulated Input Modeler (DATASIM) is an open source project distributed under the Apache 2.0 license. Originally funded by Advanced Distributed Learning (OUSD P&R) and with subsequent development funded by AFRL on a Direct-to-Phase-II SBIR contract, the project provides a means of modeling and generating synthetic xAPI data at scale. Use cases include infrastructure cost modeling for difficult-to-predict activity data implementations, design and conformance assistance for the development of xAPI Profiles, and the generation of synthetic data for scientific purposes. The software has been used to generate billions of rich synthetic data statements and is incorporated in projects across government and industry.
Bibliography & CV
SELECTED WRITING AND PRESENTATIONS
2025 and Ongoing
Blake-Plock, S. (ed.). (2027 expected). The Total Learning Architecture. Learning Technology Standards Committee at the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. (IN PROGRESS).
2024
Blake-Plock, S., Johnson, A., Casey, C. (2024). A Machine-readable Narratological Approach to the Design of Human Performance Descriptions for Synthetic Training Environments. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
Goodell, J., Blake-Plock, S., Craig, S., Czerwinski, E., Lis, J., McEldoon, K., Owens, K., Stodd, J., Schatz, S., Walsh, W. (2024). Generalizable Learning Engineering Adoption Maturity Model. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
Blake-Plock, S. (2024). Synthetic Data Automation: A Use Case for Pilot Training (Poster Session). Emerging Technologies for Defense Conference and Exhibition. Emerging Technologies Institute / NDIA. Washington, DC.
Barr, A., McNamara, D., Saxberg, B., Blake-Plock, S. (2024). Learning Engineering: Past, Present, and Future (Panel Discussion). IEEE LTSC ICICLE 2024 Conference on Learning Engineering. Arizona State University. Phoenix, AZ.
Torrance, M., Blake-Plock, S., McCormick, M., Parent, A., Saxberg, B., Wagner, E. (2024). The Journey to Learning Engineering (Panel Discussion). IEEE LTSC ICICLE 2024 Conference on Learning Engineering. Arizona State University. Phoenix, AZ.
Blake-Plock, S. (2024). DATASIMx for Pilot Training Generation of Synthetic Exemplar Data with Relevant Tactics. Final Report. Air Force Research Laboratory. FA238423C0005.
Goodell, J., Blake-Plock, S. (2024). A Standards-Based Approach to AI-Enabled Learning Detection in Unity-based Simulations, Field Training, and Distributed Learning. Army University Learning Symposium. Fort Leavenworth, KS.
Blake-Plock, S. (2024). Let's Write a Song. EduCon 2024. Philadelphia, PA.
2023
Owens, K., Blake-Plock, S., Goodell, J. (2023). Learning Engineering Virtual Training Systems with Learning Science, Data Standards, and a Capabilities Maturity Model. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
Robson, R., Ray, F., Goldberg, B., Blake-Plock, S., Owens, K., Connell, G. (2023). Digitizing Performance and Competencies. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
Blake-Plock, S., Johnson, A., Owens, K., B. Goldberg. (2023). STEEL-R: Connecting Synthetic Training and Experiential Learning to the Total Learning Architecture and IEEE LTSC Data Standards. IEEE IC Industry Consortium on Learning Engineering 2023 Conference. Carnegie Mellon University. Pittsburgh, PA.
Blake-Plock, S., Owens, K., Goodell, J. (2023). The Value Proposition of GIFT for the Field of Learning Engineering. Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual GIFT Users Symposium. US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center. Orlando, FL.
Robson, R., Ray, F., Goldberg, B., Blake-Plock, S., Casey, C., Owens, K., Nasir, S. (2023). Defining and Measuring Competencies under Varying Conditions. Proceedings of the Eleventh Annual GIFT Users Symposium. US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center. Orlando, FL.
Blake-Plock, S. (2023). Understand and Implement xAPI Profiles. xAPI Cohort. Learning Guild.
Blake-Plock, S. (2023). xAPI Cybersecurity. Technical Webinars. Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative. Orlando, FL.
2022
Hernandez, M., Blake-Plock, S., Owens, K., Goldberg, B., Robson, R., Welch, T., Ray, F. (2022). Enhancing the Total Learning Architecture for Experiential Learning. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
Owens, K., Goldberg, B., Hernandez, M., Blake-Plock, S. (2022). Introduction to Competency-Based Experiential Learning. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
Owens, K., Goldberg, B., Ray, F., Mishra, S., Blake-Plock, S. (2022). Multi-Session Demonstration of a Competency-Based Experiential Learning Model for the US Army Synthetic Training Environment (STE). iFEST 2022. National Training and Simulation Association. Alexandria, VA.
Blake-Plock, S. (2022). xAPI Profiles and Business Logic. iFEST 2022. National Training and Simulation Association. Alexandria, VA.
Blake-Plock, S. (2022). Completing the Total Learning Architecture. TLA Plugfest. Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative. Alexandria, VA.
Robson, R., Goldberg, B., Blake-Plock, S., Casey, C., Hoyt, W., Hernandez, M., Ray, F. (2022). Mining Artificially Generated Data to Estimate Competency. Proceedings of the 15th International Conference on Educational Data Mining. Durham University. Durham, UK.
Owens, K., Goldberg, B., Robson, R., Hoffman, M., Ray, F., Colburn, A., Hernandez, M., Blake-Plock, S., Casey, C. (2022). Synthetic Training Environment Experiential Learning for Readiness (STEEL-R). Proceedings of the Tenth Annual GIFT Users Symposium. US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center. Orlando, FL.
2021
Goldberg, B., Owens, K., Gupton, K., Hellman, K., Robson, R., Blake-Plock, S., Hoffman, M. (2021). Forging Competency and Proficiency through the Synthetic Training Environment with an Experiential Learning for Readiness Strategy. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
DeFalco, J., Blake-Plock, S., Ulgen, O., Schoenherr, J., Hampton, A., Tong, R. (2021). The Spider in the Urinal: A Panel on AI Ethics, Unpredictable Secondary Events, and AISs. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
Blake-Plock, S., Ponton, J., Kaelber, A. (2021). From IdeaScale to Scaling an Idea: Learning Innovation at Joint Base Andrews. iFEST 2021. National Training and Simulation Association. Alexandria, VA.
Blake-Plock, S. (2021). DATASIM Requirements Report. Advanced Distributed Learning. HQ003419C0061. DTIC: AD1141222.
Blake-Plock, S. (2021). DATASIM Needs Analysis Report. Advanced Distributed Learning. HQ003419C0061. DTIC: AD1141221.
Blake-Plock, S. (2021). DATASIM Option Year 1 Final Report (TRL 5). Advanced Distributed Learning. HQ003419C0061. DTIC: AD1141220.
Blake-Plock, S., Hoyt, W., & Casey, C. (2021). Instrumenting GIFT with xAPI: a use case for IEEE P9274.3.x standards activity and implications for the broader field of ITS and AIS. Proceedings of the Ninth Annual GIFT Users Symposium. US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center. Orlando, FL.
DeFalco, J., Blake-Plock, S., Hampton, A. (2021). The Renovated 中文 Room: Ethical Implications of Intentional AI in Learning Technology. Proceedings of the Ninth Annual GIFT Users Symposium. US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center. Orlando, FL.
Blake-Plock, S. (2021). DATASIM Testing and Evaluation Plan. Advanced Distributed Learning. HQ003419C0061. DTIC: AD1141193.
Blake-Plock, S. (2021). DATASIM Stakeholder Analysis Report. Advanced Distributed Learning. HQ003419C0061. DTIC: AD1141192.
2020
Blake-Plock, S. (2020). DATASIM: The Data and Training Analytics Simulated Input Modeler — Alpha Status Update. Human Systems Conference. National Defense Industrial Association. Alexandria, VA.
Blake-Plock, S. (2020). Usability TRL4 Report: DATASIM. Advanced Distributed Learning. DTIC: AD1098376.
Blake-Plock, S., Hoyt, W., Casey, C., & Zapata-Rivera, D. (2020). Data Analytics and Visualization for xAPI Learning Data: Considerations for a GIFT Strategy. In Sinatra, A.M., Graesser, A.C., Hu, X., Goldberg, B., and Hampton, A.J. (Eds.). Design Recommendations for Intelligent Tutoring Systems: Volume 8 - Data Visualization. US Army Combat Capabilities Development Command - Soldier Center. Orlando, FL.
Blake-Plock, S. (2020). Technical Report: DATASIM. Advanced Distributed Learning. DTIC: AD1098366.
Blake-Plock, S. and Casey, C. (2020). DATASIM and xAPI Profile Validation. iFEST 2020. National Training and Simulation Association. Alexandria, VA.
Blake-Plock, S., Goodell, J., Kurzweil, D., Kessler, A., Olsen, J. (Eds.) (2020). IEEE IC Industry Consortium on Learning Engineering: Proceedings of the 2019 Conference on Learning Engineering. The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc. New York, NY.
2019
Blake-Plock, S. (2019). S. Point Paper. Panel: Learning Engineering, A New Academic Discipline and Engineering Profession. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
Blake-Plock, S. and Hoyt, W. (2019). Data Analytics and Visualization Environment for xAPI and the Total Learning Architecture: DAVE Learning Analytics Algorithms. Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative. Alexandria, VA.
Blake-Plock, S. (2019). DATASIM: Data and Training Analytics Simulated Input Modeler for xAPI and xAPI Profiles. iFEST 2019. National Training and Simulation Association. Alexandria, VA.
Blake-Plock, S. (2019). Analytics and Visualization. In Walcutt, J.J. & Schatz, S. (Eds.). Modernizing Learning: Building the Future Learning Ecosystem. Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative. Government Publishing Office. Washington, DC.
Blake-Plock, S. (2019). DATASIM Conceptual UX/UI Design Report. Advanced Distributed Learning. HQ0034-19-C-0061.
2018
Smith, B., Walcutt, J.J., Ph.D., Blake-Plock, S., Heimbrock, S. (2018). Military Innovation for Learning. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
Blake-Plock, S. (2018). Mission Control for Learning and Performance: The enterprise learning ecosystem in the age of advanced streaming data architectures and real-time learning analytics. Yet Analytics, Inc. Baltimore, MD.
Blake-Plock, S. (Ed.). (2018). xAPI: A Guide for Technical Implementers. IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee Technical Advisory Group on xAPI.
Blake-Plock, S. (2018). Learning Analytics and Data Visualizations Within an xAPI-Enabled Ecosystem. iFEST 2018. National Training and Simulation Association. Alexandria, VA.
Blake-Plock, S. (2018). ICICLE: A Consortium for Learning Engineering. EDUCAUSE Review.
Blake-Plock, S. (2018). Learning Engineering: Merging Science and Data to Design Powerful Learning Experiences. GettingSmart.
Blake-Plock, S. and Hoyt, W. (2018). Benefits of xAPI Profiles Extend Across Development Teams. Learning Solutions.
2017
Blake-Plock, S. (2017). LESI Alpha: A Predictive Model for Learning, Economic, and Social Indicators. Education World Forum. London, UK.
2016
Blake-Plock, S. and Altieri, A. (2016). xAPI Simulations CoP. 2016 xAPI Bootcamp. Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative. Alexandria, VA.
2015
Gallagher, P.S., Bannan, B., Blake-Plock, S., Lewis, B. (2015). Embedding Cyber-Physical Systems for Assessing Performance in Training Simulations. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
Blake-Plock, S. (2015). xAPIsec: Scalability and security. 2015 xAPI Bootcamp. Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative. Alexandria, VA.
Bannan, B., Gallagher, P.S., Blake-Plock, S., Lewis, B. (2015). Ecosystem for Smart Medical Simulation Team Training. Fairfax County Action Cluster. Global City Teams Challenge Expo. National Building Museum. Washington, DC.
Blake-Plock, S. (2015). xAPIsec: Towards an information security protocol for xAPI. Connections Forum: xAPI Quarterly.
Bannan, B., Gallagher, P.S., Blake-Plock, S. (2015). Ecosystem for Smart Medical Simulation Team Training: Proposal. Fairfax County Action Cluster. Global City Teams Challenge Tech Jam. National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST). Gaithersburg, MD.
2014
Blake-Plock, S., Reder, M., Lewis, J. (2014). xAPI Applications for Wearables and Hybrid Simulation. xAPI Plugfest. I/ITSEC. National Training and Simulation Association. Orlando, FL.
2012
Blake-Plock, S. (2012). Preparing Technology-Connected Teachers. ASCD.
Blake-Plock, S. (2012). What Will Education Look Like in 2020? EdTech: Focus on K-12.
Blake-Plock, S. (2012). How Did School Do? A Crowdsourced Study. Edutopia. George Lucas Educational Foundation.
2010
Blake-Plock, S. (2010). Increase Student Engagement by Getting Rid of Textbooks. Edutopia. George Lucas Educational Foundation.
BOARDS, COMMITTEES, PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
The Johns Hopkins University School of Education National Advisory Council, Member (2023-present)
INFERable, PBC, Chair (2023-present)
IEEE Learning Technology Standards Committee (LTSC), Treasurer (2018-present)
IEEE International Consortium for Innovation and Collaboration in Learning Engineering, Charter Chair (2017-2019); Treasurer (2019-present)
IEEE, Senior Member (2019-present)
Program Board of the 5th International Conference on Adaptive Instructional Systems at the 25th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Board Member (2022-2023)
The Johns Hopkins University, Leadership Fellow (2019-2022)
Program Board of the 4th International Conference on Adaptive Instructional Systems at the 24th International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Board Member (2021-2022)
Program Board of the 3nd International Conference on Adaptive Instructional Systems at the 23rd International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Board Member (2020-2021)
AIED IEEE LTSC Workshop: Empowering Education with AI Technology, Program Committee Member (2020)
Program Board of the 2nd International Conference on Adaptive Instructional Systems at the 22nd International Conference on Human-Computer Interaction, Board Member (2019-2020)
TEDCO Artificial Intelligence Roundtable, Member (2019)
Education Data Solutions Roundtable at the Global Partnership for Education, Private Sector Representative (2018-2019); activities: field work in The Gambia Outcomes of the Education Data Solutions Roundtable (2018)
Mission Link, Alumnus (2016-2017)
US Department of Education, Member of the Expert Panel for the EdSim Challenge (2015-2017)
NDIA, Corporate Member (2015-present)
NIST / US Ignite Global City Teams Challenge, Co-Organizer of the Fairfax, VA action cluster comprised of George Mason University, INOVA Hospital, Fairfax County Fire and Rescue Department, and the Advanced Distributed Learning Initiative (2014-2015)
PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE
Blakeplock and Company, Principal and Managing Member (2022-present)
Yet Analytics, Inc., Co-founder, President and CEO (2014-present)
An Estuary, President and CEO (2013-2014)
Digital Harbor Foundation, Co-Executive Director (2012-2013)
The Johns Hopkins University School of Education, Faculty Associate (2009-2012)
GrowConnected, Technology Consultant and Managing Member (2008-2012)
The John Carroll School, Teacher (2003-2011)
Baltimore County Public Schools, Teacher (2002-2003)
STANDARDS AND RELATED ACTIVITY
IEEE LTSC TLA Study Group, Chair and Editor-in-Chief (2024-present)
IEEE P9274.4.2 xAPI Cybersecurity, Chair (2021-present)
IEEE LTSC Technical Advisory Group on xAPI, Chair and Managing Editor (2017-present)
IEEE P2997 Enterprise Learner Record, Vice-chair (2022-present)
IEEE P2247.4 AI Ethics for Adaptive Instructional Systems, Vice-chair (2021-2025)
EDUCATION
The Johns Hopkins University, Master of Science in Education (2005)
Aegon USA Scholar
Harvard University, Bachelor of Liberal Arts (2002)
Classics Department, Research Assistant (2001-2002)
Fine Arts Library of the Fogg Art Museum, Assistant in the Department of Visual Collections (2000-2001)
Hauser Center for Non-Profit Organizations at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Research Assistant (2000)
HONORS
Distinguished Alumnus Award. The Johns Hopkins University. (2022).
Best Paper Nominee. Policy, Standards, Management and Acquisition Subcommittee. I/ITSEC. (2022).
People's Choice Award: Best Narrative. iFEST Conference. NDIA. (2022).
Finalist. America’s DataHub Innovation Challenge at Defense TechConnect Summit & Expo. (2022).
Tech Startup of the Year presented to Yet Analytics at Baltimore Innovation Week. (2016).
Nielsen Data Visionary Award presented to Yet Analytics at TechCrunch Disrupt San Francisco. (2015).