Alexander Stevenson

Areas of Expertise:

• Software Development: Skilled in coding, particularly Python, but also JavaScript, Java, and other programming languages, with a focus on full-stack development and APIs. I've written and maintained infrastructure code at such high-level companies as Apple and Cisco.


• Network Engineering: I began working with Networking Technologies in 2014. I later earned my B.Sc. in Network Systems and Data Communications (Summa Cum Lauda), as well as certifications such as CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+, as well as Cisco's DevNet Associate and CCNA CyberOps.


• DevOps: I possess solid experience creating and managing pipelines with tools such as Ansible, Terraform, and Kubernetes, ensuring seamless integration and deployment through automation. I am also holding the Cisco DevNet Specialist - DevOps certification.


• AI & ML: Skilled in AI and Machine Learning fundamentals, including data preparation and processing, normalization, algorithms, as well as model selection, training, and evaluation. My hands-on experience, coursework, and reading on the subject make me an asset to any AI team or project.


• Data Science & Analytics: My Google Advanced Data Analytics professional certification testifies to my advanced data skills, which I've honed at Cisco, Apple, and other companies.


• Data Center: Expertise in data center, server, networking, virtualization, and monitoring technology solutions and operations.


• Cloud: I have over 10 years of cloud experience with AWS, GCP, and Azure. With certifications such as Google Cloud Analytics and AWS Cloud Practitioner, demonstrate and validate my excellent cloud-based capabilities.


• Technical Leadership: Proven track record in IT leadership, driving projects and guiding diverse teams.


• Community Engagement: Experienced in technical writing, public speaking, and fostering community through educational initiatives.


• ...and in case you haven't noticed yet, I'm still pretty good with Front-End Web Development ; )

Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning

I develop Predictive Models to identify potential customers and write detailed Business Analytics reports

• Personal Loan Analysis with Machine Learning, Using a Post-Pruned Decision Tree Model - I used Python within a Jupyter Notebook to perform Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA), Preprocessing, Model Building, and Model Improvement with the available data. I then wrote this 25-page report, along with an executive summary, analysis, and recommendations, supported by statistics and plots of the data I computed using Python libraries.

I create AI/ML learning labs

• Machine Learning for Network Engineers: Part 1 - wildly successful foundational lab and the first of its kind at Cisco. This Learning Lab introduces the foundational concepts of machine learning in a format suitable for network engineers and others who are new to the field of artificial intelligence and who are interested in experimenting and learning how to apply ML techniques to improve their performance.

I produce AI/ML videos

• Transforming DevOps with AI and ML: Innovations and Strategies - Part of the DevOps Shop series on YouTube. In this video, we explore the transformative impact of integrating Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning with DevOps.

I've created and run an AI/ML-related Bot called the 'AI Daily Dose'

I write AI/ML articles and blogs

• Artificial Intelligence at the Edge
• Exploring Cisco's Machine Learning-Enhanced Solutions (77 replies!)
• ML Algorithm vs. ML Model
• Align AI Capabilities with Intentions via the Cisco AI Readiness Index

I've been a member of Artificial Intelligence groups

• Design Insights Group (DIG) - at Cisco. BridgeIT is DevNet's internal AI for employee use and I helped oversee its development and progress.
• DevNet AI Tiger Team - at Cisco DevNet. This team is the cutting-edge leadership group guiding decision-making in all things AI/ML related.

I love earning AI certifications and taking AI courses!

• Practical Multi AI Agents and Advanced Use Cases with crewAI - from DeepLearning.AI. View my certificate!
• MultiCloud, DevOps & AI Intensive - from The Cloud Bootcamp. View my certificate!
• Artificial Intelligence on Cloud - from Great Learning. View my certificate!
• The Nuts and Bolts of Machine Learning - certification from Google. View my certificate!
• AI Solutions on Cisco Infrastructure Essentials - from Cisco. View my certificate!

I'm a voracious reader of AI books.

• Machine Learning for Network and Cloud Engineers - by Javier Antich
• Basic Math for AI - by Andrew Hinton
• Superintelligence: Paths, Dangers, Strategies - by Nick Bostrom

I'm experienced and skilled with AI tools:

• Jupyter Notebooks
• Google Colab
• Vertex AI Workbench
• NotebookLM for Enterprise
• Please see the Data Science section below for more relevant tools.

Data Center

I write code to Automate the Data Center

• Data Center Development - I created this repo to demonstrate automation solutions for each of Cisco's main Data Center products, including ACI, Intersight, NX-OS, and NDFC. Various tools and technologies are used, such as Ansible, Terraform, Python, Postman, pyATS, and more.

I create Data Center learning labs

• Automating Network Tasks with Cisco NX-OS Device-Level APIs - Very popular lab, featured at Cisco Live!

I co-host Data Center webinars

• Empowering Data Center Efficiency with Automation Strategies for Nexus and ACI - Webinar held in conjunction with PyNet Labs.

I write Data Center articles and blogs

• Data Center Cheat Sheet
• Data Center Frontiers: Greenfield vs. Brownfield in Cisco Deployments
• Understanding Port Channel and Virtual Port Channel (vPC)