As the resume indicates, Chuck studied power systems economics and artificially intelligent agents (Huh? What's that?) at Iowa State University in Ames, Iowa. In 1996, Chuck received his MS, along with an Excellence in Research Award. Two years later, continuing to study market strategies for participants in deregulated electricity markets, Chuck earned his Ph.D. in the Fall of 1998.

The research (Read the Dissertation Abstract, or Order a copy from UMI Proquest Digital Disserations) was conducted under the guidance of thesis advisor Dr. Gerry Sheble' (Now at Portland State University). Each chapter of the dissertation describes financial tools/methods to aid competitive generation company operating in a competitive electricity markets.

Research interests and activities include the economic usage of electric power systems, and using techniques like genetic algorithms (GAs) to solve problems. At Iowa State Chuck would often participate in the ISU Complex Adaptive Systems Workshop which covers topics of varied interest (like GAs and artificial life).

Feel free to read the abstracts of some published papers which Chuck has co/authored. (Ever notice how reviewers can sometimes be harsh critics?) After reading these abstracts, you may find yourself asking, "What the heck is a genetic algorithm (GA), anyway?" The small presentation entitled the Basics of GAs (in ppt format) may help you with that question.