Host of FTZ sits down with Principal Applied Scientist at Amazon Jack FitzGerald '10 to discuss his time as a nuclear physicist and how he transitioned to work on Amazon's Alexa language models.

The views expressed are those of the speakers and do not necessarily represent the views of the DoD or its components. Furthermore, Jack was not speaking on behalf of Amazon, and all opinions given are his own.

Time Stamps

(07:56) Not getting desired AFSC

(10:27) Understanding prerequisites of achieving goals

(12:57) AFIT vs. Civilian Grad School

(16:25) What is DTRA and what do they do there?

(20:32) Is there a mental toll associated with working on WMD’s

(23:06) Culture shock of separating from the military

(28:01) MBA isn’t necessary for everyone

(31:18) Time at Amazon

(34:16) Generative AI

(55:04) Open Source AI

(56:20) Advice for cadets

(58:46) Spirit Mission Story

Andrew Cormier

Linkedin: ⁠⁠https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrew-cormier-21841020b⁠⁠

Instagram: @for.the.zoomies / @cormier.2

Jack FitzGerald

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jackgmfitzgerald/

Jake Thibeault

Donations: ⁠https://www.tbo14tough.com⁠

Instagram: jake.thibeault

GoFundme: ⁠https://www.gofundme.com/f/jake-thibeault-needs-our-support⁠