Michael P. Zeleznik, Ph.D., President and Chief Architect

Background

I have over 35 years experience in the computer field, spanning research, product development, product support, and systems and network design and support. I have worked extensively in commercial, clinical, and academic environments, in roles ranging from developer to chief architect to project manager. My specialized technical background (hardware and software) includes computer security, safety, and reliability, signal and image processing, medical imaging, computer graphics, visualization, distributed computer systems, databases, networking, electronic hardware design, and software testing environments. I received my Ph.D. and M.S. in Computer Science from the University of Utah, and my B.S. in Physics (minor in Mathematics) from Indiana University of Pennsylvania.

Prior to founding Saya Systems in 2003, my employment included (most recent first).

• RAHD Oncology Products - Chief Software Architect and Technology Development Manager, as well as Software Developer (RAHD shutdown in 2006).
• University of Utah - Senior System Programmer in both the Computer Science Dept. and Campus Networking, and Manager of Networking and Unix Systems in the Computer Center.
• University of Utah Medical Center - Visiting Scholar in the Radiation Oncology Dept., and medical imaging research in the Medical Physics Dept.
• New York University Medical Center, Radiology Dept. - Digital Imaging Specialist
• Indiana University of PA - analog and digital electronics design, building, repair.

Since founding Saya Systems in 2003, my employment has included (most recent first)

• University of Utah, School of Computing, Natural Language Processing Lab - Senior Research Associate
• HP Labs, Technology Initiatives - Software R&D Consultant
• University of Southern California, Southern California Earthquake Center (SCEC) - Software R&D Consultant
• University of Washington, Incorporated Research Institutions for Seismology (IRIS) - Software R&D Consultant

What I can bring to the table ...

From this diverse experience I quickly adapt to new endeavors and hit the ground running.

Moreover, I have (of necessity) acquired an understanding of certain issues in the computer field that are essential to the development of cost-effective software and system solutions. In particular, I believe the following are mandatory:

• To understand the reasons behind the ever increasing complexity of software and hardware systems.
• To be aware of not only the benefits of such complexity, but also the hidden costs (and problems) it often creates.
• To recognize how these costs permeate the life of a given product -- from the cost of design, development, deployment, and support -- to the end user's cost of comprehension, integration, and maintenance.
• To realize that such complexity is not always necessary -- to recognize when -- and to see the alternatives.
• To appreciate that cost-effective solutions will require a delicate balance among one's goals, research concepts, and practical application -- and to know how to achieve that balance.
• To comprehend the critical importance of a constant focus on simplicity and architectural integrity -- and to know how to turn that focus into a quality software or system solution.

These beliefs have been tested and proven to satisfy many business and academic needs, from research through successful product development and support.

Please see References for some comments from clients and associates, and feel free to contact any of them. Please also visit Michael's online vita.

Yukiko Yoneoka, Graphic Design and Marketing

Yukiko was gifted with natural artistic and visual talents. These were reinforced and cultivated while growing up in Japan, where such gifts are not only cherished, but are an integral part of an overall philosophy of being. Yukiko also has a seemingly innate ability to assess product markets suprisingly well. She has previously expressed these talents in various ways, most notably in her jewelry creations and collectables in her previous business, Saya Treasures. Yukiko now brings these talents to Saya Systems Inc., in web site design and graphic art, and in product development and market analysis.

In addition to her role with Saya Systems, Yukiko maintains her full-time position at the Utah State Department of Health, as a Research Analyst in the Statewide Immunization Information System. Yukiko received a B.S. in Japanese Literature from Nihon University in Tokyo. She then moved to the United States and received both a B.S. in Environment and Behavior and an M.S. in Family Ecology from the University of Utah.