BALANCED, in collaboration with Nicholls State University (NiSU), recently convened in a symposium with 48 stakeholders to showcase the implementation of HEWMEN technology. The symposium underscored the ongoing partnership between BALANCED and NiSU, particularly emphasizing the development of the Data Refinery—a centralized repository of shared data aimed at benefiting industry and government at regional, state, and national levels. During discussions, BALANCED presented its vision for the Data Refinery to Laci Melancon, the newly appointed Executive Director of the NiSU Coastal Center, and received her full support, indicating a shared alignment of objectives.

The Project

The project, centered at SMU and generously funded by a non-competitive grant of more than $1,000,000, aims to address the glaring deficiencies in human trafficking data. While the need for robust, high-quality data in the domain of human trafficking is well recognized, acquiring it remains a challenge. With Dr. Corey Clark bringing his expertise and dedication to the project, SMU’s Human Trafficking Project seeks to combine a plethora of expertise to enhance the efficacy of data collection and analysis.

BALANCED Media|Technology’s Role in the Initiative

As experts in constructing human-in-the-loop interactive engines, BALANCED specializes in creating interfaces that connect players to real-world scientific data, thus helping train AI models. The collaboration with SMU, further strengthened by Dr. Clark’s insights, is poised to take this expertise to the next level. By engaging players in meaningful tasks related to real-world data, BALANCED’s systems offer an effective and efficient way to refine and train AI models, allowing them to recognize patterns and draw insights that can be transformative in areas such as human trafficking research.

Enter ‘Dark Shadows’

A novel game titled “Dark Shadows” stands as the centerpiece of this initiative. Set in a noir, detective milieu, where players delve into a “whodunit” mystery to uncover the circumstances surrounding a character’s missing brother. However, “Dark Shadows” isn’t just any game with a captivating storyline. The ingenuity of “Dark Shadows” is that it doubles up as a tool for a process known as Human Computation Gaming (HCG), wherein players contribute to training of a Machine Learning System or AI Model. Co-developed by Steph Buongiorno (who won the computer science category at SMU’s Graduate Poster Session for the game), and with key contributions from Dr. Corey Clark and BALANCED’s Interactive Media team, Players navigate through a mystery, sorting through DOJ press releases to tag entities. As they progress in the game, they’re essentially feeding the underlying AI model with invaluable data. This unique model of merging gameplay with crowdsourced AI training data exemplifies the future of interactive gaming with tangible real-world impacts.

The Potential Impact

Once enough data is collected and analyzed through this system, the AI, fed by crowdsourced AI training data, can potentially identify patterns and hotspots related to human trafficking incidents. Dr. Corey Clark’s involvement ensures that the research’s potential is maximized, empowering law enforcement agencies, policymakers, and other stakeholders to act more decisively and effectively.

Collaboration at Its Best

This initiative underscores the power of collaboration. SMU offers research depth, Dr. Corey Clark provides invaluable expertise, Steph Buongiorno lends creativity and vision, the DOJ provides real-world case files, and BALANCED brings in the platform and technological prowess to bind everything together. By fusing academia, technology, and social responsibility, this collaborative effort symbolizes hope and promise in the global fight against human trafficking.

Conclusion

The blend of gaming, technology, and human intelligence offers a fresh perspective on tackling pressing societal issues. With the dedication of institutions like SMU, innovators like Steph Buongiorno, visionaries like Dr. Corey Clark, and tech leaders like BALANCED Media|Technology, there’s renewed hope that the darkness of hum

🔗 Read more about this effort at the SMU website

🔗 This project was also featured in an article by Dallas Innovates

🔗 Read about the grant at National Institute of Justice website

BALANCED

The game is based on the popular game “Fallen Shadows”, which was created by BALANCED’s CEO, Robert Atkins. By playing “Dark Shadows”, gamers will teach the AI behind the game to improve its accuracy and efficiency in identifying and connecting data points from different sources. This innovative approach, known as “human-in-the-loop AI”, will save time and resources for law enforcement and anti-trafficking organizations, as well as provide new insights into the patterns and trends of human trafficking in the U.S. BALANCED is honored to collaborate with SMU and other partners on this important initiative that demonstrates the potential of video games and AI to make a positive difference in the world.

🔗 Read more about this effort at the SMU website

🔗 This project was also featured in an article by Dallas Innovates

BALANCED proudly sponsored Nicholls State University’s Geomatics program led by Dr. Balaji Ramachandran’s research. The Geomatics program equips students with essential skills in land surveying, construction surveying, and mapping. The Geomatics program equips students with essential skills in land surveying, construction surveying, and mapping. Through this program, students receive the necessary resources and opportunities to excel in their studies and prepare for positions in these related fields. These endeavors exemplified BALANCED’s commitment to fostering academic growth and community development, leading to their sponsorship of this program.

BALANCED also offered its monetary support to the Colonel Esports program, an organization dedicated to competitive gaming and community involvement. This sponsorship provides students with opportunities to pursue their passion for esports and develop valuable leadership and coaching skills.

To learn more about this outstanding achievement and the impact it will have on Nicholls State University, click on the link https://www.nicholls.edu/news/2023/03/30/nicholls-foundation-raises-over-1-million-after-its-sixth-give-n-day/

Additional information on Geomatics can be found here: https://www.nicholls.edu/applied-sciences/

And if you are interested in the Colonel Esports program, you can find more info here: https://www.nicholls.edu/club-sports/esports/

The donation will drive the development of the Nicholls State University Data Refinery at the Coastal Center, a cutting-edge platform powered by BALANCED’s innovative HEWMEN^® technology. This platform will enable the consolidation and accessibility of vital information about Lafourche Parish. The Coastal Center, set to open in early 2024, will become a premier research facility, focusing on preserving and restoring the coastal ecosystem while bolstering community resilience.

This strategic partnership positions BALANCED at the forefront of technology-driven solutions for the Gulf Coast region. BALANCED Media | Technology is grateful for Lafourche Parish’s support and is excited about the positive impact this partnership will have on the company’s future and the coastal region as a whole.

Read the Nicholls State press release:

Nicholls signs partnership agreement with BALANCED Media | Technology

In collaboration with BRF’s Digital Media Institute (DMI), BALANCED Media | Technology unveiled an innovative partnership that will offer a free after school program focused on computer animation and modeling. This initiative equips students with vital skills for their future endeavors.

This is all possible due to the Carolyn W. and Charles T. Beaird Family Foundation for their generous support, making the launch of this transformative program possible. Starting at Southwood High School, the program aims to expand to other local high schools, magnifying its impact across the community.

Through collaborations like these, BALANCED Media | Technology aims to cultivate the next generation of digital media and technology professionals, fostering a brighter future for all.

“Chris’ unparalleled dedication to technological innovation, strategic vision, and leadership skills make him the ideal fit for the position,” said Robert M. Atkins, CEO of BALANCED Media|Technology. “His contributions have already played a significant role in shaping our direction, and we’re excited to see how his new role as Interactive Media Director will further elevate our mission.”

Chris joined BALANCED in 2016 as a Lead Gameplay Programmer. Since then, he has climbed the ranks through a combination of talent, grit, and a consistent demonstration of industry knowledge. His background includes notable tenures at leading companies such as Ensemble Studios, Microsoft Game Studios, and Bally’s Technologies. Furthermore, his successful engineering stints at Getty Images and Jack Henry and Associates (JHA), and his role at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratories (JPL), showcase his broad technical prowess. His accomplishments underscore his dedication to creating impactful and user-centered solutions, a quality he brings to his new role at BALANCED.

As Interactive Media Director, Chris will utilize his extensive experience to drive BALANCED’s strategic direction in creating immersive, technology-driven solutions that bring real-world impact. BALANCED is confident that his vision and leadership will contribute significantly to the company’s innovative projects and its commitment to transforming the interactive media landscape.

Read Nicholls State’s press release

Stephen Rhodes is a software engineer for the Tech Team at BALANCED. A full-stack developer by nature, Stephen specializes in creating RESTful services and interactive applications. He got into software development in high school as a curiosity and began with a Macromedia Flash course. That curiosity still lives today, as he continues to explore new technologies, languages, and frameworks to tackle any technical challenges. Outside of BALANCED, he does side work for game servers and game mode development for various communities. When not working on a computer, he enjoys anything automotive, like tinkering and joining car meets.

Tom Loveric joined BALANCED as a Software Engineer for the HEWMEN technology team. His journey into coding began many years ago, where he learned CSS to customize MySpace layouts. From there, he learned PHP, JavaScript, and so on. His passion for anything technology drives him to expand his knowledge on numerous subjects – crafting websites utilizing NextJS, React, and Amazon Web Services, or building mobile apps with React Native. Outside of coding, he enjoys being outdoors and in nature – whether that be riding ATVs, taking his dogs for walks, or just being out on the water.

Destin Meza started his technology career in 2018 for Sports South LLC. At the start of 2019, Destin enrolled at Northwest Louisiana Technical College for Computer Networking, and later worked at General Dynamics Information Technology, Inc. Destin later attended Digital Media Institutes Intratech and received a degree in Interactive Software Development before joining as a Game Developer at BALANCED. Outside of development, he enjoys boxing and is a member of the Shreveport Boxing Club. Destin received a 2017 North Louisiana Player of the Year sports award for high school bowling.

Vinson Luo joins BALANCED as an Associate video game producer with a background in software engineering and digital art. He first studied Computer Science at Purdue University and worked as a programmer and technical artist to develop educational games and simulations for research collaboration. Later at SMU Guildhall, Vinson oversaw the production of two titles published on Steam – Curse That Magic Cat! and HaberDashers. Vinson continues to develop passion game projects outside of work, but he also loves to try out other activities which have included robotics, scuba diving, astronaut training, and musical theatre.