Dr. David Socha spent his career in the software domain. After a BS in Zoology, he completed a Ph.D. in Computer Science & Engineering and spent 19 years as a software developer, manager, and agile coach in organizations creating and evolving software systems. Socha became increasingly fascinated by the human aspects of software development and of designing and evolving complex systems. In 2010 he returned to academia as a professor at UW Bothell, spending 14 years teaching, researching, and even doing a stint in faculty governance. "I’ve had the honor to work with and learn from many smart and talented people, and to help educate a new generation of students. Now that I am retired, I spend more time doing aikido, tai chi, and qigong — profound practices that bring me joy and help make the world a better place."