Michael Kounavis is a noted expert in software engineering, cryptography, and artificial intelligence (AI). With nearly three decades of professional experience, he has made a notable impact on technological advancements.
Developing an Early Passion
Kounavis discovered his professional calling at an early age. Since childhood, Kounavis had a keen interest in inventing and creating. As he grew older, this interest was piqued by his father, who was an engineer, and his wife, who was a family friend when the two grew up in their native Greece. After high school, he enrolled at National Technical University and obtained a bachelor’s degree in engineering.
Establishing a Remarkable Career
Kounavis began his 29-year odyssey pursuing engineering disciplines as a research assistant while completing master’s and doctorate degrees in electrical and computer engineering from Columbia University. In 2004, immediately after earning his doctorate, he began working as a senior research scientist at Intel Corporation in Oregon. He was later promoted to staff and senior staff research scientist. In 2021, he moved to Meta, New York, where he currently works as a senior software engineer.
During Kounavis’ career, his work has focused on subjects like cryptography, where scientists use mathematical principles as well as digital circuitry to safeguard personal information online from would-be cybercriminals. He received high praise for co-developing an Advanced Encryption Standard (AES) implementation and co-inventing an instruction set known as the AES-NI, which has factored heavily into the Internet’s ability to protect everyday transactions like banking activities. While employed at Meta, Kounavis has worked with a team of scientists who use AI to improve its users’ ability to maximize its services.
Achievements, Awards, Recognitions, and Professional Memberships
Kounavis currently holds 102 patents and has published 84 technical papers. His work with AES encryption earned him the Intel Achievement Award in 2008. Despite these wonderful accomplishments, he also takes great pride in being able to share his knowledge with others and encourage his fellow inventors in their quests.
“I have interacted with more than 100 individuals and have mentored people from almost every continental region,” Kounavis said.
As a testament to Kounavis’ character and commitment to making advancements in his profession, he maintains an association with the Institute for Electronics and Electrical Engineers, the Association for Computing Machinery, and the Society for Industrial and Applied Mathematics. Moreover, between 2007 and 2012, he held the rank of president of the Portland Chapter of the American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association, which is committed to inspiring individuals to adopt the ancient Greek ideals of education, civic involvement, philanthropy, and community service.
Looking Toward the Future
Michael Kounavis envisions himself working with his colleagues to employ software engineering and AI to address problems plaguing the world and develop viable but also moral and ethical solutions. On a more personal note, he wishes to see his children grow up and become law-abiding and productive citizens.
