David Perry Watkins

Research Lead @ The AI Institute

David Watkins is a highly accomplished professional with extensive experience as a CEO, founder, product manager, and director in a wide range of industries such as biotechnology, tech, and design. Watkins is a graduate of the University of California, where he earned a degree in Political Science and Government. He has also studied in Tokyo and Beijing, receiving a one-year intensive language program certificate in Chinese.

Most notably, Watkins is the Co-Founder and CEO of Dirty Labs, a biotech company that is pushing the boundaries of home cleaning by pioneering effective and safe cleaning solutions. Prior to Dirty Labs, Watkins held various senior positions in prestigious companies such as Google, Skullcandy Inc., Jawbone, and Incase Designs. At Google, he was a Product Manager in Pixel Accessories, whereas at Caeden, he was the Co-Founder and Chief Creative Officer. Furthermore, he was the Founder, CEO, and Chief Creative at ADOPTED Inc., where he led product development, operations, and creative design for high profile tech and fashion brands.

Watkins occupies a unique position with his diverse professional background, language skills, and industry expertise, making him a highly sought-after professional and a leader shaping the future of tech and biotechnology.

Experience

Research Lead at The AI Institute

Research Scientist at The Boston Dynamics AI Institute (Dec 2022 - Aug 2023), Research Fellow at U.S. Army DEVCOM Army Research Laboratory (Sep 2018 - Nov 2022), Research Assistant at Columbia University (Jan 2017 - May 2022), Class TA at Columbia University (Sep 2013 - May 2018), CTO/Co-Founder at Odefi Inc. (Mar 2019 - Dec 2021), Summer Analyst at Goldman Sachs (Jun 2016 - Aug 2016; May 2015 - Aug 2015), Summer Intern at Streakfire LLC (May 2014 - Aug 2014), Mathematics Tutor at Russian School of Mathematics (Jan 2011 - Mar 2011)

Education

Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), Computer Science at Columbia University (2017 - 2022), Master of Science (MS), Computer Science at Columbia University (2016 - 2017), Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Computer Science at Columbia University (2012 - 2016), High School at Marian High School (2010 - 2012)