Ep. 50 | AWS VP of Engineering Bill Vass on AI, Quantum Computing, and the Metaverse

Moore's Lobby: Where engineers talk all about circuits

While he is currently the VP of Engineering at what is probably the largest computing company in the world, Bill Vass was not always convinced a career in computing was a good option:

My primary major was in geology, actually, because I never thought people would actually pay you just to do computers. I always thought it would be using computers for other things. So, I studied marine biology, geology, and computer science.

In this episode of Moore’s Lobby, we get to hear from one of the tech gurus at Amazon Web Services (AWS) on topics that include artificial intelligence; machine learning; portable, ruggedized, high-density storage; quantum computing; and explosions. Yes, explosions!

Other fun topics include a discussion of Bill’s view of the Metaverse. I won’t give it all away, but it is definitely more than AR/VR goggles and involves everyone’s favorite spy, 007.

After you listen to Bill explain how he graphs out his time on his calendar, you will get

some insight into how he has forged such an amazing career. It might even get you to start graphing your own calendar and time usage!

And, be sure to listen to the end for a truly fascinating story about how Star Trek influenced the technology we use every day.

Other highlights from this fast-paced episode include:

• Why it would be fun to visit Bill’s barn
• A 5-pound snowcone and a 50-pound snowball?
• The best engineers and coders are also…well, you will have to listen to find out how Bill completes this sentence!