Architecting Systems That Preserve Institutional Expertise

I architect systems that preserve institutional expertise while enabling scalable human development.

Technology handles information. Humans do the rest.

View Projects My Approach
Philosophy

Knowledge Externalization + AI Fidelity

True human development happens through mentorship, experiential learning, and reflection not information-heavy workshops. I design systems where technology handles information access, freeing human capacity for coaching and application.

AI operationalizes this philosophy but only when it maintains fidelity to organizational expertise rather than defaulting to generic LLM responses. When knowledge is your competitive advantage, your AI needs to preserve it, not replace it with crowd-sourced answers.

Read Full Approach
About Me

From Crisis to Innovation

I'm a Learning Systems Architect who bridges human-centered development strategy with modern AI capabilities. My approach is grounded in a decade of designing learning ecosystems from fully asynchronous K-12 programs to large-scale university initiatives serving 10,000+ participants.

During an organizational crisis at UBC (80% staff turnover), I became the "human search engine" synthesizing 500+ fragmented documents into actionable performance aids while simultaneously onboarding 350 new staff. This experience revealed both AI's potential as a knowledge aid and its critical limitation: generic LLMs default to crowd-sourced answers that overwrite institutional expertise.

I subsequently engineered the AI Insight Engine to solve institutional memory loss at scale an advanced RAG system that constrains AI to verified organizational content, preserving competitive advantage through expertise fidelity.

I'm seeking senior roles where learning strategy, knowledge management, and AI implementation intersect building systems that preserve institutional memory while enabling scalable human development.

Portfolio

Featured Projects

Strategic initiatives demonstrating learning systems architecture, AI knowledge management, and organizational resilience.

AI Insight Engine: Operational Institutional Memory

The Problem:

Organizations lose competitive advantage when institutional expertise is trapped in documents or lost during turnover and generic LLMs replace it with crowd-sourced answers that erase your unique knowledge.

The Solution:

Advanced KG-RAG system that constrains AI to verified organizational content, providing answers grounded in YOUR expertise with citations and verification trails not generic best practices.

  • • Auto-Generated Knowledge Graph: Converts static documents into dynamic, interconnected insights
  • • Expertise Fidelity: Answers grounded in organizational knowledge, not generic LLM responses
  • • Proactive Discovery: "Global Brain" automatically surfaces hidden connections across your corpus
  • • 90% Benchmark Resolution: Validated on complex policy queries with 2+ citations per answer
Full Case Study
AI Insight Engine Architecture Pipeline from document ingestion to unified knowledge layer powering KG Explorer, KG-RAG Q&A, and Roundtable. AI Insight Engine Architecture Document Upload (PDF, DOCX, TXT) Knowledge Graph Pipeline 1. Semantic Chunking (Sentence-aware, context preserved) 2. Entity/Relation Extraction (LLM identifies concepts + links) 3. Entity Resolution (Merge duplicates, canonical forms) 4. Cross-Doc Inference ("Global Brain" finds bridges) Unified Knowledge Layer Neo4j Knowledge Graph + pgvector Semantic Search (All answers cite source chunks with provenance trails) KG Explorer Visual navigation of concept network KG-RAG Q&A Graph-guided retrieval → Synthesis w/ inline citations + verification checklist Roundtable Multi-perspective synthesis & debate Result: Verifiable answers grounded in organizational expertise, not generic LLM responses

Jump Start: Scalable Leadership Training System (UBC, 2022)

Designed and delivered comprehensive 1-week blended training program for 350 student leaders across 7 roles, achieving 91% satisfaction while establishing train-the-trainer infrastructure for scaled delivery.

350
Staff Trained (1 Week)
7
Distinct Role Tracks
91%
Satisfaction Rating
40+
Facilitators Certified
  • • Blended Learning Design: Architected 1-week hybrid program combining asynchronous preparation, synchronous workshops, and experiential team challenges emphasizing application over information transmission
  • • Train-the-Trainer System: Developed facilitator certification program enabling 20+ professional staff to deliver consistent, high-quality training across all cohorts
  • • Competency-Based Architecture: Designed role-specific learning pathways aligned to performance outcomes, not generic leadership content
  • • Scalable Infrastructure: Created reusable learning objects, facilitator guides, and performance support aids enabling year-over-year delivery with minimal redesign

This project demonstrated how knowledge externalization (structured content, facilitator guides, performance aids) enables organizational capacity 20+ facilitators could deliver high-quality training without requiring deep subject matter expertise.

Program Architecture

Challenge: Train 350 student staff across 7 distinct roles within 1 week, ensuring consistency while accommodating role-specific competencies.

Approach: Designed modular blended program with universal core (leadership foundations, community building) and role-specific application tracks. Led cross-functional design team through full ADDIE lifecycle.

Innovation: Pioneered train-the-trainer model enabling 20+ professional staff to facilitate without deep L&D background achieved through comprehensive facilitator guides, structured workshops, and peer observation protocols.

Impact: 91% satisfaction, program delivered twice annually with minimal iteration, and established as exemplar for subsequent UBC training initiatives.

Key Principle: Sustainable training systems require knowledge externalization when expertise is embedded in guides and materials, facilitators can focus on coaching rather than content expertise.

Operational Leadership During Organizational Transition (UBC, 2023)

Led operational components during organizational transition at UBC (March-November 2023), providing direct supervision to 4 professional staff while managing onboarding infrastructure and knowledge preservation for 350 new staff members. Served as Project Sponsor for programs serving 10,000+ participants.

Working collaboratively with temporary leadership and peer staff, focused on three critical operational areas: onboarding infrastructure development, knowledge management and enablement, and program continuity.

Leadership & Supervision

  • Provided direct supervision to 4 professional staff members
  • Served as Project Sponsor for Imagine Day (10,000+ participants, 400+ vendors)
  • Led instructional design initiatives for department projects
  • Coordinated with temporary leadership on strategic priorities

Onboarding Infrastructure

  • Architected full-cycle recruitment infrastructure (1,300 applications → 350 hires)
  • Designed competency-based assessment frameworks for 7 distinct roles
  • Developed comprehensive onboarding materials and processes
  • Enabled rapid time-to-competency for new staff during compressed timeline

Knowledge Management & Enablement

  • Consolidated 500+ archival documents into actionable performance aids
  • Created structured quick-reference guides for critical workflows
  • Developed process documentation to prevent institutional knowledge loss
  • Established knowledge preservation protocols for future transitions

Grassroots AI Innovation

  • Pioneered LLM-assisted document synthesis workflows (n≈20 staff users)
  • Enabled rapid question-answering over historical reports with source citations
  • Identified AI's potential for knowledge aids and its critical fidelity limitation
  • Discovered need for systems preserving organizational expertise vs. generic answers

Key Insight: This experience revealed that organizations need systems to preserve institutional memory during transitions. The grassroots AI experimentation proved both AI's potential for knowledge aids and its critical limitation: generic LLMs replace institutional expertise with crowd-sourced answers. This insight directly inspired the AI Insight Engine to solve expertise preservation at scale.

Learning Ecosystem Design (UBC, 2022-2023)

Architected scalable hybrid learning programs reaching 6,000-8,000 students annually, emphasizing experiential learning and mentorship over information transmission.

Community Building Education

  • Mandatory training for 1,500-5,000 learners
  • Pioneered blended model reducing face-to-face time 60%
  • Focused on reflective practice over information transmission
  • Applied Universal Design for Learning (UDL) principles

Train-the-Trainer Program

  • Certified 40+ facilitators for scaled delivery
  • Ensured consistency across programs
  • Enabled organizational capacity without proportional headcount

Learning Lecture Series

  • Coordinated programming for 7,000 first-year students
  • Recruited and supported 50+ faculty/staff presenters
  • Designed and delivered sessions on academic resilience

Technology Integration

  • Managed Canvas LMS for 3,000-4,000 students
  • Implemented learning analytics for continuous improvement
  • Created reusable learning objects for sustainability
Pre-Pandemic Asynchronous Learning Pioneer (K-12, 2018-2021)

Early Adopter: Architected fully self-directed, asynchronous learning systems for K-12 (2018-2021) when most education was still traditional classroom-based. When COVID-19 forced emergency remote teaching, these systems proved their resilience while many traditional programs struggled with the transition.

Designed and developed 12-19 self-regulated mathematics and science courses for fully asynchronous delivery, focusing on organizing complex STEM information for independent consumption.

Learning Architecture

  • Built modular content enabling personalized learning paths
  • Designed pathways accommodating diverse pacing and prerequisite gaps
  • Developed metacognitive skill-building components (learning how to learn)

Learner Success at Scale

  • Managed concurrent learning journeys for 150-300+ students
  • Provided individualized coaching via digital channels
  • Achieved 85% completion rates in fully self-directed environment

Key Insight: When information is organized well and accessible on-demand, human capacity can focus on application coaching and problem-solving a principle that scales from K-12 to organizational learning.

White Paper: Student Leadership Development Framework (UBC, 2023)

Comprehensive theoretical framework for designing student-centered leadership development ecosystems that prioritize experiential learning and emergent leadership over prescriptive programming. Synthesizes learning theory, organizational development, and evidence-based practices into a cohesive systems approach.

Strategic Contribution: This framework guided the redesign of UBC's leadership programs, informing the transition from fragmented workshops to an integrated learning ecosystem serving 10,000+ students. Demonstrates strategic thinking about program architecture and organizational culture cultivation.

Foundational Philosophies

  • Leadership as emergent process, not innate trait
  • Tacit knowledge development through experiential learning
  • Systems cultivation vs. prescriptive pathways
  • Student-centered, autonomy-driven design

Evidence-Based Framework

  • 70-20-10 Model for developmental experiences
  • Social Change Model of Leadership
  • Strengths-based methodologies (CliftonStrengths)
  • Kirkpatrick's Four Levels of Evaluation

Core Program Pillars

  • Service-oriented leadership ethos
  • Community and belonging as growth catalysts
  • Global perspectives and inclusive design
  • Balance of action and introspective development

Implementation Strategy

  • Multi-layered mentorship and peer support networks
  • Iterative design and continuous evaluation
  • Integration with institutional strategic goals
  • Scalable architecture for diverse populations
Read Full White Paper

Application: This theoretical framework directly informed the program design work during UBC tenure, demonstrating the ability to translate learning theory into operational program architecture. Exemplifies strategic systems thinking for organizational development in educational contexts.

Skillset

Core Competencies

Multidisciplinary expertise spanning learning architecture, knowledge management, and AI systems.

Learning Systems

  • Knowledge Externalization Strategy
  • Learning Ecosystem Design (10k+ scale)
  • Experiential & Mentorship-Based Design
  • Rapid Enablement & Onboarding
  • Universal Design for Learning (CAST Certified)
  • Competency-Based Assessment

Knowledge Systems & AI

  • Advanced RAG Implementation
  • Knowledge Graph Architecture
  • AI Fidelity Preservation Strategy
  • Multi-Database Systems (Neo4j, pgvector)
  • Async Job Orchestration
  • Qualitative Data Synthesis via LLMs
  • Technology Adoption & Change Management

Leadership & Operations

  • Leadership During Organizational Change
  • Cross-Functional & Direct Team Leadership
  • Rapid Organizational Scaling (350+ hires)
  • Full-Cycle Recruitment Infrastructure
  • Strategic Planning & Roadmapping (CAPM)
  • Stakeholder Alignment in Complex Environments
Timeline

Professional Experience

Nov 2023 - Present

Independent R&D: AI Knowledge Systems

Focused Professional Development

Following firsthand experience with institutional knowledge loss during organizational transition at UBC, pursued intentional development of AI/ML solutions that preserve organizational expertise while enabling scaled performance support.

  • Engineered: AI Insight Engine (advanced KG-RAG) to solve institutional memory loss at scale emphasizing fidelity to organizational expertise, citations, and verification over generic LLM responses
  • Developed: Technical capabilities across RAG pipeline engineering, knowledge graph construction, semantic search, multi-database architecture (Neo4j, PostgreSQL with pgvector)
  • Validated: 90% resolution rate on complex policy queries from held-out corpus, with 2+ inline citations per answer to primary sources
  • Strategic Output: Change management playbooks and vendor assessment frameworks for AI adoption in L&D contexts

March 2023 - November 2023

Student Development and Leadership Advisor

University of British Columbia, Centre for Student Development & Leadership

Stabilized department through organizational crisis (80% turnover), maintaining program continuity for 10,000+ participants while simultaneously building new infrastructure and pioneering grassroots AI adoption under pressure.

  • Provided direct leadership to professional staff during departmental restructuring
  • Served as Project Sponsor for UBC Orientations (10,000+ participants, 400+ vendors)
  • Synthesized 500+ archival documents into performance aids, accelerating onboarding for 350 new staff
  • Architected full-cycle recruitment infrastructure (1,300 applications → 350 hires, 97% retention)
  • Piloted LLM-assisted synthesis workflows, revealing AI's potential and the critical fidelity problem
  • Achieved 87-91% satisfaction ratings across portfolio despite minimal resources

March 2022 - March 2023

Educator / Learning & Engagement Project Manager

University of British Columbia, Centre for Student Involvement and Careers

Provided strategic educational leadership, designing scalable hybrid learning programs reaching 6,000-8,000 students annually, emphasizing experiential learning and mentorship over information transmission.

  • Led Jump Start Leader Training project: week-long hybrid program for 330 staff (91% satisfaction)
  • Architected mandatory training for 1,500-5,000 learners, reducing face-to-face time 60% through blended model
  • Designed train-the-trainer program certifying 40+ facilitators for scaled delivery
  • Coordinated Learning Lecture Series for 7,000 first-year students
  • Managed Canvas LMS for 3,000-4,000 students with self-directed learning pathways

September 2018 - October 2021

Distance Learning Program Developer & Instructor

BC K-12 Education (SD48 Sea to Sky & SD73 Kamloops-Thompson)

Pre-pandemic pioneer: Architected fully self-directed, asynchronous learning systems (2018-2021) when most K-12 was still traditional classroom-based. When COVID-19 forced emergency remote teaching, these systems proved their resilience, achieving 85% completion rates while many traditional programs struggled.

  • Designed and developed 12-19 self-regulated mathematics and science courses for fully asynchronous delivery
  • Built modular content enabling personalized learning paths for 150-300+ concurrent students
  • Developed metacognitive skill-building components essential for self-directed success
  • Achieved 85% completion rates in fully self-directed environment

Education & Credentials

Professional Certificate in Management & Leadership

Royal Roads University

2023

Strategic Systems Thinking, Coaching for Performance, Leading Change in Complex Organizations

Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM)

Project Management Institute

2023

Project management processes, tools, and techniques

Certificate in Adult Learning & Education

University of British Columbia

2021

Teaching Adults, Developing Short Courses, Community Practice

Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.)

University of Alberta

2016

Major: Mathematics | Minor: Physical Sciences | Dean's List

Universal Design for Learning (UDL) Certification

CAST

Levels 1, 2, and 3

Designing flexible learning environments for individual differences

Let's Connect

Seeking senior roles where learning strategy, knowledge management, and AI implementation intersect building systems that preserve institutional memory while enabling scalable human development.

Contact Me

samcfath@gmail.com | Vancouver, BC