Prof. Pardo received a M. Mus. in Jazz in 2001 and a Ph.D. in Computer Science in 2005, both from the University of Michigan. He has developed speech software for the Speech and Hearing department of the Ohio State University, statistical software for SPSS and worked as a machine learning researcher for General Dynamics. While finishing his doctorate, he taught in the Music Department of Madonna University. When he's not programming, writing or teaching, he performs throughout the United States on saxophone and clarinet at venues such as Albion College, the Chicago Cultural Center and the Detroit Concert of Colors.