Dr. Donald High is a rare individual whose life weaves together deep technical expertise, creative storytelling, academic leadership, and personal devotion. His journey illustrates that innovation thrives not only in laboratories or corporate boardrooms but also in family living rooms, classrooms, and even on the stage. He stands as a remarkable testament to the power of curiosity, creativity, and compassion.
Dr. High is a respected academic and storyteller. As a professor at Missouri State University, teaching blockchain – an area where theory, cryptography, and real-world economics intersect. He ensures students not only understand the technology but also its broader implications in governance, security, and ethical design. He shapes the next generation of technologists and innovators. He is also a prominent speaker on AI, event-driven architecture, and public-sector innovation—engaging audiences with both his mind and his wit.
| Book 1 | Cedric Thistle Whump |
| Book 2 | South Paw: Bodyguard Protoco |
| Book 3 | Princess M’Niya Minus |
Dr. High is the author of three delightful children’s books:
- Cedric Thistle Whump – Cedric Thistlewhump and the Bubble Storm Catastrophe follows the adventures of Cedric, a well-meaning young wizard whose magic always seems to go hilariously awry—whether it’s transforming the king’s fireworks into glowing spaghetti or unleashing skeleton orchestras and teleporting goats.
- After a royal mishap leads to his polite exile, Cedric sets off on a quest to prove he’s not a menace but perhaps the unexpected hero everyone needs. Along the way, he’s joined by Whindle, a snarky owl magically bound to him, and his own sister, who’s as sharp-tongued as she is magically talented. Guided by a backward-written grimoire and a secret journal only readable in a mirror, Cedric stumbles into increasingly chaotic magical situations—from bubble storms that threaten to lift the kingdom skyward to spellblasts that open up uncanny possibilities.
- Through every misfired spell and magical meltdown, Cedric learns that the best kind of magic often happens when things don’t go according to plan—and sometimes, that’s exactly what makes a hero.
- South Paw: Bodyguard Protocol– In South Paw: Bodyguard Protocol, we meet South Paw—a young Native American from the Cherokee tribe who’s been honing his fighting skills since childhood, even reaching Junior Olympics level as a trained athlete .
- Despite being shaped by hardship and born with a birth defect, he perseveres through relentless struggle. At just 17, South Paw is thrust into a world of unexpected responsibility when he’s offered a job as a bodyguard, setting the stage for a gripping—and likely intense—journey of duty, resilience, and perhaps redemption.
- Princess M’Niya Minus– Princess M’Niya Minus was born to sparkle glamorous, confident, and draped in tiaras. But her life takes a chaotic turn when she shatters a magical mirror and is cursed by a forest hag: “Everything you touch shall turn to trash.” Suddenly, every item she handles from her beloved crown to her sketchbook and even bubble bath crumbles, melts, or explodes in sticky disaster.
- As the Royal Radiance Showcase looms, M’Niya is deep in crisis but she isn’t alone. With the sardonic, pants-optional ferret Sir Slinksalot, her brilliant twin sister Princess Zaria armed with a potentially salvific scroll, a beatboxing, wand-wielding rhythm mage named Jax, and a drama-averse forest girl named Kirrily at her side, Princess M’Niya goes on a hilarious, heartfelt journey. Guided by eight peculiar scroll rules, she learns that the real magic lies not in perfection but in seeing and growing into a new kind of inner sparkle
About the Author – Dr. Donald High
Married to Debra for over four decades, Dr. High is a proud father of six and grandfather of nine. His personal life is deeply rooted in love, family, and lasting connection. These roles anchor him, providing joy, perspective, and inspiration in every pursuit he undertakes. His family forms the foundation of his identity offering both grounding and inspiration. Whether guiding the development of a national AI platform or crafting whimsical tales for his grandchildren, he approaches every project with the same curiosity, energy, and heart.
A Lifetime Defined by Executive Vision
Dr. High’s professional journey spans more than a decade of transformative executive leadership. He has served as Chief Scientist, Chief Data Scientist, Chief Data Architect, and Chief Data & AI Architect at Fortune-1 companies, federal agencies, and other leading organizations. His expertise has been instrumental in shaping the data and AI strategies of global businesses and pivotal government entities. Notably, he architected the IRS Enterprise Data Platform and AI/ML Platform and created AI/ML–powered data products for the IRS, USCIS, and the National Science Foundation—underscoring his central role in modernizing and innovating public-sector systems (chicagoaiweek.com, AiThority, store.bookbaby.com).
At Anika Systems, he holds the role of Chief Data and AI Architect, where he spearheads efforts in AI/ML platform integration, enterprise data modernization, and intelligent automation bridging the gap between cutting-edge technology and real-world government applications. His leadership is not limited to high-level strategy; he actively shapes the frameworks that allow organizations to thrive in the digital age.
Pioneer of Innovation and Invention
Dr. High is not just an executive he’s a prolific inventor. Dr. High’s contributions to technology are monumental. With over 300 patents and documented involvement in over 700 inventions—his work spans an extraordinary breadth of fields:
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning
- Blockchain technologies
- Autonomous systems and robotics
- Advanced data platforms and analytics
- Aerospace applications
This volume of intellectual property is not just a measure of productivity it reflects a sustained, visionary approach to solving problems before they become roadblocks. His patents stand as a record of foresight, creativity, and practical application. His inventive spirit has consistently anticipated the needs of industries and public institutions alike, leveraging technology to unlock new solutions.
Transforming the Public Sector with AI and Data
In government and public-sector spheres, Dr. High’s influence is substantial. By designing architectures and systems that power AI/ML platforms for agencies like the IRS and USCIS, and the National Science Foundation, he has enabled them to harness the power of data strategically and effectively. His work in creating enterprise-grade platforms has been critical in elevating analytics, automation, and decision-making capabilities across national institutions. Few technologists have influenced U.S. government data infrastructure at the scale Dr. High has achieved.
- IRS Enterprise Data Platform & AI/ML Platform – He designed the backbone systems that allow the IRS to integrate data, enhance analytics, and apply machine learning for fraud detection, compliance, and taxpayer services.
- USCIS – His data governance work helped improve the quality and consistency of immigration
services data improving operational efficiency.
- National Science Foundation – Architected current and future states for Data and AI platforms.
His work has elevated data from a static resource into a dynamic driver of policy, service delivery, and operational readiness.
Thought Leader, Educator, and Storyteller
His writing blends whimsy, humour, and heart sharing imaginative stories that encourage resilience, creativity, and kindness. In his words and characters, he reminds children (and their grownups) that mistakes can spark magic and that bravery often begins with a question.
Performer, Athlete, and Entertainer
Dr. High brings the same energy and dedication to performance and fitness as he does to academia and innovation. As a Professional Natural Bodybuilder, he demonstrates discipline, strength, and a mastery of physical artistry. His dedication to fitness reflects a philosophy of holistic excellence nurturing both mind and body. In addition to this, he is a professional singer and dancer. These artistic talents showcase his comfort in creative spaces that value emotion, rhythm, and human connection skills that complement his technical precision.
Drawing It All Together
What unites all facets of Dr. Donald High’s journey is a profound belief in transformation—whether through technological innovation, storytelling, education, or physical discipline. His life reminds us that brilliance isn’t confined to one domain; it flourishes at the intersections of art, science, family, and community.
- As an innovator, he has redefined data architectures and AI strategies across government and industry.
- As an inventor, he’s created tools and systems that advance how we live and work.
- As an educator and thought leader, he empowers others to imagine boldly and think critically.
- As a writer, he invites us into worlds where magic arises from unexpected places.
- As a performer and athlete, he lives the disciplines of art and fitness with grace and power.
- As a husband, father, and grandfather, he nurtures the most important legacy of all: love, laughter, and stories passed down.
Legacy and Continuing Vision
Looking ahead, Dr. High continues to focus on AI ethics, responsible data use, and mentorship. He is passionate about ensuring that the next generation of innovators understands the human impact of their work. By combining cutting-edge technology with empathy and imagination, he models a future in which innovation serves not only efficiency but also humanity’s deeper needs.
Final Thoughts
In Dr. Donald High, we find an extraordinary blend of brilliance and compassion—a life built on innovation, storytelling, and enduring relationships. He helps us see that sometimes the greatest inventions begin not in laboratories, but in bedtime tales. And that real transformation arises when we embrace both the logic of data and the magic of imagination.
( Also read : Pankaj Sudan’s vision of AI and consciousness – Pankaj Sudan- vision of ai and consciousness )
