Dr. Steve Munkeby

Steve Munkeby, DM, wants artificial intelligence to feel approachable. As an author, educator and founder, he writes books for readers unsure where to begin with AI. He aims to make the technologysimple and useful in everyday life. Through NextGen Publications LLC, he draws on over 40 years of professional experience, and his work recently appeared on a 22-story screen in New York's Times Square.

A Childhood of Chores and Curiosity

Dr. Munkeby grew up on a North Dakota farm, milking cows and driving tractors through grain fields. His family didn't own horses. As a boy, he rode a white cow instead.

In 1969, Dr. Munkeby sat in front of a television and watched astronauts land on the moon. He was about 14, and he suddenly wanted to be one of them. The broadcast cemented his love of math and science. He still considers it the spark behind his career.

A Career in Uniform, Aerospace and Academia

Dr. Munkeby went on to serve as a U.S. Army officer with airborne and ranger training. Discipline and leadership became part of his professional identity there.

In aerospace, Dr. Munkeby contributed to projects connected to the space shuttle and Earth-observing spacecraft. He later worked on robotics and unmanned ground vehicle programs.

For 16 years, Dr. Munkeby taught part-time as a faculty member and adjunct professor at five universities. Between 2007 and 2023, he supervised more than 250 doctoral dissertations and capstone projects. Those years sharpened his interest in how people learn and how they evaluate competing ideas.

A Library of Practical AI Guides

After retiring from aerospace and academia, Dr. Munkeby turned to writing. As founder of NextGen Publications LLC, he has written 16 books on generative AI. Each title aims to help readers"succeed in work, life and learning, one book at a time."

The books serve several audiences. "From Camouflage to Corporate" shows service members how generative AI can help them move into civilian careers. The "AI Made Simple" series speaks to readers over 55, with volumes on travel, health and financial management. For educators, Dr. Munkeby co-wrote "Faculty in the AI Era" with Dr. Barbara Turner. Across every title, AI appears as a helpful assistant rather than an intimidating mystery. With Ms. Marti Elliott, he also co-authored "Developing Life Thinking Skills: From Grade School to Business Professionals," which provides practical, stage-specific strategies for strengthening thinking skills from early education through professional life.

A Patent-Pending Approach to Truth

Teaching people to use AI led Dr. Munkeby to a bigger question: How can technology help people find the truth when their sources contradict each other? He explores that problem in his book "Synthesizing Truth" and in related patent-pending work called TruthSynthTM.

The idea grew from decades of sorting through competing sources in military, aerospace, robotics, academic work, news media and business enterprises. Rarely was one side completely right. More often, each side held part of the picture.

TruthSynthTM isn't designed to produce yet another answer. It organizes claims, examines evidence and exposes hidden assumptions. It also flags missing information and compares perspectives so people can make better decisions themselves. Dr. Munkeby is developing the work through Trusted Decision Systems Inc., which he founded.

A Practical Path for Young Workers

Dr. Munkeby has practical advice for young people entering the workforce. He noticed that many graduates expect the salary and lifestyle their parents spent decades earning. Those expectations can lead to early disappointment. He suggests starting with a hands-on trade like electrical work or plumbing, since those jobs stay in steady demand. Once workers master the skill, they can move into leadership or start their own business.

Plans for NextGen Publications

Over the next three to five years, Dr. Munkeby plans to grow NextGen Publications and publish more books. He also wants to help other authors get their work into print. Event organizers looking for a speaker can reach him through LinkedIn.

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