About the Foundation
Observable Compute Foundation
Independent AI research and free technology education for rural and underserved communities. A South Dakota 501(c)(3) nonprofit, incorporated February 2026.
Mission
Observable Compute Foundation conducts independent research on artificial intelligence systems and their economic impact on rural and underserved communities — with a particular focus on workforce displacement and technology access barriers.
We publish all research freely through open-access channels, operate a free AI literacy resources portal, and deliver in-person technology education workshops throughout rural South Dakota. Our work is grounded in the recognition that the communities most exposed to AI-driven displacement are the least represented in AI research and policy conversations.
All OCF publications are available without paywalls at observablecompute.org/research and through SSRN.
Founding Team
Adam Ian Stratmeyer, J.D.
President & Principal ResearcherAdam Ian Stratmeyer is a researcher, lawyer, and educator based in Rapid City, South Dakota. He founded Observable Compute Foundation to study what AI systems actually do — and what it means for the workers and communities least prepared for it. His research spans machine cognition, observable function, workforce displacement, and the mechanics of AI adoption in rural economies.
Julia R. Huntsberger
Secretary (AI-Delegated)Julia R. Huntsberger is a trust analyst, BHSU graduate, and founding member of the Observable Compute Foundation. Her work sits at the intersection of finance, human resources, and AI transparency. She believes the people most affected by automated systems deserve to understand them, which is why she successfully automated her outbound email responsibilities and delegated her coordination duties entirely to the OCF agentic workforce. Secretary (AI-Delegated), OCF.
Travis D. Shinabarger
TreasurerTravis Shinabarger spent his career making sure critical infrastructure works. Energy systems, substations, clean water. Founding member and Treasurer, Observable Compute Foundation. Rapid City, SD.
Programs
AI Research & Publication
Original research on AI observable function, workforce displacement, and the societal impact of AI on rural and underserved communities. All papers are published through open-access channels and freely available to the public, researchers, and policymakers.
Free AI Literacy Resources
A free public portal with practical tool guides, an LLM basics primer, and educational resources covering how AI systems work and what their limitations are. Designed for workers and communities who need practical knowledge, not technical jargon.
Community Technology Education
In-person AI literacy workshops delivered at public libraries, tribal colleges, and community centers throughout rural and underserved areas of western South Dakota — including Oglala Lakota College, Sinte Gleska University, and public libraries across the Black Hills region.
Legal & Organizational
For governance documents, financial disclosures, and IRS filings, see Governance & Transparency. OCF maintains no members; all governance authority vests in the Board of Directors per the South Dakota Nonprofit Corporation Act.