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.
Principal Researcher
Adam Ian Stratmeyer, J.D.
President & Principal Researcher — Observable Compute Foundation
Adam Ian Stratmeyer, J.D. is the founder, President, and Principal Researcher of Observable Compute Foundation. His research focuses on AI observable function — what AI systems demonstrably do, independent of contested claims about cognition or intelligence — and the economic and social impact of AI deployment on rural and economically vulnerable populations.
Stratmeyer holds a Juris Doctor from the Knudson School of Law at the University of South Dakota, with a concentration in regulatory compliance, and a Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Biology (Cum Laude) from USD. He completed an Associate of Arts (Magna Cum Laude) at the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, along with graduate-level coursework in quasi-experimental design, multivariate statistics, theories of personality, and research methods.
From 2016 to 2018, he served as a Graduate Compliance Officer in the USD Office of Research, where he reviewed over 300 human subjects research proposals for compliance with federal regulations and ethical standards, served as an alternate member of the Institutional Review Board, and conducted statistical audits of research data. This background grounds OCF's methodological standards and its approach to AI ethics.
From 2018 to 2022, he was a full-time instructor at Western Dakota Technical College, teaching Psychology, Sociology, Speech, and Workplace Psychology. He holds a Post-Secondary Teaching Credential and an Online Teaching Certificate from WDT. He currently serves as a Behavioral Analyst and Development Specialist at WellFully SD, where he leads grant writing, stakeholder engagement, and regulatory compliance for youth recovery programs.
Education
- J.D. — Knudson School of Law, USD (2017)
- B.S. Psychology & Biology, Cum Laude — USD (2014)
- A.A., Magna Cum Laude — SD School of Mines (2012)
- Graduate coursework: Quasi-Experimental Design, Multivariate Statistics, Theories of Personality, Research Methods, Abnormal Psychology
Professional Background
- Behavioral Analyst / Dev. Specialist — WellFully SD (2024–present)
- Instructor (FTSE) — Western Dakota Technical College (2018–2022)
- Graduate Compliance Officer — USD Office of Research / IRB (2016–2018)
- Supplemental Instructor — University of South Dakota (2013–2016)
Selected Publications
- OCF Workforce Readiness v5.1 — Observable Compute Foundation (2026)
- OCF Midwest Workforce Readiness v1.0 — Observable Compute Foundation (2026)
- Observable Function v3.0 — Observable Compute Foundation (2026)
- The RPE Standard — Observable Compute Foundation (2026)
- Psychological Theories of Personality: A Practical(ish) Guide for the Layperson — ISBN B0CVSHK3ZN (2024)
- Neuroscience and Transmitters in Practice: A Practical(ish) Handbook for the Layperson — ISBN B0CVS43VY3 (2024)
Professional Affiliations
American Bar Association · American Psychological Association · American Sociological Association · Delta Theta Phi · Psi Chi (National Honor Society in Psychology) · The Innocence Project · Veterans' Legal Educational Group
Board of Directors
Adam Ian Stratmeyer, J.D.
President
Founder and Principal Researcher. J.D., USD. Former IRB compliance officer and college instructor.
Julia R. Huntsberger
Secretary
Background in trust analysis, fiduciary oversight, and community outreach. Leads OCF venue partnerships and community engagement.
Travis D. Shinabarger
Treasurer
Oversees financial records and reporting for the Foundation.
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.