Independent research into complex human and technical systems.
From data center infrastructure to artificial intelligence, we develop structured explanations of how systems behave, why they fail, and what underlying mechanisms shape the future relationship between humanity and technology.
Explore Our WorkDurable models over commentary
The Zasder Institute is an independent publishing and research group focused on understanding complex systems—from critical infrastructure and data center operations to the emerging dynamics of artificial intelligence and large language models. Our work examines how these systems operate, identifies the conditions under which they fail, and maps the deeper mechanisms that generate recurring outcomes.
We prioritize building explanatory models grounded in systems thinking and empirical evidence. Every publication is maintained as an evolving document, open to revision when new evidence emerges or prior conclusions prove incomplete. As AI systems grow in capability and scale, the questions of how humanity fits into this changing landscape—and how science and technology can lead us toward a more positive future—are central to our work.
Structured Inquiry
We apply systematic methods to decompose complex phenomena into their constituent parts and relationships.
Evidence-Driven Revision
Our publications are living documents. When evidence changes, so do our conclusions.
Independence
We operate without institutional affiliations that would constrain the direction or conclusions of our research.
Understanding systems at depth
Critical Infrastructure & Data Centers
Analyzing the physical and operational architecture of data center systems—power, cooling, reliability, and the non-functional requirements that determine whether infrastructure sustains or fails under load.
AI, LLMs & Superintelligence
Investigating the trajectory of artificial intelligence and large language models—how these systems scale, what emergent behaviors they produce, and what the development of superintelligent systems means for human agency and decision-making.
Systems Thinking & Failure Analysis
Applying systems thinking to understand why complex systems fail. From national communications infrastructure to organizational processes, we model the feedback loops, constraints, and non-functional requirements that shape outcomes.
Humanity & Technology Futures
Where do we go from here? As technical systems grow beyond human-scale comprehension, we research the evolving relationship between people and machines—and how science and systems thinking can guide us toward a more positive future.
Evolving documents, open to revision
Our publications are maintained as living documents. Each piece is subject to revision when new evidence surfaces or when prior reasoning is found to be insufficient. This section will be updated as new work is released.
New research publications are currently in development. Check back for updates or reach out to be notified when new work is available.
Volney Douglas, PhD
Volney Douglas is a systems engineer, researcher, and the founder of the Zasder Institute. With over two decades of experience in critical infrastructure, data center operations, and national communications systems, his work sits at the intersection of complex technical systems and the organizational dynamics that govern them.
He holds a PhD in Information Systems Management from Walden University, where his doctoral research examined non-functional requirements and continuous improvement in national communications systems—the kind of mission-critical infrastructure where system failures carry real consequences. That research identified eleven key relationships between operational quality, cost, risk, and communication that shape how large-scale systems are improved over time.
Professionally, he has led engineering teams of 25+ at CommScope, architecting large-scale data center solutions across power efficiency, cooling, security, and uptime. Prior to that, he spent a decade at General Dynamics delivering server firmware and manageability solutions for DHS and DoD mission-critical environments. His work has spanned machine learning optimization for predictive maintenance, automated capacity planning, and the operational telemetry that keeps critical systems running.
The Zasder Institute extends this work into broader questions: as AI systems and large language models accelerate toward capabilities that exceed human-scale reasoning, how do we understand what these systems are becoming? What role does humanity play in a landscape increasingly shaped by autonomous intelligence? And how can systems thinking and rigorous research help us navigate toward outcomes that are actually good?
Education
- PhD, Information Systems Management — Walden University
- MBA, Project Management — Strayer University
- MS, Computer Information Systems — University of Phoenix
- BIS, Engineering Management — Arizona State University
Selected Experience
- Senior Principal Engineer — CommScope
- Project Leader / Sr. Systems Engineer — General Dynamics
Research
- A Case Study of Non-Functional Requirements and Continuous Improvement at a National Communications System Contractor — Doctoral Dissertation, 2010
Certifications
- Certified Data Center Management Professional (CDCMP)
- ITIL v3 Foundation
Get in touch
For inquiries about our research, collaboration opportunities, or general correspondence:
info@zasder.com