MSc AI & Data Science (Distinction track) / University of Hull
I build multi-agent systems using small language models for professional document analysis. My research focuses on reliability—using validation models to corroborate outcomes in MAS frameworks, and fine-tuning SLMs to handle domain-specific tasks that require both accuracy and verifiable decision-making.
The core challenge I'm tackling: how do you make AI systems reliable enough for high-stakes professional work? My approach combines specialized fine-tuned models with verification architectures. When one model makes a classification or extracts information, another validates it. When decisions matter, multiple models reach consensus. This isn't about replacing human judgment—it's about building systems that know when they need human oversight.
Before focusing on AI research, I worked in real estate and accounting, which gave me firsthand experience with the kind of semi-structured professional tasks that sit between simple automation and creative problem-solving. That background now informs how I design systems that need to be both capable and trustworthy.
Languages: Python, SQL, R, JavaScript, VBA
ML/AI: TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, LLMs/SLMs, Multi-agent Systems, Fine-tuning, NLP
Data Science: Pandas, NumPy, Statistical Modeling, Jupyter, Matplotlib, Seaborn
Specialized: OCR (Tesseract), Label Studio, ToolUse API, ANNs, XGBoost
MSc Artificial Intelligence and Data Science (In Progress, Distinction expected)
University of Hull, 2025–2026
Thesis: "Development and assessment of contract review outcomes from a multi-agent system using fine-tuned small language models in ensemble with validation models"
BSc Accounting
University of South Florida, 2013–2016
Dual-LLM architecture for automated document classification and compliant response generation. Multi-agent consensus mechanism ensures high-stakes decisions undergo dual-model validation, significantly reducing false positives in contract categorization and response selection.
Development and assessment of contract review outcomes from a multi-agent system using fine-tuned small language models in ensemble with validation models. Investigating performance of SLM-driven contract review systems with corroborating verification models, with emphasis on accuracy, efficiency, and compliance in legal documentation.
My research investigates whether fine-tuned small language models can perform contract review tasks with accuracy and efficiency comparable to human experts. The work focuses on three key challenges:
This research combines supervised fine-tuning of domain-specific language models with verification mechanisms that catch errors before they reach production. The goal is systems that augment rather than replace professional judgment.
Selected to present AI research on multi-agent contract review systems to 16,000+ real estate professionals at the UK's premier real estate and infrastructure forum in Leeds. Presenting findings on autonomous document processing using fine-tuned SLMs with validation mechanisms.
Top 20 from 220 international teams in AVEVA's sustainability competition. Designed Real-Time Flare Minimization System using ANNs to predict petroleum refinery flare events, targeting reduction of 389M tons of annual CO2 emissions. Team leader working with AVEVA staff.
Led winning team in rapid AI solution design competition focused on UN SDG Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption). Designed receipt analysis system using Mistral OCR for data extraction, SLM for JSON structuring, and SQL for product origin tracking.
Production-ready system using specialized agents for contract analysis: one extracts key clauses, another flags non-standard terms, a third summarizes obligations. Currently testing against baseline human performance on real estate contracts.
Developed proprietary pricing model achieving ±2% variance from final sale price (industry standard: ±5-7%). Used across 150+ transactions totaling $85M+. Reduced average time-on-market by 18% through improved pricing accuracy.
Most professional work isn't purely routine (automate with RPA) or purely creative (need a human). Multi-agent systems let you decompose these tasks the way a team would—different specialists handling different aspects, with coordination protocols to ensure nothing falls through the cracks.
Email: chadderton.kw@gmail.com
GitHub: github.com/rchadderton
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/ryan-m-chadderton
Phone: +1 813.468.5000