[andfarm]

It's almost certainly based on the author's experience in Harvey Mudd's CS 151 (Artificial Intelligence) course, in which developing a Mancala AI is a standard project.

[sireat]

I believe Day 9 did indeed get his masters this year from Harvey Mudd. (original article was written 4 years ago)

[eavc]

Masters this year from USC, undergrad at Hervey Mudd.

[andfarm]

Harvey Mudd doesn't have a masters program -- I'm pretty sure he graduated in 2008. I lived across the hall from him at one point. :)