a bad photographer
a decent technologist

I'm a pragmatist searching for ideal outcomes. Life has taught me that the best things happen when you set a vision and start working towards it. The path is not always clear, but hard work and an open mind often reveal previously unforeseen possibilities. There is no doubt that this approach can occasionally lead to dead ends, but the reality is that even the most well-thought-out plans sometimes suffer setbacks. Besides, the journey, not the destination, is where some of the most interesting things happen.

I do my best to take this approach in all aspects of life, for paid work as well as for passion projects. The process of iterating through cycles of action and reflection is considered a best practice for modern software development. I think it is just how you get better at anything you want to succeed at. I certainly find it true when practicing photography and printing in the darkroom; I have no formal training or deep experience to lean on for these things, so it is often a humbling experience. But I appreciate the process; it reminds me to maintain a beginner's mind and embrace opportunities for growth.

I am grateful for all the experiences that have given me this outlook. The split in my personality that pulls me toward both the arts and the sciences is probably a result of my mother being an artist and my father an engineer. The thoughtful, humanistic approach I attempt to take was reinforced through my education; I achieved a Bachelor of Arts in History before achieving a Master of Science in Computer Science. Finally, uncommon experiences in distant lands forcibly demonstrated to me the value of this approach to life.

I am also fortunate to have learned from countless people. Although I can never fully repay the debt I owe to so many, I strive to pay it forward, particularly here in Ohio's Rust Belt. I volunteer with the local Y, Scouts, VFW, and Rotary club. I actively look for ways to support the communities that have done so much for me.