About Me - Professional
Technical Expertise & Development Focus
I'm a Computer Science student at Western Governors University with a unique edge: years of high-stakes decision-making as a Wildland Firefighter, Advanced-EMT, and Squad Boss have sharpened my ability to solve complex problems under pressure. Leading teams through unpredictable, mission-critical situations taught me the value of strategic thinking, clear communication, and adaptability—skills that translate directly into software engineering.
Now, I'm channeling that same critical mindset into building robust, innovative technology. My technical foundation spans Python, C++, and Java, with coursework in algorithms, data structures, artificial intelligence, and network security. I'm particularly drawn to autonomous UAV systems and cybersecurity, where precision, reliability, and creative problem-solving are paramount.
Beyond academics, I bring real-world systems thinking from my current role as Bar Operations Lead at BigShots Golf, where I optimize workflows, analyze performance data, and implement process improvements. Whether I'm debugging code, designing object-oriented architectures, or coordinating cross-functional projects, I approach every challenge with the same discipline and attention to detail that kept my firefighting crews safe in the field.
I thrive at the intersection of high-consequence decision-making and technical innovation. My goal is to contribute to cutting-edge projects in drone technology, secure systems, or software engineering—building solutions that are not only functional and efficient, but also resilient under real-world conditions.
When I'm not coding or studying, you'll find me drawing on lessons from the wilderness: stay calm, think critically, and always have a backup plan.
Technical Skills
Programming Languages
Frameworks & Libraries
Tools & Technologies
Core Concepts
My Life - Off the Screen
Where passion meets purpose beyond the code
“The outdoors isn't just where I spend my free time—it's where I've learned to think systemically, solve problems under pressure, and understand interconnected complexity.”
Growing up with a wildlife biologist father and a veterinarian mother running a non-profit for low-income pet care, I developed an early fascination with how systems work. Their influence taught me to look deeper, understand how components interact, and approach challenges with curiosity and care—principles I've applied as a wildland firefighter and through pursuits like mountain biking, rock climbing, fly fishing, and off-roading.
I've channeled my competitive spirit through cycling and climbing teams, but competition has always been balanced with community. During my years as a bike shop mechanic, I volunteered with "Bike University," teaching free maintenance workshops in homeless shelters and low-income neighborhoods, empowering people to build their own bikes and gain independence through skill.
My creative side finds expression through music—drums since age five, banjo later in life—and film photography. But creativity extends beyond traditional arts. Whether modifying a bicycle or tuning a vehicle for off-road performance, I approach each project as both an aesthetic creation and a technical challenge. The intersection of form and function is where I'm most at home.
Every hobby I've pursued has reinforced the same lesson: understanding how systems work, how they fail, and how to make them better requires patience, precision, and a willingness to get your hands dirty. It's a philosophy I bring to everything I do.