---
title: About
layout: default
---

<section>
    <h2>About</h2>

    <p>
        I am a <em>software engineer</em> who enjoys pushing the limits of <em>web technology</em> and applying them to <em>business processes</em>.
        Ideally, my job provides me with technical challenges that require <em>practical solutions</em>. I have a
        solid understanding about industry best practices, but I am more interested in <em>continuously learning</em> about how and
        why those practices can be <em>challenged and improved</em>.
    </p>

    <h3>Skills</h3>

    <p>
        I am especially familiar with 'cloud' concepts, e-commerce, server administration, and web applications. When
        working on a project, my preferred technologies are Unix, PHP (symfony2 lately) and JavaScript (node.js
        especially). I enjoy experimenting, but I have recent production experience with the following:
    </p>

    <ul>
        <li>languages &ndash; applescript, css, html, javascript, less, php5, sql, xml</li>
        <li>frameworks &ndash; doctrine2, git, mootools, phpunit, require.js, rpm, svn, symfony2, twig</li>
        <li>software &ndash; apache, gearman, jenkins, memcache, mysql, nginx, openvpn, oracle, puppet, solr</li>
        <li>systems &ndash; centos, linux, osx</li>
        <li>apis &ndash; aws-ec2, aws-r53, aws-s3, facebook, paypal, twilio</li>
    </ul>

    <h3>Experience</h3>

    <p>
        <strong>Software Developer</strong> (July '09 &ndash; October '12) &mdash; <a href="http://www.sentryds.com/">Sentry Data Systems</a><br />
        Developing internal applications to support business operations including a custom ticket and project management system;
        defining development practices and guidelines; and implementing open source libraries for reducing internal code costs.
    </p>

    <p>
        <strong>Software Systems Engineer</strong> (June '06 &ndash; present) &mdash; <a href="https://theloopyewe.com/">The Loopy Ewe</a><br />
        Developing and maintaining in-house e-commerce frontend and backoffice tools; management of systems, servers, and
        service providers. Primarily using PHP, MySQL, CentOS, and third-party APIs for secure payment processing with PayPal
        and shipment processing with USPS and Endicia.
    </p>

    <p>
        <strong>Student System Administrator</strong> (Spring '06 &ndash; Fall '08) &mdash; <a href="http://www.taylor.edu/">Taylor University</a><br />
        Maintaining and providing support for the Computer Science department's lab computers and servers, both Linux and
        Windows. Created web-based applications to aid in department processes for faculty and students. Contributing editor for
        the department's public website.
    </p>

    <p>
        <strong>Student Advanced Sound Technician</strong> (Fall '05 &mdash; Spring '08) &mdash; <a href="http://www.taylor.edu/">Taylor University</a><br />
        In charge of event sound and lights, setup/teardown, and other group coordination activities. Events ranged from 10 to
        1600 attendees, lectures to full bands, indoor to outdoor.
    </p>

    <p>
        <strong>Network Administrator</strong> (Spring '03 &ndash; Summer '07) &mdash; <a href="http://www.cpcstl.org/">The Covenant Presbyterian Church</a><br />
        Managed the Microsoft Windows and Exchange servers, internal ministry application, and other productivity software.
        Responsible for technical support (onsite, phone, and email). Created, maintained, and hosted their website CMS during
        and several years after employment.
    </p>

    <h3>Education</h3>

    <ul>
        <li><a href="http://www.taylor.edu/">Taylor University</a> &ndash; Bachelor of Science (2005 - 2009) &ndash; Computer Science, Systems (Business Information Systems)</li>
        <li><a href="http://www.wcastl.org/">Westminster Christian Academy</a> &ndash; high school (2001 - 2005)</li>
    </ul>
</section>