Biography

I'm a 48-year-old man with a lifelong passion for science and technology. I began studying and building computers when I was about 12, back in the '70s, starting with punched cards, Hollerith Code, Zilog Z80 microprocessor chips and analog and digital computers. I've operated computers ranging from Commodore 64, Apple II and XT clones to DEC and IBM mainframes. I even had the opportunity to use NeXT computers. I've used every model of CPU chip that Intel has sold for desktop PCs, though I try to patronize their competitors as much as possible. I've also used every desktop operating system that Microsoft is sold since MS-DOS 3.1, though, again, I try to patronize their competitors (such as DR-DOS and Linux) as much as possible.

Apart from computers, my interests range from any of the physical sciences (particularly, physics, biology, chemistry and astronomy) to history, politics and religion. I volunteered as a hospital worker and fireman/first responder in the '80s and '90s. I enjoy swimming, hiking, camping, and photography, and I am part of the Makerspace movement. I'm interested in space exploration, and I'm helping to create an educational website devoted to the topic.

I served in the U.S. Navy (1984 – 1987) as a Machinist's Mate; my dad also served in the Navy as an Aircraft Structural Mechanic. As a result, I've lived in or visited eight countries and most of the states of the US. Currently, I live in Plano, Texas, where I own a home.

Expertise

I've worked several computer related jobs ranging from being a Word Processor and a Computer Technician for a small environmental remediation company and a small company that installed and maintain the computers for several public school systems across northern New Mexico in 1993/94. Most recently, I worked as an independent contractor, dividing on-site field engineering services for residential, small business and corporate clients for a variety of IT sourcing agencies. I moved to Texas when I was hired by IMO Varo (of the Philadelphia Experiment's "Varo Memo" fame) as a Laser Tech II.

Education

Collin college: AS Computer Science (2013); AAS Computer Systems/Information Systems (2013); Geospatial Information Systems (incomplete)

Albuquerque Technical-Vocational Institute: AAS Laser Electro-Optic Technology (1992).

University of Texas at Dallas: Computer Science (incomplete)

LeTournau University: Computer Science and Engineering (incomplete)

CompTIA A+, Network+ and Security+ certifications (2009)

Collin College classes in Cisco networking, Windows XP administration, Windows 7, Linux, and Mac OS X and Windows Server 2008, as well as Information Storage and Management