I’ve been technically adept from a young age. I was fascinated by the fact that various computer parts could be combined to create a working system. I've dabbled with computers, networking, scripting, hardware, and web design. I grew up installing a video card on my first scrap computer to writing a super basic Space Invaders game in a DrScheme coding environment during grade school. I'm proud to see growth from setting up my family’s internet network to helping set up my university’s network in one of their new learning centers. I've continued growth when starting up a server node for the military to managing that server's parent. I've also enjoyed the transition from using industry leading software to implementing applications my own. This knowledge in computers and software made it easy for me to excel in the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) field where all these skills can significantly enhance a user's experience. I absolutely enjoy what I do. I hope that this site gives you an idea of how much GIS is a part of my life!

My first professional experience with GIS was with the United States Marine Corps (USMC). I was assigned a Military Occupational Specialty (MOS) of 0261 - Geospatial Intelligence Analyst. Other than basic training, I went through a 9-month course at the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (NGA) where I picked up a lot of the skills related to data analysis and map production. As an analyst, I utilized a multitude of GIS programs such as ArcGIS, Erdas Imagine, ENVI, and SOCET GXP. It wasn’t long before I was given the opportunity to spearhead the data management for our platoon and manage our server's web services, production queue, and web-based mapping applications. I was also able to work closely with a replication of an SDE database hosted on our server that contributed heavily to the Marine Corps Geodatabase (MCGDB). I'm proud to have experience from solo deployments as well as team-oriented cells in support of major operations.

I was often assigned to many different locations to help train personnel across the globe. Places I've been assigned include Southern Partnership Station 2011 (SPS11), Weapons and Tactics Instructor (WTI), and the II MEF Intelligence Center (IIMIC). I have also had the fortune to receive training at the National Geospatial-Intelligence campus (NGA) and the Marine Corps Intelligence Agency (MCIA). All of this culminated in a very healthy career working with hardware, software, and analysis. I was given the chance to become a Data Manager for II MEF where my responsibilities grew to encompass mass data collection and dissemination, training of colleagues at all levels, curriculum development, and minor server application development.

After my honorable service in the USMC it was time for me to continue onward to a life with fewer deployments and training. Shortly after I was discharged I had the opportunity to work for Apex LLC. Again, my knowledge has allowed me to lead a team to expand its capabilities to help grow support for multiple customers and contracts. During my time as a contractor I've come to expand upon my knowledge on server administration and setup, advanced analytical solutions, and application development to support a variety of needs. I've very much enjoyed exceeding capabilities and requirements that face OCONUS personnel and operations.

My greatest interest in GIS is web mapping and application development. I find that they are some of the most effective tools that connect the ever-growing population of GIS consumers to the relatively small world of spatial analysis. The rapidly expanding technology empowers users and allows analysts to excel at handling massive and complex datasets. I also enjoy working with 3D modeling of GIS features/analysis. When applicable, I always try to bring these powerful capabilities to customers. I’ve built many customizable models, scripts, workflows, and small applications to meet customized goals. As I venture further and further into the development world, I hope to share examples of my GIS experience to benefit any community that may need it. I look forward to continuing my career in GIS and I am always expanding my horizons on many different aspects.

Having honed my skills and continued past some education milestones, I've been able to take my passion for creating things into direct development. I'm proud to have several projects under my belt as I continue to support my teams and customers on a more technical level by developing and enhancing projects to better support its users.

It's been exciting to have been involved with a couple of projects that span from small improvements to current systems to the entire process of starting with a defined need and goal a customer would like to have to a finalized deployed set of hardware/software capability that met their needs. I hope to be able to share as many projects as I am able and to help the GIS industry grow and advance as I continue my path towards a dedicated GIS developer.