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Here you will find a detailed list of my professional skills and
personal interests and hobbies. Each item also contains a brief summary of my
relevant experiences. It should be noted that the line between
what is considered a professional skill or a personal interest can
be a bit blurry. Generally speaking, I have a profound intellectual
interest in both. However, professional skills are those fields
which I consider to be useful and am also comfortable with my own
ability to perform on a professional level. The personal interests,
on the other hand, relate to hobbies and skills in which I have a
great interest, but do not consider to be 'marketable' (either as a
result of low demand, or a lack of sufficient experience on my
part). That said, they may still hold great influence over my
understanding of, and approach to, other areas.
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Programming - Visual Basic |
I prefer Visual Basic and, more recently,
Visual Basic .NET for rapid development of small applications for
internal (non-distributed) applications. I have over 12 years
experience working with the Visual Basic language and have
written a wide variety of applications in VB. Just a few
examples are:
- GUI clients for online
interactive games and applications hosted on WorldGroup
server
software and sold worldwide
- Various applications to interface with
and automatically manipulate various database systems
- Multiple file manipulation applications
to automate tasks such as file format conversion, data
extraction, file management tools, etc.
- Image conversion applications capable of
converting multiple TIFF images (as output by high-speed
document scanners) in to a single stitched PDF file
- Various other applications, typically
designed to automate repetitive or complex computer
operations for the purpose of drastically reducing (and
sometimes virtually eliminating) the required man hours to
perform common tasks
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Programming - C |
The C programming language is the first
language I mastered. I have over 15 years experience working
with this language, and prefer the C language for development
of CPU intensive command line applications for Windows and
Linux systems. Originally I used the language to customize the
WorldGroup system, and later applied those skills to the
development of online games and applications which were
subsequently sold to customers world-wide. In more recent
years I have used the C language to develop command line
applications which require efficient code execution or complex
memory manipulation. I am currently in
the process of learning Linux kernel development in the C
language, and am also researching the design of programmable
hardware devices using the C language. |
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Programming - C++ |
My use of C++ has mostly revolved around
the creation of small components which require efficient use of
computer resources or refined control of system memory, as
well as the modification and customization of existing
applications developed in C++. Often, the components I
develop in C++ are used to complete an application in Visual
Basic.
Recently, I have gained a renewed interest
in the C++ language as a platform for large applications
intended for public consumption. This interest has lead
me to revisit the language so that I may learn the newest
programming methods and deepen my understanding of the
language. |
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Programming - C# |
I have not had an opportunity
to achieve any serious development projects in C#. However, I
am quite excited with the potential for the language and am
currently learning more about it and expect to pick the
language up quickly - especially given my experiences in
similar languages. |
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Programming - JavaScript |
JavaScript is a more recently acquired
programming language for me. However, I have used the language
quite heavily over the past 3 years - mostly in the
development of my personal website,
BrokenLeash.com, a
Flash-based website which makes heavy use of Macromedia's
ActionScript (a variant of JavaScript) to perform a variety of
very complex interactive and visual effects. In addition, I
have used JavaScript to extend the capabilities of
Macromedia's Flash design environment to automate several
complex and repetitive tasks. In one example, I was able to
reduce a task which originally took nearly a month of manual
work to subsequently be done within a period of 3 days. |
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Programming - ASP |
I have used Microsoft's Active Server Pages
(ASP) scripting language extensively over the past 10 years,
producing scripts which provide many complex and useful
functions, including:
- Scripts which access, display, and
manipulate data within SQL and Access databases
- Scripts capable of interfacing with
various server technologies (such as RADIUS servers, MS
Exchange, etc)
- Scripts providing server-side
functionality for Flash web pages (for example, creating
dynamic XML pages for client consumption)
- Scripts providing many other common
functions such as message boards, search engines, etc.
I have had few opportunities to use this
skill recently, but plan on returning my focus towards it for
several upcoming projects. |
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Programming - Assembly |
I have studied assembly language
extensively and had some limited experience with it for
developmental purposes, but have not had the significant
hands-on experience with it that I have had with most other
languages.
Being quite familiar with the inner workings
of digital systems, I find assembly quite straightforward (yet
still challenging) and very much look forward to using it in
any upcoming electronics projects which may require me to
develop code to control the device's behavior. |
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MS Access
Database Design |
I spent many years working with Microsoft
Access databases, but have had little opportunity to use them
in recent years. Occasionally I would design these databases
within Access for very simple data needs. More often, however,
I would create the databases to work with custom applications
capable of more customized behavior. I also would frequently
use Access as a temporary database solution while developing
an application which would eventually be configured to use the
more robust SQL engine instead. |
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MS SQL
Database Design |
I have had many chances to use Microsoft's
SQL server (as well as many other third-party SQL systems) for
a variety of reasons. The greatest example of this was during
the 2 year period in which my online service ran a massively
multiplayer online role playing game (MMORPG) server. All
player data was stored in a complex SQL database structure
which I was required to backup and maintain regularly. In
addition to the database administration, I also developed
custom applications to interact with the database - such as an
ASP script, which allowed users to monitor the server's
statistics from the system's website. |
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Graphics
Design - General |
I possess all of the 'core' skills that are
critical to the graphics design process. I am experienced with
many different raster and vector design and manipulation
applications, which I use for a variety of reasons - both to
create completed graphics as well as in conjunction with
other, more advanced, methods of graphics design (such as the
creation of texture maps for 3D modeling). |
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Graphics
Design - 3D Modeling & Animation |
Over the past 5 years I have developed
great aptitude for designing, animating, and rendering 3D
models using the 3DS Max software developed by Discreet. I
have completed many projects in this area, each more complex
than the last. The results of my most recent endeavor can be
seen on my personal website at
www.brokenleash.com.
There I have not only perform the process of creating,
rigging, animating, and rendering an animated character, but
have also optimized the output for conversion to Flash using
Electric Rain's Swift 3D rendering engine along with a
self-created project workflow. |
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Web Design
& Development |
My first website was created over 12 years
ago - well before the World-Wide Web was a household term.
Since then I have spent many years mastering many new
technologies which allow me to design eye-catching graphics as
well as develop functional applications to provide useful
features to the visitors of my sites. |
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Macromedia
Flash Design & Development |
Macromedia's Flash application has been one
of the most commonly used technologies for me over the past
few years, and as a result I consider myself extremely skilled
in its use. In addition to the traditional design capabilities
Flash provides, I have also master Flash's ActionScript
language (a variant of JavaScript) which allows pre-programmed
user interaction and visual effects to occur at run time. In
addition, I have recently begun extending the capabilities of
Flash itself by developing plug-in tools and scripts to
automate and enhance various parts of the design process. |
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Windows
Network Administration |
During the past 15 years I have
persistently administered networks based on Windows server
technologies. Originally this included the constantly
expanding network which ran my online service and later grew
to include a web server, and dial-up ISP functionality. After
being hired at Martek USA, I designed the new company's
network, which included T1 connections to offices in
Nashville, Little Rock, and Houston. To this day I maintain a
network of at least 6 machines handling my various personal
and professional projects. |
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Windows
Machine Operation |
I have nearly 20 years experience working
with various flavors of Microsoft's Windows operating system
and use several Windows systems daily. I am intimately
familiar with all of the inner workings of these systems and
am completely comfortable with their administration and
operation. |
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Linux
Machine Operation |
My experiences with Linux have generally
been limited in scope to specific applications for focused
purposes. As a result, I am familiar with the basic day-to-day
workings of Linux machines, but have not had the opportunity
to perform any in-depth administration of a Linux system.
I have studied Linux extensively and am
currently learning about Linux kernel development - which
should provide significant insight in to the inner workings of
Linux operating systems. |
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Macintosh
Machine Operation |
I have been a Macintosh owner for
approximately two years, and am very comfortable with the
daily operation of the system. I have also performed basic
configuration and administration functions, including
configuring the network, application installation, and other
common tasks. However, I still feel I have a bit to learn
about the low-level operations of the Mac OS. |
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Wide Area
Networking |
In working with various network
technologies I have had several occasions to develop and/or
maintain wide area networks (WANs). My greatest experience
with WAN technology occurred at my last employer, Martek USA.
There I designed and implemented a wide area network which used
dedicated T1 connections to link branches in Memphis,
Nashville, Little Rock, and Houston primarily using products
from Lucent. |
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Wireless
Networking |
I have designed and set up countless small
and mid-sized wireless networks using 802.11b and 802.11g
technologies, but have not had the opportunity for a large
scale deployment of the technology. I have also done
significant research and testing of the various security
protocols currently available to wireless networks. |
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Computer
Hardware Troubleshooting |
A necessity for anyone working
in computer technologies, I have well over 15 years experience
working with basic computer hardware systems. In addition, my
interest and resulting research of digital electronics design
and engineering provides me with a far deeper understanding of
the technology than the average hardware expert. |
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Network
Security |
A strong understanding of both wired and
wireless network protocols, a long history in working against
hacker intrusion, along with frequent experimentation with
known security flaws and exploits gives me a detailed
understanding of network security requirements.
Initially these skills were a necessity as I
was required to prevent system intrusion on my public online
service, I have increasingly pursued network/system security
as a hobby over the past 15 years. |
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Electronics Engineering |
Although never used in a professional
context, I have spent several years studying electronics
design and have completed many basic projects and experiments which require
a detailed knowledge of the inner workings of digital
circuits. I have found these skills greatly aid in my
understanding of hardware systems, as well as many aspects of
software development. My primary
achievements in this field revolve around the design of basic
circuits to achieve relatively simple results. However, I am
currently in the beginning stages of an experimental project
to use VHDL to design complex behaviors to be implemented in
programmable logic (specifically, on an FPGA). This is a
significant step for me and should open the door to many
projects which I have been interested in for pursuing for a
while, but have not had the experience to tackle. |
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Sales |
During my time as an independent
contractor, as well as with my previous employer, I have often
been required to perform a variety of sales functions and have
done so with great success.
That said, I must confess that this is a
skill born of necessity rather than any actual driving
interest in the sales field. As a result, I prefer to avoid
the role of 'salesman' whenever possible. |
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Robotics |
Given my programming and
electronics background, it should come as no surprise that I
am extremely interested in robotics. I own several robots, and
have researched robot design, building, and various
robot-related technologies quite extensively. Unfortunately,
lack of free time and a proper workshop have prevented me from
embarking on any serious robotics projects of my own so far. |
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Quantum Theory |
Quantum physics has been a
long-running interest of mine. I find it fascinating that the
behavior of matter at very small scales should be so
incredibly different from the laws of classic (Newtonian)
physics we observe in every day life. I believe these strange
and amazing behaviors (which Einstein considered 'spooky')
will be the driving force behind many unimaginable future
technologies. So while I am hardly an expert in the field, I
tend to spend much of my free time trying to learn more about
this bizarre field, and wrap my mind around its complexities.
(As the famous physicist, and pioneer in the field, Niels Bohr
said: "Anyone who can contemplate quantum mechanics without
getting dizzy hasn't understood it.") |
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Lasers |
Since I was a child I have been
extremely interested in both the function and application of
laser technologies. In fact, my interest in lasers predates
even my interest in computer technologies. As I recall, this
interest took root when I encountered my very first hologram
(on the cover of a National Geographic magazine, I
believe). I became intensely interested in holography and, as
a side-effect, lasers. While I still have a passing interest
in the field of holography, my focus has expanded to include
virtually all of the applications of laser technology. In
addition, my increased understanding of the science behind
lasers, has given me insight in to their operation that I
would never have been able to conceive of at such a young age. |
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Science (General) |
I have always had a curious
mind and, as a result, an innate interest in science. Since my
teenage years I have been particularly drawn to the more
exotic sciences - perhaps because they consistently present me
with intellectual challenges, or maybe because they appeal so
readily to my imagination (it could also be that attempting to
explain string theory to the uninitiated makes one sound far
more impressive than is actually the case!) Regardless the
cause, I frequently find myself reading scientific literature
covering completely arbitrary topics. It is easy for me to
envision that, had my life taken any number of alternative
paths, I could easily have ended up specializing in any of a
hundred different fields - all scientific in nature. |
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Cryptography |
While I have always had a
passing interest in cryptography (mostly as a bi-product of my
network and computer security skills), this interest has
really blossomed recently, as a result of my reading Simon
Singh's excellent book on the history and science of
cryptography, titled The Code Book.
My hope is to continue to learn more about
encryption technologies, and incorporate this new knowledge in
to future programming and electronics projects. |
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Mathematics |
Calling mathematics an interest
of mine might be a little misleading. Unlike many of my 'math
geek' friends, I do not always enjoy the monotony of math as
much as I do my other intellectual pursuits. However,
mathematics plays such a key role in so many of my other
interests that I have often found it necessary to exert
tremendous effort towards enhancing my mathematical prowess in
order to further my understanding of other (dare I say 'more
interesting') sciences and technologies.
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Art (General) |
As both a creative and
technology-minded individual, I have been
interested in computer art since the early days of personal
computers - when systems were capable of only 16 colors at a
time. I now apply my artistic vision in a variety of different
ways - from 3D modeling, animation and effects, to digital
photography and photo manipulation (see 'Professional Skills'
above). In addition, I
have begun to express my talents in a variety of
non-technological means, such as acrylic painting and
sketches. While strictly amateur in nature, these low tech
endeavors provide me with an additional outlet for my
creativity, and I enjoy them greatly! Future artistic projects may
include combining artistic principles with my technology
skills to produce high tech art! |
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