USAT - User System of Astrogeology Technologies

Dr. Dieter Otte is our wonderful Capstone Advisor/Mentor.

Background:
I spent my first year and a half at NAU dabbling in many different fields before deciding upon Computer Science, making this my fifth year here. I intend to graduate next fall with a Bachelors of Applied Computer Science with a minor in Studio Art. I was born and raised in Peoria, Arizona. I currently work part time at Staples in their EasyTech department as a sales associate, although I am working with my bosses to become certified to work on computers as well. My hobbies include reading a good book, sketching, and exploring the internet. I also enjoy camping and hunting in the forest with my father.

Relevant Skills:
Throughout my experience at NAU, I have used Java, C/C++, and Python. I've also programmed websites using HTML/CSS, Javascript, and SQL. I am most familiar with using Windows systems, however I am eager to learn Linux systems. I have always enjoyed programming GUIs, especially the design and creative aspects of implementing user interfaces.

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Background:
I was born in Midland, TX, but lived mostly in Tucson, AZ growing up. From an early age I was very interested in figuring out how things worked, and this interest developed into a strong set of problem solving skills. Being mechanically minded, I rebuilt a 1978 Camaro in high school which I still drive to this day. I didn't really get into computers until after I graduated in 2006. I moved to Flagstaff in 2009 to pursue a degree in computer science.

Work Experience:
Before I moved to Flagstaff, I began working in the Contaminant Transport Lab at the University of Arizona. I started out cleaning glassware in the wetlab, but soon began working on the Lab's computers and network as well as assisting graduate students in their research. Part of this research involved going to Argonne and Lawrence Berkeley National Labs to collect data using the synchrotron light sources at those facilities. This data was used to analyze how contaminants are transported through various soils and visiting these facilities only served to increase my interest in science, and physics in particular. When I moved to Flagstaff, I got a job at the NAU Student Technology Center, provding tech support and computer repair for the student population. I also work at the NAU Transportation Service Center Garage where I service and maintain the fleet of state vehicles that NAU uses. Both of these jobs are quite rewarding because they allow me to work with my two greatest interests: cars and computers.

Future Ambitions:
After I graduate from NAU, I hope to get a job in a computer related field. My main interests in computers are hardware and systems administration, so working as a SysAdmin would be a pretty cool gig. Eventually I will probably continue on to graduate school and further my studies in computer science and/or physics.

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Occupation:
I work with a group of USGS IT Specialist's at Southwest Biological Science Center(SBSC) in Flagstaff, Arizona. As of 1/22/2012, I have over 5 years of combined IT experience and all the knowledge I gained from was from being a quick, on-the-job learner. My service to USGS as a Computer Clerk ranges from: basic Technical Support, Server Administration/Installation & Setup, basic Database Administration/Restoration, Network Troubleshooting/Administration, and some Software Engineering duties. Everything I do at USGS gives me a sense of importance as a respectable representative of the IT support staff by understanding, planning, and resolving problems. The reason I chose to pursue this project is because it is sponsored by the USGS Astrological division.

Future Ambitions:
After graduation, I would like to start a career in the Software Engineering or Database Administration, not specifically but roughly in those field categories. One thing I love most about my professional or personal work is seeing the end product of a software system or creating a solution for a problem.

About Myself:
I was born and raised in Tucson. I've used computers since I was 5 years old and built my own custom computers since I was 9 years old. At the age of 11, years of computer gaming sparked my interest of becoming a programmer. In order to continue my dream to be a Software Developer, I enrolled at Northern Arizona University. I am working on my Bachelors in Computer Science and my minor in Mathematics.

Some of my main hobbies are: learning new programming languages, creating personal software programs, being a car/computer enthusiast, and an avid outdoors-man. I am engaged and soon to be married in July of 2012. In the same year, I will be welcoming into the world my baby girl in May of 2012.

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Background:
I was born in Madison, SD in December, 1989 and lived there until 6th grade when my family moved a couple hours south to Vermillion, SD. In school I was always enjoyed math and science, but I didn't realize my interest in computers until I took a computer hardware class my sophomore year in high school. I decided to pursue a degree in computer science after participating a program that gave high school students a chance to meet with entrepreneurs around the state. I am currently in my final semester at Northern Arizona University and will be graduating with a Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science this May. I am searching for employment in the field of Software Engineering.

Related Experience:
Last summer I had an IT internship with Lava Logistics, which is a small company located in North Sioux City, SD. This was a great opportunity for me because it allowed me to participate in some software development along with IT tasks. Before that I held a student IT assistant position for the Department of Residence Life at NAU where I gained many skills working with deployment and maintenance of windows systems and network infrastructure. In the summer of 2010 I participated in a Research Experience for Undergraduates (REU) program at Dakota State University in Madison, SD where I got some hands on experience working on a network security project.

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