Research Work

In early 2009 one of my professors approached me about a research position that he had open. The research was aimed at analyzing the correlation between math and programming skills at a junior high school level. I was all for it.

The platform of Adobe Flash was chosen because the students would be able to design and create their own flash games that they could take home with them. I was put in charge of creating an appropriate computer programming curriculum together aimed at 7th to 9th grade students. This was a great experience that really got me intrigued with how to best design curriculum in an entertaining, effective, and motivating manner.

Freelance Work

I first started designing websites for people (other than my family) in the beginning of 2009. I always strive to build standards-compliant sites that exceed all of the client's desires. Most of my work is done in XHTML strict. In my portfolio you can see some of the sites that I have built for others.

When I teach advanced web development classes we will find real clients to develop for. This will be a great opportunity for the students to learn how to professionally interact in a business setting. It will also help build portfolio pieces for future clients and college applications.

My Education

I began my bachelor's degree at Brigham Young University in the Fall of 2008. I transferred to BYU I found that they had a Technology Education program which was exactly what I wanted to go into.

I have always loved teaching. I feel that there is not much better than improving other people's lives through sharing knowledge.

Additionally, as my wife will tell you, I am also kind of a nerd. I spend much of free time furthuring my skills in programming and design. I don't know of a better combination for a technology teacher.

My Daughter

On June 17^th, 2008 my daughter Mikayla Grace was born. She was perfect. I say that in a completely unbiased opinion. She was born healthy and strong. The first night we had her home I jumped out of bed every 20 minutes because I was so nervous that she was choking each time she made any sound. To all the future fathers out there, you do not need to do that.

My wife still had two weeks of school left after Mikayla was born. I am very grateful for her pushing through those last two weeks to finish her bachelor's degree in Music. Mikayla has been a marvelous addition to our family that has changed our lives forever.

Sales Experience

Three days after my wedding we moved to Santa Clarita, California (about 30 minutes north of Los Angeles) where I sold pest control from Clark Pest Control.

This experience taught me that sales was not a position that I would like to have for a career. It did however earn me enough money to be able to graduate from college debt free.

My Wife

On April 13^th of 2007 I married my best friend - Aubrey Anne Birch. We had met some six years earlier after my family and I moved to Cokeville Wyoming. Aubrey and I became good friends very quickly. The day after we first held hands and considered starting to date, I got a fortune cookie that said:

Sometimes a good friendship is better than a romantic relationship.

Good thing I'm not superstitious! We are happily married and are planning on having a second child some time in the near future.