I Make Cool Stuff
MS Digital Media / May 2024
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I just finished my Master of Science in Digital Media at the Georgia Institute of Technology. I chose to study Computational Media during undergrad, and subsequently pursue my master's in Digital Media in order to highlight both my love of technology and satisfy my creativity.
I enjoy learning UI/UX design and front-end development. My brother is greyscale colorblind, and I have watched him struggle to use web applications. While freelancing through the pandemic, I worked with many elderly people who were attempting to learn how to use web conferencing software to attend professional conferences, keep in touch with their friends/family, and attend virtual funerals. I saw firsthand the frustrations people experienced, and I realized that not all challenges can be solved by better design, but many can. I am still learning the tools to create visually appealing and accessible interfaces, but I always strive to create and design with accessibility and usability at the forefront. In my free time, I want to highlight the stories of those often forgotten, and tell stories to give hope to younger generations. I have struggled throughout my life with my mental health and my identity as a transgender man. So often, I think to myself, “if I had seen people like me as a child, this would be so much easier”. I am trying to use my skills and my story to be that person for the queer youth attempting to find themselves now and in the future. While I do not know exactly how or where I will tell my story and emphasize that people like us get happy endings, I continue to share my experience in every small way I can and hope to continue expanding my audience with time. Feel free to check out my Pride Month feature on the Georgia Tech College of Computing webpage here. |
Be the person you needed when you were a kid.” |
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Outside of class, I was graduate teaching assistant for CS 4460: Intro to Information Visualization. I took this course during my undergraduate studies, and became fascinated with the way visualization can enhance our understanding of data. I continued to use these principles in my Master's work. I see data as a powerful tool that can inform decisions, and enjoy using visualization to communicate with business leaders.
During my time in undergrad, I worked part-time as a Student Broadcasting Intern at Georgia Tech Athletics, and averaged 15-20 hours per week. With that said, the nature of the industry lead to a “feast or famine” work environment. I continue freelance around the city in the live and event and sports industry. I loved my work and the technical challenges it presents me. I acknowledge that this work limited my involvement on campus, however, I am most proud of my proven ability to excel academically and build a professional reputation in the broadcast trade. In my post grad life, I find myself becoming a full person again, exploring Atlanta, gardening badly, scuba diving, and volunteering at the local animal shelter. I am excitedly looking for a role that will allow me to continue designing and enjoying life. My partner and I are currently looking for a place to call home be that in Georgia, the United States, or abroad. |
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Work History
CS 4460 Graduate Teaching Assistant - Georgia Tech School of Interactive Computing
Host office hours to assist students with homework, and answer questions regarding course content
Monitor course online forum and answer questions from students regarding course logistics
Grade student assignments and provide feedback to help foster student growth
Host office hours to assist students with homework, and answer questions regarding course content
Monitor course online forum and answer questions from students regarding course logistics
Grade student assignments and provide feedback to help foster student growth
Product Intern - MerchantE
Conducted user interviews and developed user personas for various stakeholders within the company
Identified pain points with current tools and processes
Prototyped proposed solutions to improve user experience on MerchantE platforms
Conducted user interviews and developed user personas for various stakeholders within the company
Identified pain points with current tools and processes
Prototyped proposed solutions to improve user experience on MerchantE platforms
Student Broadcast Intern - Georgia Tech Athletics
Work with full-time and freelance staff to support both in-house videoboard shows and television broadcasts
Assist in entry level work, and develop skills on professional broadcast equipment
Work with full-time and freelance staff to support both in-house videoboard shows and television broadcasts
Assist in entry level work, and develop skills on professional broadcast equipment
Virtual Event Consultant/Technician - Self Employed
Consult with conference planning committee to create a seamless virtual event
Serve as technical support for guests and presenters
Facilitate meetings during conference to provide the look and feel requested by client
Consult with conference planning committee to create a seamless virtual event
Serve as technical support for guests and presenters
Facilitate meetings during conference to provide the look and feel requested by client
Sports Videographer and Showcase Manager - SkillShow
As a Videographer
Ensure proper framing of skill drills and games
Communicate with players and coaches to accommodate any roster changes/substitutions
Maintain personal and equipment safety at all times
As a Showcase Manager
Train new videographers
Assist parents/players in purchasing recruiting videos
Diagnose any technical issues
Work as a videographer in the event of a no show
As a Videographer
Ensure proper framing of skill drills and games
Communicate with players and coaches to accommodate any roster changes/substitutions
Maintain personal and equipment safety at all times
As a Showcase Manager
Train new videographers
Assist parents/players in purchasing recruiting videos
Diagnose any technical issues
Work as a videographer in the event of a no show