About
I built this site for a few reasons...
I’ve been working as a web developer in one form or another for more than twenty years. Would you trust a mechanic who doesn’t have their own car? Maybe. I figured it couldn’t hurt to put some effort into a personal project to go along with my professional work.
Speaking of work, there isn’t always time to try new things when I’m on the clock. Think of this site as a professional sandbox. For example, this site was created with Gatsby and Drupal. I work on Drupal sites in my full-time gig, and I wanted to learn more about static site generators.
Finally—and I’ve said this before, but I feel it’s worth repeating: I’m not a visionary, or a rock star in my field. I’m good at my job, and I love what I do. So, why do I need this outlet to share my thoughts and examples of my work? I’m doing this, at least in part, for my wife. She’s heard all my stories. Having been together for more than two decades, she needs this as much as I do.
So, who am I?
I’m a web developer, a geographer, and an artist. I want to be a painter, traveling to exotic locales and studying the landscape from behind an easel, (note to self: buy an easel). Or, maybe a musician, playing and singing my heart out. I want to have my own line of handmade, one-of-a-kind jewelry, (I even have a name for my brand.) I want to try Krav Maga, or Jiu Jistu--except the pandemic has put me off those types of activities for the time being. I love being outdoors, but I also love video games. And Legos—any Legos.
I love to learn, I love to try new things.* I don’t like to discuss politics. I like to watch sports with my wife because she doesn’t mind when I ask her to explain the rules to me. That’s who I am. Nice to meet you.
* Within reason. I mean, I’m going to try new things that appeal to me. For example, I don’t like fish. So, I won’t be trying sushi. Raw fish—hard pass.
Professional and Academic Experience
Jobs
University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS
IT Associate Programmer (May 2022 - Present)IT Assistant Programmer (July 2015 - May 2022)
- Design and develop custom applications using Drupal content management system (CMS) software
- Provide web development support, CMS administration, and custom application development for the School of Business
- Implement sleek, highly functional, and responsive web interfaces using modern JavaScript and CSS frameworks and libraries
- Fetch and process JSON-formatted data using JavaScript and PHP
- Apply user centered design principles to create intuitive, positive experiences
- Review CMS sites for compliance with university and accessibility standards
- Contribute digital design assets, from concept to execution
- Lead and participate in web development training for team members
- Participate in conferences and meetings as organizer, presenter, and attendee
- Serve as lead for development projects, communicating directly with client stakeholders
- Mentor junior team members
Web development:
HTML, CSS, Sass, JavaScript, JSON, jQuery, Vue.js, React, Bootstrap, Drupal Content Management System (CMS), PHP, Symfony, Twig, MySQL, SQL, WordPress, version control (Gitlab)
Server/OS:
Linux, Bash scripting, Docker, Apache web server, MySQL
Design:
responsive web design, UI/UX, accessibility, digital asset design (infographics, icons, logos,) Photoshop, Illustrator, XD, Inkscape (open-source vector graphic editor)
Team/Organization:
leadership, collaboration, communication, public speaking, customer service
Bartlett & West, Topeka, KS
Senior GIS Developer (July 2013 - July 2015)GIS Developer (November 2011 - July 2013)
- Collaborated with analysts, database administrators, and project managers to gather requirements, develop, deploy, and support enterprise solutions for clients operating nationally and internationally
- Designed and programmed custom, web-based software solutions with emphasis on map-based data management tools
- Interacted with client stakeholders on-site, and remotely
- Planned and implemented relational database designs for web-based applications, using SQL Server and ASP.NET
- Leveraged web services and application programming interfaces (APIs) from client-side applications using JavaScript
- Developed map controls using HTML and JavaScript to replace existing Silverlight components
- Constructed wireframe diagrams to prototype application interface designs
- Created custom graphics for application branding and user interface elements
- Participated in code reviews to reinforce standards and best practices
- Provided direction for application development as project lead
- Mentored junior team members
Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
ArcMap, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS API for JavaScript
Web development:
HTML, CSS, Sass, JavaScript, jQuery, jQuery UI, C#, ASP.NET, SQL Server, SQL, version control (Visual Studio Team Foundation Server)
Design:
responsive web design, UI/UX, digital asset design, (icons, logos,) Inkscape, Basalmiq
Team/Organization:
leadership, collaboration, communication, public speaking, customer service
Riley County, KS, Manhattan, KS
Senior GIS Analyst (October 2011 - November 2011)GIS Director (June 2010 - October 2011)
In October 2011 the county commissioners moved the Geographic Information Systems (GIS) department under the existing Information Technology (IT) department. As a result, the GIS Director position was eliminated, and the Senior GIS Analyst position was created.
As Senior GIS Analyst and GIS Director:
- Installed and configured server software, including ArcGIS Server components, Web server software, and relational database management systems
- Maintained the County’s ArcGIS Server implementation, including an enterprise geodatabase
- Scripted data migration processes using Esri’s ArcPy Python site package
- Organized project requests through the implementation of a custom-designed work order system, using Drupal’s content management system (CMS) software
- Constructed complex models to automate nightly tasks
- Supported county staff through map creation and data analysis
- Assisted staff by troubleshooting issues related to software and analytical questions
Additional responsibilities as GIS Director:
- Prepared annual budgets by efficiently allocating funds in a reasonable and responsible manner
- Presented monthly updates to the Board of County Commissioners, and as needed for special projects and requests
Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
ArcMap, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS API for JavaScript, ArcIMS, ArcInfo, ArcPy (Python site package), ArcView GIS
Web development:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, jQuery UI, Drupal Content Management System (CMS), PHP, SQL Server, SQL
Design:
responsive web design, UI/UX, digital asset design (icons, logos,) Inkscape, cartography
Team/Organization:
local government administration, collaboration, communication, public speaking, customer service
Free State Photography and Design LLC, Gardner, KS
Owner, Photographer and Designer (June 2007 - June 2010)
- Founded a private company to provide personal and commercial photography and design services
- Photographed individuals and families and provided finishing services, including color enhancement and retouching
- Provided custom web development services for small businesses, including support
- Designed printed promotional materials for clients
- Consulted with new and existing local businesses to establish and update Web sites for marketing products and services
- Produced art prints for display and sale inside a small business in downtown Olathe
Photography:
family portraiture, promotional photography, finishing, (retouching, color correction)
Web development:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Drupal Content Management System (CMS)
Design:
responsive web design, UI/UX, digital asset design (branding, CMS theme elements), Inkscape, GNU Image Manipulation Program
Customer service:
client consultation, communication, client (CMS) training
City of Olathe, KS, Olathe, KS
GIS Programmer (July 2001 - June 2010)
- Supported the implementation and development of enterprise-wide GIS services
- Collaborated with GIS staff to create custom, standardized templates for web-based mapping applications, delivering content from ArcIMS and ArcGIS Server services
- Designed, programmed, and tested desktop and web-based GIS applications for internal and external use
- Managed inter-departmental GIS and information technology projectss
- Developed and delivered effective training to staff and studentss
- Created and presented the Olathe GIS/Information Technology Services (ITS) learning station for the Learning About Olathe third-grade program
- Contributed to the graphic design and programming of the City's internet and intranet sites
- Provided digital assets for web graphics and program branding, including infographics, icons, and logos
Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
ArcMap, ArcGIS Server, ArcGIS API for JavaScript, ArcIMS, ArcInfo, ArcView GIS, MapObjects
Web development:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, jQuery UI, Active Server Pages (ASP), VB Script, ActionScript (Flash), SQL Server, SQL
Design:
UI/UX, digital asset design (icons, logos, CMS theme elements,) Inkscape, GNU Image Manipulation Program, cartography
Team/Organization:
public speaking, customer service
Metropolitan Community Colleges, Kansas City, MO
Adjunct Faculty, Geography (January 2008 - May 2010)
- Instructed students at the Longview and Maple Woods campuses
- Developed lesson plans and student evaluation materials for GEOG 228: Administrative Issues in GIS
- Facilitated discussion of GIS concepts and increased awareness of issues related to managing a GISS
- Provided hands-on experience through projects modeled after real-world scenarioss
Geographic Information Systems (GIS):
ArcMap, ArcGIS Server
Teaching:
course development, instruction, student evaluation
Apertech Professional Solutions, Inc., Gardner, KS
Co-Owner, Web Developer (March 2008 - April 2009)
- Helped launch a private corporation to provide technology solutions based on open-source products
- Established timelines based on client needs and design specifications for Web site development projects
- Designed custom themes for the Drupal content management system
- Provided support for projects through documentation and onsite training
Web development:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, jQuery, Drupal Content Management System (CMS)
Design:
responsive web design, UI/UX, digital asset design (branding, CMS theme elements,) Inkscape, GNU Image Manipulation Program (open-source image editor)
Customer service:
client consultation, communication, client (CMS) training
M.J. Harden Associates, Kansas City, MO
Software Developer (February 2000 - July 2001)
- Constructed detailed project plans and estimates based on specifications from clients and project managers
- Created and maintained desktop and web-based GIS applications for internal and external use
- Traveled to client sites to assist with installation, training, and application development
- Provided support, troubleshooting issues affecting a wide range of programming languages and software
- Presented at technical seminars and conferences
Geographic Information Systems:
ArcInfo, ArcView GIS, ArcIMS, ArcMap
Application development:
Visual Basic 6.0
Web development:
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Active Server Pages (ASP), VB Script
Team/Organization:
client consultation, public speaking, customer service