My Time Here

PictureEngaging students with Legos in the classroom
When I am asked "what do I do for a living?" I fondly recall a conversation with someone who left me with some wise words that now become my response.  "I live".  When I look back on how I arrived at this point, it becomes quite clear, I live to build.  

As a small boy I loved to build Legos. Then having technology at my fingertips since the 1970's, I found myself building electronics then computers and then software.  When I left college to become a Marine Officer, I found myself building Marines.  As I entered the private sector, I was building software for the internet.  When I married my wife and we began having our family, I found myself building kids.  Along the way as I built my own consulting practice, I learned how to be entrepreneurial.  Now having spent almost two decades in higher education as a teacher, speaker, adviser, and mentor, I was building up anyone seeking to create or recreate a better version of themselves.

Simply put, I build.

Upbringing

Having grown up in the 1970's and 1980's I have seen the dawn of the home video game era.  During that same timeframe, the Star Wars series debuted on the big screens.  The two together ignited my imagination and propelled my interest in all things technology.  I was equally interested in space exploration.  So the path became some what set to study the computer sciences in college.    

Family

My family inspires me in that I do.  My wife who is a professional demonstrates a high level of dedication in all she does.  My children are beginning their own journeys and I learn from all of them.  

Military

I am a twelve year Marine Corps Veteran both active duty and reserves.  My entrance into the Marine Corps began during my college years at Penn State University as I completed the Platoon Leaders Classes in Quantico, Virginia.  Upon graduation from college, I was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant of Marines and began travelling the globe.  My goal was to be part of the aviation community in order to reach my other goal of becoming an astronaut.  Although my astronaut goal never fully emerged, I found myself working side by side with the greatest men and woman Marines.  Many of the lessons I learned there, I carry with me today. 

Career In Technology & learning

I cannot say I intended to be in higher education for as long as I have remained.  My path to arrive at this particular point was not straight nor planned.  However, as my life path shows, I enjoy 'building'.  When I arrived at this point, I was fortunate enough to be part of the development of a brand new technology degree.  While this time in higher education has been immensely rewarding, I realize I am still learning and being prepared for more great things.  In 2015, I was honored to receive two prestigious awards (Penn State Information Sciences and Technology (IST) All State Faculty Award & Penn State Worthington Scranton Advisory Board Award for Teaching) for teaching and use these

While in the classroom I have developed a simple outlook that has me always asking "how do I make this more engaging"?  The classroom can be challenging but why should it not also be a great experience.

Learn more of what I have done in the class that make it more engaging.