Undergraduate Education

As an incoming Junior at UC San Diego, I was initially in a rush to complete my two year journey towards completing an undergraduate degree. UC San Diego provided many opportunities to become engaged academically.

After completing my first quarter I was able to pursue an undergraduate research opportunity through PhD Ali Irturk. This experience led to my involvement in undergraduate research with PhD Ryan Kastner and PhD Candidate Christopher Barngrover over the next two years.

In addition to my research in Underwater Mine Detection, I 'clustered' in Artificial Intelligence and through this experience I was exposed to many different machine learning and statistical models. One of the most inspirational instructors at UC San Diego was Professor Lawrence Saul. His class on Artificial Intelligence: Search and Reasoning was by far one of the most challenging and educational experiences of my undergraduate career. This experience showed me how computers can be applied to real-world problems.

Although my undergraduate education extended well beyond the classroom; many of my instructors in college had a profound influence on my Computer Science career and direction. One notable professor was PhD Paul Kube who I had the pleasure of taking three different classes from as well as working under him as a tutor.

First Classes

Starting at Grossmont Community College in El Cajon, CA when I was sixteen years old. These classes with PhD Ronald Norman and Mike Qualls provided a welcoming introduction to many of the programming fundamentals I continue to apply today.

After completing these computer science courses, my interest and performance led me to be a tutor at Grossmont. This experience supported by the dean, Janet Gelb and lab manager, Donald Craine enabled me to gain a more thorough understanding of computer science and enabled me to be prepared for the more rigorous program at UC San Diego.

First Exposure

When I was an infant, I would watch my parents and older siblings interacting with the computer. I would see my parents writing documents for work and my brothers playing video games such as 'Doom'. Perhaps my favorite program was a crossword puzzle generator. My mother would generate crossword puzzles tailored to my academic interests. The crossword puzzle program became one of my favorite programs because of it's ability to combine words in an 'intelligent' way.

Throughout the remainder of my childhood, I took every opportunity I could to learn more about computers. When I was eight years old I received a computer as a gift from my parents. Over the next six years, I tore that computer apart many times and learned how to put it back together. Making small upgrades until the new machine bared little resemblance of the original machine I received on my eighth birthday.

My two favorite things; Computer Science & Chipotle! There isn't a computer science problem that I haven't been able to figure out with a full Mr. Pipp and my crispy tacos!

BS Computer Science

UC San Diego (2011 to 2013) - Course History

A student in the Computer Science and Engineering department of the Jacobs School of Engineering. This intensive academic program coupled with my participation in undergraduate research made my experience very rewarding.

AS Mathematics & AA University Studies

Grossmont College (2009 to 2011) - Course History

Grossmont provided a very beneficial and cost-effective approach to my lower-division college education. Furthermore, it provided the opportunity to participate in a very diverse academic setting.

Grade School

The Learning Choice Academy (2004 - 2009) - Course History

I attended this school for 8th grade under the instruction of Leslie Emmons. When I entered high school I fell under the instruction of Jeff Follett. Between these two excellent educational partners, I was able to accomplish a variety of academic and non-academic goals. Goals which would not have been possible given a traditional education experience. I believe Jeff and Leslie enabled me to become the person I am today. In addition to my education through The Learning Choice Academy, my educational partners advised me to take classes at Grossmont College and Glendale Community College concurrently with my high school classes.

Greater San Diego Academy (2002 - 2004)

Inspired by my friend, Hunter Owens, I decided to try a homeschooling program (referred to as an independent student program) through the Greater San Diego Academy. This school was located in Jamul, CA a few miles away from La Mesa, CA (my residence). I attended this school for 6th and 7th grade until my educational partner, Leslie Emmons (my teacher) decided to relocate.

Murdock Elementary (1995 - 2002)

Murdock Elementary School was by far one of the most enriching experiences of my childhood. While enrolled I had several very different and fantastic teachers. These instructors helped nurture the fundamental morals I believe in today; these included treating others the way you wanted to be treated. Lying among other poor behaviors were not accepted at this school.

Preschool

The Grey Rabbit Preschool (1993 - 1995)

Grey Rabbit was an excellent pre-school. Although I remember very little about my experience there; I can say their care for me was exceptional. While I was a student at Grey Rabbit, the institution was vandalized. Although this didn't affect me physically, it did teach me that the world is full of people that are best to avoid.