Welcome: A bit about me

Hey there! Thanks for stopping by. I'm excited to share my journey and insights with you here on my very first blog.

Introduction

I'm originally from Los Angeles, CA, and my career path has been anything but linear, which I love! I spent a decade in the USAF, where I gained a wide range of experiences. I started by working directly with active duty and veteran patients, helping them understand and manage their dietary restrictions. Later, I transitioned into managing training programs for vital functions like intelligence and airfield operations, honing my skills in communication and operational efficiency.

My passion truly ignited when I had the unique opportunity to work at North Spark Defense Lab in Grand Forks, ND. This is where I discovered my profound love for innovation and creation, particularly through the transformative power of AI. It was in this role that I saw firsthand how emerging technologies could solve complex problems and drive significant change, especially within a critical defense context. Beyond AI, my time in the military also opened my eyes to crucial gaps in UI/UX and general design that directly impact the effectiveness and safety of the warfighter. These experiences sparked a drive in me to bridge those divides.

My Logo: A Symbol of Problem-Solving

You might notice my logo, which is essentially a 'J' formed by pieces fitting into a grid. This design isn't just about my initial; it's a visual representation of how I approach challenges. For me, life and work are often about taking complex, fragmented problems and strategically fitting the pieces together to create a cohesive, functional, and innovative solution. It's about finding order in complexity and building something new from disparate elements, a core philosophy I bring to everything from analytics to AI integration.

But wait there's more…

Academically, I hold a Bachelor of Science in Business Analytics, and I'm currently expanding my knowledge as a graduate student at Purdue University. This academic journey complements my practical experience, equipping me with the tools to analyze and innovate at a deeper level.

So, why a blog? My mind is constantly buzzing with new ideas and research. I'm doing a lot of deep dives into the realm of AI use cases, from practical applications to the broader implications of AI governance and policy on both a defense and global scale. I'm also interested in the strategic AI integration into existing systems. This blog will be a space to explore these topics, share my findings, and discuss how my diverse background allows me to approach these challenges from a unique perspective.

When I'm not diving into data or exploring the complexities of AI, you'll find me embracing life as a dad, enjoying a good cup of coffee, navigating the unique journey of being a military spouse, and unwinding by making music (FL Studio is my favorite DAW). These personal passions keep me grounded and fuel my creative thinking.

I'm eager to explore how my unique background in operations, training, and innovation can bridge the gap between business needs and technological solutions, especially in the exciting world of artificial intelligence and impactful design.