1. What do you do, and how long have you been doing it?
For the past two years, I’ve been a software developer on the 3D geospatial platform Cesium in Philadelphia, PA. There I’ve done 3D geospatial open source software development, work on open standards for streaming 3D, and various outreach among the open source, 3D, and geospatial communities. I’ve recently started project management for a new application applying our technology which has been a rewarding challenge.
2. What was your first job?
I jumped right into Software Development as an intern at Thomson Reuters working on front-end development.
3. Where did you complete your formal education?
I studied at Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA where I received a BS in Computer Science with a minor in Digital Media. There, I pursued both technology and design, and dove headfirst into 3D through games.
4. How did you first get involved with ACM SIGGRAPH?
I’d heard other students raving about SIGGRAPH at university, but I didn’t get involved until my professional career, when Cesium’s-now-CEO, Patrick Cozzi, suggested I present at the 2018 Carto BOF about the work we’ve been doing at Cesium. I was nervous speaking to this audience for the first time, but the attendees were so welcoming and engaging!
5. What is your favorite memory of a SIGGRAPH conference?
Definitely when I first walked in the conference hall and the scale of everything hit me. The sheer number of people than I could have imagined and the atmosphere was so positive and enthusiastic!
6. Describe a project that you would like to share with the ACM SIGGRAPH community.
While completing my undergrad at Drexel, a classmate and I formed a small company to release a mobile game. This was part of an organization of which we were founding members, the Drexel Entrepreneurial Game Studio, that functioned like a small incubator for student game companies.
7. If you could have dinner with one living or non-living person, who would it be and why?
I’ve always been interested in the writing of Malcom Galdwell because of his in diverse topics of interests and ability to make unexpected connections between very different things. I think it would make for curious and engaging dinner conversation.
8. What is something most people don’t know about you?
I’m a big fan of horror! Movies, games, stories – You name it.
9. From which single individual have you learned the most in your life? What did they teach you?
This is a hard question! I’ve learned so much from everyone around me from my parents, to my friends, to my professional cohorts. But, as a “learn by doing” individual, I think I’ve learned the most from myself through the mistakes I’ve made and the lessons I’ve taken away from those experiences.
10. Is there someone in particular who has influenced your decision to work with ACM SIGGRAPH?
Patrick Cozzi encouraged me to speak on behalf of Cesium at the Carto BOF in 2018. He’s been an invaluable mentor in helping me to get involved with ACM SIGGRAPH, improve my communication skills, and in most of my professional career.
11. What can you point to in your career as your proudest moment?
This year, I won the title Younger Geospatial Professional of the Year at the Spar 3D Conference where I was given the privilege of speaking during the keynote session. I was able to present a talk on “Why 3D?” for data visualization right before speakers from Disney and National Geographic!