I am 59 years old (yes, I am old; I know that already, no need to remind me :D LOL). I received a Master of Information Systems degree from the University of Phoenix in 2011 and a Master of Science in Cybersecurity from Southern New Hampshire University in 2018. I will transfer to the University of the Potomac to complete my Doctoral Degree in Computer Science. I live in Capitol Heights, MD. That's a long story with my sister, but it's working out; I'm glad I had a good rapport with my family when the economy went sour in 2009. I learned very early that we, as people, can perform incredible acts of benevolence and malevolence. This is how I choose to look at life: while I seek the good in people, I must also acknowledge that it is evil in those same individuals (the very essence of a Hacker). Yes, I was a hacker in my past life. This has even influenced how I view technology; I know that there are many achievements because of technological advances, but there are also many detractors. It is with this philosophy that I teach my classes.
Throughout my career, I have worked for several companies, gaining a wealth of knowledge from these experiences. I love anime and manga, but I must admit that I don't do cosplay. To quote a line from a movie I once saw, "I can't do that, I just can't do that, because I feel the shame that they should feel." I know that is a bad thing to say, but remember, it takes all kinds.
At one time, I worked for the Sinclair Broadcasting Group as a Systems Engineer assigned to their Multimedia Research and Development group for NextGen TV. This experience taught me a great deal about culture and how not everyone is suited for every environment. I used to work for the NAACP as the Director of Information Technology Security in Baltimore, MD (It sounds more impressive than it is). I continue to provide freelance services to various clients in the areas of consultation and advocacy. I was a Communications and Systems Engineer at AECOM. However, due to COVID-19, I was laid off because AECOM lost some of the contracts I worked on. Before that, I worked as a Senior Systems Engineer for Rockwell Collins (Formerly ARINC) in Annapolis, MD. I worked on developing technology and equipment for implementing a Positive Train Control (PTC) Interconnect network (Railway Net), and I also revised and updated standards for PTC Electronics and Environmental Factors. Working on this project was a blast since it covered many things I am interested in: Electronics, Computers, Automation, Control Systems, and Trains. Additionally, while working as a Distinguished Member of Technical Staff at Verizon Laboratories 11 years ago, I helped develop technology for which I have applied for 16 Patent Applications and received 14 Patents, with 2 Patents Pending. You can call me a "Lab Rat."
My hobbies are Electronics, Computers (Programming and Building), Automation, Old Tube Radio Restoration, TV/Electronics Repair, and watching any Movie on the SyFy Channel (Can you say "Mega Python vs. Gatoroid," and of course "Sharknado, Sharknado 2, Sharknado 3, Sharknado 4, Sharknado 5, and Sharknado 6?) :D ROFLOL.
