I am currently embarking on my 3rd decade solving interesting problems using available technologies and an eye for efficient and practical solutions. I have worked in such diverse areas as image-processing and robotics, software development, corporate systems management, small business consulting, technical marketing, and education. My primary interest is the application of reasoned analysis and appropriate technologies to the practical solution of interesting problems.
B U S I N E S S S K I L L S
I have been a freelance knowledge worker since 1980. While gaining a formal science education in Psychology, I administered several research laboratories at the University of Alberta, designing and developing methodologies, managing equipment, resources, staff, subjects, and the publication process. The same ability to organize diverse resources for constructive forward motion provided me with a solid foundation for application during a tenure as systems manager for a group of engineering firms. This venture involved me in the computing of business: A/R, A/P, budgeting, financial forecasting, and project management, as well as the business of computing: system design and specification, cost/benefit analysis, and application delivery.
P E O P L E S K I L L S
Unlike many "computer people," I have known from the start of my career that computers are only a tool for the expression of human endeavours. Early experience educating users in mainframe-based computing helped me develop ways to describe the workings of such ephemeral entities as computers and software to a non-technical audience. Being a general knowledge resource for everyone from secretaries to PhDs to professionals reinforced and kept current my ability to relate computing to common principles in everyday life. I was also fortunate to have been well-grounded in the old-fashioned methods of language learning: grammar, vocabulary and composition as a foundation for intelligent expression. Upon that basis I have built a solid record of clear, concise communication enhanced by available machine-based publication tools. Working in voice, print, video and digital media, I have attained a well-rounded fluency in the art of presenting ideas.
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T E C H N O L O G Y S K I L L S
My long-standing interest in the science of technology and the technology of science provides an easily-accessible conduit to future developments, allowing me to be intelligently conversant in the nuts-and-bolts of a technology and keep a steady and informed focus on the changes taking place in our world without being lead by the fashion of the moment. Having worked with nearly a dozen different types of computers (and on hundreds of them), an equal number of operating systems, and hundreds of pieces of software, I can easily adapt to any computing environment.
B U S I N E S S I N T E R E S T S
I am most attracted to interesting work, on interesting problems, for interesting people. I am looking to broaden my experience, particularly with larger computing endeavours and the application of my multi-disciplinary skills to a wider set of problems. My long-term goal is involvement with technology research and development, as an active participant, adept facilitator, and eager promoter. I am also interested in bringing technology to people in ways that let them see through the "magic."
P E R S O N A L I N T E R E S T S
My personal interests generally revolve around my desire to know why things are the way they are, and perhaps how to do something interesting with that knowledge. Science and Technology always provides a limitless source of inspiration for new ideas and understanding of old ones. Psychology and Medicine demonstrate that not all "computing" systems need wires and electricity. Meteorology, Horticulture and Auto Restoration encourage patience and an appreciation that not everything influential is always seen immediately. Since 1990 I have been a member of Synergy Network, a group of local business leaders interested in the friendly exchange of ideas and influences. In the late 1990s I appeared weekly for 2 years on ACCESS/CLT's HelpTV program, offering advice on computing problems and issues to callers and viewers. I also wrote a few newspaper articles for the gardening section of The Edmonton Journal.
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