From fiber lines to flight software

My passion for computers began during my time as an electrician. I loved understanding how electrical circuitry worked, and that curiosity pulled me deeper — I started studying how network communications and computer hardware actually function at a low level. That foundation led me to pursue a degree in Computer Science at the University of Kentucky.

I quickly became hooked. Software design felt like a way to bring the ideas and visions in my head to life, with very few limits on what was possible. As I pushed to become an expert in all things software, I developed a parallel love for mathematics and began to see how deeply it intertwines with software engineering. I picked up a minor in mathematics and started competing in competitive programming to sharpen my skills in data structures and algorithms.

After my first year, UK announced a full degree in Artificial Intelligence, and I saw it as a sign. I believe AI will one day help the world in ways that simply aren't possible at human scale, and I want to be part of building that future. I also knew that a strong foundation in computer science and mathematics would be essential to truly understanding how AI and computer systems work at a deep level. So rather than switching degrees or settling for a double major, I challenged myself to earn both full Bachelor of Science degrees — ensuring I capture the complete scope of each field without cutting corners.

Since then, I've been working with PyTorch, TensorFlow, and CUDA to build a genuine understanding of AI and machine learning, and I've fallen in love with the way AI software engineering works. My goal is to become an expert software engineer through both study and hands-on experience, and then transition into AI software engineering — where I can use everything I've learned to make a real impact on the world.