My professional life started in the power generation industry. For the first half of my career, I operated nuclear power plants, installed fuel cells, fixed instrumentation and control systems, and kept natural gas flowing to millions of customers.
I hit a major turning point in 2006. While pursuing my MBA, I began to rethink my long-term career goals. In the years that followed I reignited the love of art, design, and games from my childhood. I volunteered at game conventions and became part of a wonderful artists community. I learned to use Photoshop and sold artwork at gaming conventions. I worked on my writing skills, learned the fundamentals 3D animation, and I began developing training videos. While continuing to work in instrumentation, I began integrating these new skills into my day job.
The combination of technical aptitude in instrumentation and media development allowed me to transition into technical training and adult education. I pursued a second master’s degree in educational technology from Boise State University. In that program I learned about teaching and learning in virtual worlds, games and simulations in education, and general edutainment. Eventually, I transitioned from technical training into instructional design, and learned to develop training programs across a variety of industries.
Today, it is at the intersection of project management, media, art and education that I’ve found my home. I took the long way around to get here, but I think it was worth it.