Professional Bio
I am an Application Specialist at Archinoetics in Honolulu, Hawaii where I develop human-centered computer interfaces, often for deployment in diverse environments and with unique users. One such project involves brain-computer interface software that enables severely disabled people to communicate, control their environments, and express themselves creatively using only their thoughts. I have authored or co-authored several articles and a book chapter on this topic, including methods for maximizing the effectiveness of limited bandwidth communications inherent in brain-controlled applications.
I am also actively involved in designing and developing educational technologies. The project I am most involved in right now is Project Niu, which teaches K-12 students about Earth science, technology, and environmental stewardship. I also have enjoyed other efforts in which we have taught students about computer programming and multimedia authoring.
I have over eight years experience in cognitive and perceptual psychology research, primarily on methods for improving human performance and memory through innovative software and hardware designs of multimedia-intensive computer systems. I’m also an experienced creator of Rich Internet Applications, corporate identities, dynamic data-driven websites, information graphics, and Flash-based animations. I try to leverage these creative skills and my technical background to communicate and promote the benefits of my company’s high tech research and development projects.
I have also served as a consultant for numerous organizations seeking to improve their websites and more effectively reach potential customers.
Personal Bio
I currently live in Kailua, Hawaii on the island of Oahu. I moved to Hawaii in May 2003 from Charlottesville, Virginia where I went to school at the University of Virginia (class of 2002, wahoo wah!). I’m originally from Suffern, New York, a suburb northwest of New York City.
One of my favorite hobbies is outdoor photography (my professional gallery is called Shutter Thoughts), which I really enjoy as an opportunity to take a different angle at even the most familiar subjects. I guess this kinda stems from my creative side, which manifests itself in various ways, from photography to graphic design to web design to landscaping my yard (didn’t expect that one, huh?) to my newest hobby, creative writing.
I’m also an avid reader as you can probably guess from my blogs. I try to read as often as I can and will do my best to post reviews of various books. As I get inspired, I’ll also go back and write about books I’ve read throughout the last several years. If you have any suggestions for me, please let me know.
My other interests include hiking, surfing, kayaking, skiing, and snowboarding.
Alanna and me at Kona Village on the Big Island of Hawaii.