Professional Summary
Technology leader with 30+ years building mission-critical software systems for biotech and research environments. Currently VP of Technology at Infinity Interactive, where I've designed web platforms for LIMS supporting genome engineering workflows, built software for liquid handling robotics used in NGS, PCR, and nucleic acid extraction, and served as senior technical advisor to biotech engineering teams. Scientific background (BS in Astrophysics, early career processing astronomical data at NRAO) provides foundation for working in research-driven, data-intensive environments. Equally skilled at designing greenfield applications and modernizing legacy systems; most recently completed a solo migration of a 19-year production platform to modern architecture with zero data loss.
Professional Experience
- Lead technical strategy and delivery for a distributed team serving clients in biotech, healthcare, finance, and legal sectors
- Designed and built web platforms for laboratory information management systems (LIMS) supporting genome engineering workflows: sample tracking interfaces, protocol management, and research data pipelines
- Built software interfaces for liquid handling robotics platforms used in NGS library prep, PCR setup, and nucleic acid extraction: touchscreen UIs, protocol execution engines, and instrument integration layers
- Developed data-intensive applications requiring high accuracy: tax filing systems, legal research portals, document management platforms
- Selected and deployed optimal technology stacks for each engagement, balancing performance, team capabilities, and maintainability
- Built and maintain a production platform serving hundreds of markets; processed over $16 million in transactions requiring financial accuracy and data integrity
- Designed multi-tenant architecture with shared database supporting cross-market inventory synchronization
- Completed a 6-month solo migration from legacy Rails to modern SvelteKit: 23 data models, comprehensive test coverage, zero data loss
- Manage full lifecycle as sole developer: architecture, development, database administration, operations, support
- Joined months after founding; grew with the company through every phase of the startup lifecycle
- Developed web-based system configuration tools and workflow management systems for enterprise networks
- Built an extensible data-to-PDF reporting system using XSL/FOP and later iText
Earlier Experience
Socorro Electric Cooperative, Engineering Technician (1994–1997): Managed GIS systems, oversaw enterprise software conversions.
National Radio Astronomy Observatory, Student Employee (1992–1994): Developed scientific data processing tools in UNIX/Solaris; converted raw radio telescope data from India into a searchable graphical sky map with spatial indexing.
Recognition
- Barbara Petit Pollinator Award (Georgia Organics, 2015) – Recognized for creating "a national model for connecting growers to consumers."
- Alec Little Environmental Award (UGA Odum School of Ecology, 2012) – Honored for environmental responsibility and sustainable agriculture work.
Statement on the Use of AI
I use AI-assisted development tools extensively, and I've been deliberate about how.
The hype around AI makes it trivial to abdicate responsibility. Developers generate prodigious amounts of unmaintainable code that technically works for the happy path, call it productivity, and move on. I find that approach corrosive to the craft.
What I embrace is assistive AI: tools that amplify the skills I've spent forty years developing. They remove mechanical friction (transcription, syntax lookup, boilerplate) so I can focus on architecture, problem-solving, and building software that serves real humans. The thinking is mine. The decisions are mine. The responsibility is mine.
I name my AI coding agents after people who inspire me: George Washington Carver, Ray Eames, Ada Lovelace. The tools don't have personalities, but the names remind me who the work is for. They're lenses that focus intent, not collaborators with agency.
I've written extensively about this philosophy and regularly teach other developers how a more thoughtful approach can work, whether they've given in to abdication or been revulsed by it.