Origins

Early Beginnings in Technology and Athletics

TSA

My technical journey began in high school when I joined the Technology Student Association (TSA). I developed video games using Unity and C#, creating 3D models for our team projects. Our dedication led to remarkable success, securing three state championships and a national title in video game design.

Parallel to my technical pursuits, I took up pole vaulting with intense dedication. From December of my sophomore year through May of my senior year, I committed to a rigorous schedule, driving three days a week from Hartwell, GA to Atlanta, GA—a two-hour journey each way—to train. This dedication to both technology and athletics would shape my future path.

Academic Journey

College Journey and Technical Growth

Pole Vaulting

After signing with Kennesaw State University in fall 2021, I immersed myself in software development. My first breakthrough came with a summer internship at Haering Precision in Lavonia, GA, where I expanded my C# knowledge beyond console applications and delved into full-stack development. Working on a CMS system for on-site machines, I gained practical experience with SQL and deadline-driven projects.

My technical skills grew as I created an innovative project tracking the Kennesaw State University bus system using location APIs and statistical analysis to predict movements and analyze delays. Meanwhile, I excelled in athletics, securing two conference championships and making two first-round appearances in track and field.

Through intense dedication, I completed my degree in just three years, tackling four 18-hour semesters and one 21-hour semester. My achievements were recognized with the Outstanding Student Award from the software engineering college in my final semester.

Professional Growth

Professional Development and Innovation

Photo of AJ

Post-graduation, I joined the athletic department, where I developed a machine learning system analyzing ticket sales data to predict potential season ticket buyers for the football program. This project evolved into my current work on a comprehensive system that scrapes football information and employs machine learning for predictive analytics on player performance and team fit.

My journey has been marked by continuous learning and innovation, from mastering containerization and Kubernetes to developing Stride Sync, a web scraping application for track and field information. As SAAC president and a member of the Provost's Athletic Oversight Committee, I've combined my technical expertise with leadership skills to make meaningful contributions to both athletics and technology.