At any given time, I like to have a few projects going. Many times these projects are tied to my research and pedagogical development. Other times, I just do stuff because I feel like it. It's good to have hobbies! Below you will find in-depth descriptions of recent and ongoing projects. Maybe you will see something you like. Or, better yet, maybe you'll see something you want to contribute to!
In March of 2022, I had a web design student approach me and ask if I had my own portfolio website. I had mentioned a few projects I had worked on in class and they wanted to look them over for inspiration. However, I had nothing to show them. How embarrassing!
I decided to build a website so I would have something to show students in the future, and used the opportunity to learn Django and Bootstrap (I was previously ride or die for Foundation). The project is still in development, and you can check out the source code here.
In October of 2021, I got the awesome opportunity to work with Dr. Ashley Cordes as a design consultant. Storying on the Coquille River is a project that educates viewers about the Fall Chinook Salmon Extinction, documents ongoing efforts to address the extinction, and gives visitors resources which will let them help.
I could talk in depth about my work here, but honestly, you should just visit the website. What I contributed was a small part of something much bigger, and I was just happy to be involved.
Throughout the world, there has been a rise in transphobic rhetoric, specifically rhetoric which characterizes transgender agency as nefarious and predatory. In response, this research articulates positive characterizations of transgender agency which can be used to counter transphobic rhetoric.
To do so, it draws heavily on analysis of video game representations of transgender people, exploring how the mechanical agency given (or not) to trans game characters could inform the activist rhetoric used in the broader push for trans rights.
As someone who is involved in a lot of digital activism, Dr. Ashley Cordes wanted to have an online presence for her work. Preferably, something that was simple to maintain and wasn't inherently tied with social media sites like Instagram or Twitter.
We talked through a bit of what she wanted and I put a site together for her. It's nothing fancy. Instead, it is a simple, straightforward way for people to easily access her work.
If you are interested, you can check out Ashley's portfolio website here.
Long ago, in the far off land of Illinois, I was convinced I would be a musician. I studied hard, got into a good school, and... it was not for me. But, I still love writing, recording, and mixing music, even if it makes no income.
So, I started setting aside time to create songs in my off time. I had learned a bit of composition in school, and taught myself how to record, mix, and master. All of the music is licensed under Creative Commons Attribution, which means you can use it for anything provided you properly credit me. Oh my, free music!