Much of my life has been spent at the crossroads of creativity and technology. I grew up tinkering with early table-based website builders and making terrible electronic music. Eventually, these interests led to the Digital Media program at Utah Valley University. The program was brand new then, and the future was unclear, but nothing was more exciting than the opportunity to explore web development, filmmaking, music production, and 3D modeling.
My professional journey began at a small credit union. Throughout my tenure there, I gained a wealth of experience writing semantic and accessible HTML, constructing and maintaining CSS, and using JavaScript to create interactive components. I also developed a robust understanding of web performance optimization and cross-browser compatibility.
Right now, I'm a Senior Web Developer at University of Utah Health. This role has included writing code, crafting interfaces, solving intricate challenges, working together with teams, and mentoring others. I was a driving force behind the planning and production of the Gloss Design System, which has been adopted across the organization.
I strongly believe that coding and design are complimentary skills, and I strive to be proficient in both. To develop and maintain these skills and stay on top of the latest trends and technologies requires dedication, a keen eye for detail, and a thorough understanding of the fundamentals. Above all, I take pride in my work and do my best to deliver quality products.
Even after all these years in the digital media landscape, I'm still optimistic about the potential it holds to unleash creativity and bring people closer together. I hope that my work can play some role in helping to make that happen, however small it may be.
Other interests
Music
I try to spend a little time each day listening to new music. It is a great way to broaden my musical palette, gain inspiration, and appreciate different cultures. In addition, I have been playing guitar for many years. I love the challenge of learning new songs and techniques.
Economics
After graduating during a recession and getting my first (real) job at a bank, I almost feel like I was forced to take a crash course in economics against my will. Nonetheless, learning about economics has provided powerful insights into human behavior and current events.
Chess
My middle school offered a chess class as an elective. Who could pass up the chance to get school credit for playing games? Thus began an on-again, off-again fascination with chess. Even after years of play I continue to find new ways to appreciate this beautiful and complex game.
Urbanism
Frustrations with the built environment have lead to an interest in urbanism. Urbanism helps us understand the complex dynamics between people and their surroundings, and how cities are planned, function, and impact the environment, society, and culture.
Infrequently asked
questions
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What kind of a name is Rockwood?
It was made up by an ancestor to escape persecution after a distant relative tried to kill the king of England.
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Do you have any unusual talents?
Throughout high school and college I played video games competitively and reached top levels in several games you've probably never heard of.
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What is your strange obsession?
I absolutely cannot stand computer fan noise and have gone to borderline absurd lengths to eliminate it from my life. (There are dozens of us!)
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What is the smallest hill you're willing to die on?
Any movie that ends with "to be continued" is a failure.
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Tabs or spaces?
Tabs, but I'm not dogmatic about it.