What do you do?
I’m the Assistant Director for Networking at Technology Services on the Urbana campus. The three teams that make up Networking report to me, and I help them do strategic planning, budgeting, network-wide architecture, and generally try to get any roadblocks out of their way so they can run an awesome network for the campus. Networking builds and run the network that connects all the Urbana campus buildings to each other and the Internet, the campus WiFi, and the regional network that connects all of the campuses of the System together, as well as take care of the other necessary parts that let everyone use the network like DHCP, DNS, NTP, etc.
What led you to this career?
As an undergrad I was working for CSO (an old name for Technology Services) in the computer labs and repair shop. I met some of the network designers and started working in the Network Design Office as a student. When I graduated with my electrical engineering degree I stayed and worked for CSO for about a year until there was a position open in the Network Design Office, and started working there as a designer. I’ve been there every since, working for different parts of networking as a designer, network engineer, team lead of the networking engineering team, before getting my current position as Assistant Director of Networking.
What is something interesting that you enjoy doing outside of work that may surprise your colleagues?
I’m not sure how surprised people will be. I have a lot of hobbies, but the two that might be most surprising – I enjoy drumming (mostly djembe), and I teach Tae Kwon Do in the evenings and sometimes on weekends, I’m a 3rd degree black belt, and I’m starting to learn Haidong Gumdo, the Korean sword martial art. I have a purple wooden practice sword.
What’s your favorite way to relax after a long day or week?
Reading fun books or playing games (board, card, or video) are my way to relax. Some favorites are Pokemon, Pikmin, and Zelda switch games.
What makes someone a good leader?
I think an important part of what makes someone a good leader is the ability to see the big picture of where things need to go and what needs to happen to get there while also being able to understand the people they are leading and see things from their perspective.