I have a passion for learning and strive towards any challenge. Whether it’s a new discipline, a new culture, a country, or even a new programming language, I focus all my energy on learning and exploring every detail that I can absorb.
I believe anything can be accomplished if enough study, dedication, time, and practice have been put into it.
But more importantly, I enjoy taking what I’ve learned so that I can apply it to new and exciting projects or to teach those that have been less fortunate than I.
A lot has happened since High School. From learning to fly, living in Japan, working in large Biotech companies, to setting up an international consulting business and getting a doctorate in Experimental Medicine… life has been busy. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Education
Experience
It’s quite a challenge to put one’s total life achievements into a one page resume. But if you would like to see a brief chronological outline of where I’ve been and what I’ve accomplished, take a look.
For a more detailed curriculum vitae please contact me.
I’m always attending a special event, seminar or conference to keep updated on the latest PCI/HIPA regulations or technology trends. Plus, Lynda.com, Coursera, and edX.org have a number of great instructor-led courses that are perfect for a topic review or help broaden my knowledge in an entirely new area.
Current Courses
In Progress
- Swift 5 and Apple Silicon – Apple WWDC/Dev Groups
- Mobile VR App Development with Unity – Unity
- Video Production and Editing – 8 Course Certification, LinkedIn
Recently Completed
- Mastering Final Cut Pro – LearnQuest
- Swift 5 iOS Application Developer Specialization – LearnQuest
- Private Pilot’s Ground School Training and Certification – Fullerton AP USA
Previous Notable Courses
Business & Software Development
- Mobile Application Experiences – MIT
- Embedded Systems: Multi-Threaded Interfacing
– University of Texas (Austin) - iOS App Development with Swift (Capstone Project)
– University of Toronto, Canada
Medical
- Principles of Electronic Biosensors – Purdue University, Poland
- Biomedical Engineering – Basic Concepts – Bruce C. Wheeler, University of California, San Diego CA
- Nanotechnology: The Fundamentals of Nanotransistors – Purdue University, West Lafayette IN
- Medicinal Chemistry: The Molecular Basis of Drug Discovery – Davidson College, Charlotte NC
- Fundamentals of Neuroscience Parts I and II – Harvard University, Cambridge MA
Other Interests
- Game development and Design (Capstone Project)
– Michigan State University (Certificate Link, score 100%) - Introduction to 3D – George Maestri, Lynda.com
- Introduction to Natural Language Processing
– DR Radev, Michigan State University - BioMate Primary Traits – Chart (https://bit.ly/bm_comp1)
Just a little more history about the positions I’ve held, the awards I’ve received, and what my current interests are.
CEO – Bee Smart, Inc. (founder) A hardware and software development company that works with international clients in the areas of education, sports, and medical technologies.
CTO – HIT (Human Interface Technology) A Japanese based company that provides innovative payment technology for large corporations and government entities.
CTO – Advanced Merchant Solutions, Inc. (cofounder) A California based company that introduced mobile payments in 2001 along with cutting edge mobile credit card readers and receipt printers.
President – LanguageForce, Inc. A technology company that developed proprietary machine transaction and natural language processing known as Universal Translator. The company also created GotoWorld.com and realtime language translation for Multilingual Messaging.
Head R&D – QuantaVision CANADA (cofounder) A Montréal based technology company that developed a Gel Imaging hardware/software solution to locate and quantitate DNA/protein bands using PAGE methods. Distribution was through BioCan Scientific.
President – ComCul International (founder) A software consulting and technology company that worked with the Japan External Trade Organization and Canadian/Japanese governments to promote and assist Québec businesses in Japan.
Leadership
- President, JET Alumni Association for Quebec and Canadian Eastern Provinces
- President, Canadian Association of JET (AJET) for Chogoku/Shikoku, Japan
- Vice-President, Computer Support Information Group for Japan
- Vice-President, Shimane AJET prefectural representative for Japan
- President, Biology Students’ Association for Concordia University
Teaching/Mentoring
- Unity Game Design & Development at Michigan State Univeristy
- Cellular Physiology, Microbiology, and Biochemistry at Concordia University
- Meteorology and Introductory Biology for various private institutions
Current Certifications
- Airman Certification – Private Pilot Aircraft – issued by Federal Aviation Association
- Remote Pilot Part 104 UAS – issued by Federal Aviation Association
- RPAS / VLOS – Department of Transport Canada Drone Certification
- QSA (Tokyo) – issued by PCI
- IBITGQ ISO27001 Certified ISMS Lead Auditor (CIS LA) – issued by IT Governance
- Certified TR-39 Auditor (CTGA) – issued by the Pulse, Star, and NYCE networks
- Foundations of Project Management for the IT Professional – PMI Certification
- Advanced Coastal Cruising, Nav, etc. ASA 101, 103, 104, 105, 106 – American Sailing Association
- Scuba Certification (logged 150+ dives) – NAUI
- NHCPS CPR Certification – issued by National Health Care USA
Awards
- MRC Doctoral Scholarship – Medical Research Council of Canada
- NSERC Undergraduate Student Research Award (2 times) – Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada
- Frederick Banting Award for outstanding achievements in Biology and Life Sciences – Diabetes Canada (National Award)
Languages
English, French, and Japanese
Skill Set
I keep up-to-date with the latest tools and have extensive hands-on experience with all modern development and productivity suites with an emphasis on mobile development and IoT. Specifically Android, Eclipse, iOS, Xcode (Objective C and Swift), MS Office products, Adobe products, and Visual Studio (Visual Basic and C#).
Ongoing
- Mentor (Unity Game Design and Development) – Michigan State University
- Teacher (Biology, Math, Programming) – Local Community, Online, and University
- General assistance at local running events and marathons
Previous
- Motor Pool Driver for VIPs and Delegates – Special Olympic World Games, ReachUp LA 2015
- Interview committee, JET Selection – Consulate of Japan
- Endocrinology/AIDS Research – Jewish General Hospital, QC Canada
It’s important to have a clear mind and healthy body when learning new topics. Thus, I try to keep as active as possible in order to balance my mind, body, and spirit. Some things I like to do are…
- Going for an early morning walk or run before sunrise
- Swimming ~ 2 kilometers at least two to three times a week
- Kayaking on a misty lake or in the calm ocean
- Underwater photography and videography or sailing overnight with friends
- Traveling to somewhere I can enjoy alpine skiing or snowshoeing
- Going on an adventure by car or by plane and …
… simply explore the lay of the land, its people, and its culture
By the way…
For my 50th birthday I decided to challenge myself and run a marathon with no previous experience. Since then, I’ve done a few back-to-back challenges and 1/2 marathons. You can find out more about it at my running blog 101marathoners.com