About
I have a background in both the humanities and Computer Science. As such, my interest often the intersection of technology Science at Viterbo University with a penchant for integrating technology into historical studies. I also have spent many years in the field of software development and enjoy exploring the many avenues that this field allows students and myself to explore.
At Viterbo, I teach courses on development within the Computer Science department. Additionally, I contribute to the History department by teaching various courses, leveraging my historical expertise to provide a comprehensive learning experience.
My interest in the intersection of technology and history has led me to various consulting roles and speaking engagements. I've presented at conferences on topics ranging from surveillance implications to prosperity theology's impact on American religion. As such, my research interests quite diverse.
My current research project tackles the complexities of university course timetabling, a puzzle that has intrigued scholars and administrators alike. This project is a foray into the application of computational algorithms to create efficient, conflict-free academic schedules accommodating diverse course credits and faculty availabilities. By focusing on the optimization of variable time slots and the integration of different timetabling patterns, my research seeks to streamline the academic schedule planning process.
In my publication, "Using Geospatial Data to Inform Historical Research in R," I explored the intersection of history and technology by demonstrating how the programming language R can be used to analyze and visualize geospatial data within a historical context. This work serves as a guide for historians and researchers interested in employing quantitative methods to enrich their qualitative inquiries. By leveraging R's capabilities to map historical events, patterns, and movements, I provided a new lens through which we can interpret the spatial dimensions of history.
My research on COVID-19, showcased through the Balefire.info Covid social data explorer, stands at the confluence of epidemiology and data science. By meticulously tracking the longitudinal data of the pandemic alongside related social factors, this project offers a granular view of the virus's impact on communities. The platform, built with collaboration from various data providers, harnesses sophisticated data analytics to uncover trends and correlations that inform public health decisions. The insights drawn from this research not only contribute to our understanding of COVID-19's societal effects but also enhance our preparedness for future public health challenges.
My Dissertation traced the contours of Sunbelt Pentecostalism set against the backdrop of post-World War II America, revealing the intricate interplay between faith, media, and the burgeoning consumer culture. Through this lens, my dissertation, "Creating heaven on earth," not only chronicled the spiritual aspirations of the time but also highlighted the socio-economic transformations that Pentecostalism underwent during a period of rapid change.