About Me
Having successfully transitioned into the industrial field, I leverage my strong background in IT to excel in designing, deploying, and optimizing next-generation systems. Driven by innovation, collaboration, and continuous learning, I thrive among excellence-focused professionals and look forward to creating impactful solutions across diverse industrial environments.
I am most skilled in: Information and Technology
Experience
Embry Automation and Controls, Evansville, IN
Automation Specialist
June 2023 - January 2025
Embry Enterprises
I'm just your friendly neighborhood wood treating expert
Oversaw end-to-end development and integration of complex automation solutions—ranging from PLC programming and HMI design to SCADA configuration and instrumentation setup—ensuring seamless functionality, adherence to compliance standards, and enhanced efficiency within diverse industrial client locations.
- Troubleshoot and resolve control system issues promptly
- Manage and correct databases to ensure data integrity
- Supervise process flow changes, adjusting control logic and configurations
- Commission new systems, performing hardware checks and loading control logic
- Monitor system performance and recommend process improvements
- Create and update documentation for procedures and training materials
- Provide on-call expert level support to address emergency service requests
Level 2 IT guy
Responsible for maintaining, designing, administering and supporting all center networks, including managing 12+ servers, routers, switches, wireless APs, surveillance cameras, and software according to government and company standards.
- Troubleshoot and resolve network issues
- Oversaw network security for internal systems servicing critical hardware and 1000 users
- Audit assigned areas for contractual compliance and service effectiveness,
- Recommend improvement opportunities
- Lead weekly training for new students on orientation
- Perform hardware maintenance and repair on workstations and servers
- Establish and maintain disaster recovery process for network
- Report on project status to management, and incorporate management feedback
- Maintain internal website
- Provide professional customer service through onsite L3 technical support
Walmart, Newburgh, IN
Cart pusher, Electronics Associate
July 2009 - October 2016
Cartpusher turned sales guy
Sold and reccomended electronics based on customer requests.
Education
Ivy Tech
Associates of Applied Science in Computer Technology
2016
Founded in 1963, Ivy Tech Community College is Indiana’s largest public postsecondary institution and the nation’s largest singly accredited statewide community college system. Known for its strong focus on workforce development, affordability, and flexible learning paths, Ivy Tech plays a vital role in connecting students to in-demand careers and four-year university opportunities across the state.
During my time at Ivy Tech, I focused on network administration, developing a strong foundation in IT systems, troubleshooting, and infrastructure management. These skills became the springboard for my transition into controls engineering, where I now apply that technical background to industrial automation and systems integration.
While I didn’t study controls directly in college, my experience managing networks and solving real-world problems prepared me to adapt quickly and learn on the job. That adaptability continues to be one of my biggest strengths in the field.
Interesting fact: I was runner up for School President in 2014.
Projects
HMI Design for a Wood Treating Plant
Developed operator-friendly interfaces and assisted in creating logic for an advanced wood treating operation, creating a detailed diagram of a 36 valve autoclave. Additionally, programmed an Access report frontend and a comprehensive SQL server database measuring process step time, and specific sensor min and max metrics.
Virtual Machine Deployment for 300+ Applications
Headed a project designing and implementing deployable VM environments for our engineering laptops. Namely creating a VM for the Rockwell suite, a VM for the Seimens suite, and a VM for over 200 other applications to transition into Windows 11
Comissioned a simple Mixing System
Programmed a mixing system from scratch which controlled gravity fill, pumps, and valves to proportionately measure and fill the contents of 4 tanks
SQL Overhaul
Redesigned and merged 2 SQL databases to allow editing of the primary key using a complex Transact SQL script
Drives training
Wrote a training powerpoint on Powerflex DC, Powerflex 755, and Powerflex 525 drives. Providing a solid understanding to onsite maintenance staff and new embry staff on the fundamentals of the drives, how to operate their HIM’s and common troubleshooting parameters.
Personal Projects
Building a DIY turtlebot
Transformed a Neato Botvac into a fully functional autonomous robot using ROS (Robot Operating System), a Raspberry Pi, and a Kinect sensor. Designed as a mobile assistant, the robot performs SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) to navigate its environment, while also serving a practical secondary purpose—as a rolling table to hold tools like my power drill during projects. This build combined hardware hacking, sensor integration, Linux configuration, and ROS node development, turning a retired vacuum into a reliable and slightly ridiculous lab companion.
Mecanum robot
Built and programmed a remote-controlled Mecanum wheel robot with a custom dual-stick control system—one joystick for forward/reverse and turning (tank-style), the other for strafing. Designed and tuned motor coordination logic using Arduino and motor drivers, enabling smooth omni-directional movement. Focused on real-time input handling, holonomic kinematics, and responsive control design.
Home Automaton
Engineered an advanced personal Home Assistant setup, likely among the most complex personal configurations in the country. Integrated dozens of devices with automations handling cimate control, contextual lighting and security. Built custom dashboards, and YAML automations tailored to nuanced routines and edge cases. Developed a custom AI-based atomation that uses yard images to locate a crashed lawn robot, integrating computer vision with real-time notifications including the picture and contextual information.