Curious?
About Me
“The secret to being good at anything is to approach it like a curious idiot, rather than a know-it-all genius.”
There are many similarities between music and coding, but this quote by Mike Monteiro (via Austin Kleon) brings up one difference: in music, you aim for perfection with every single breath or phrase; with coding, you aim for increasing knowledge and progress.
After more than twenty years as a professional classical flutist, with a math degree in my back pocket and a penchant for solving problems, I am now a software engineer who, through curiosity and creativity, builds valuable products for users. I enjoy working with others who are equally passionate about making things - only this time, it's through coding instead of music.
hours coding in school
teams
degrees
Technical Skills
Python
Javascript
React
Django
FastAPI
REST API
PostgreSQL
Docker
Git
Tailwind
Bootstrap
Unit Testing
Authentication
Insomnia
RabbitMQ
Microservices
Work Experience
Data Technologist & Web Developer @DigiDems
Aug-Nov 2024 | Embedded with the successful Congressional District 45 Campaign for Derek Tran in Orange County, CaliforniaTracked website analytics with Google Analytics and Search Console. Maintained site: led Vietnamese/Spanish translations; built web scraper for gathering URLs to place in translated press releases. Developed Google Apps Scripts to clean and organize state voter data for Turf Tracker, GOTV, and strategic reports. Created custom dashboards and visualizations in Looker Studio not possible with PDI and VAN.
Assistant Professor of Flute @Wichita State University
2016-2022 | Wichita, KSIncreased number of flute majors by 400% by leveraging social media and building a national presence in order to fulfill the School of Music's mission to increase overall enrollment. Integrated new trends, pedagogical methods, and advancements in flute playing and teaching which led to higher student evaluations and better learning outcomes. Helped students to raise over $20K in scholarships.
Principal Flute @Wichita Symphony Orchestra
2017-2022 | Wichita, KSPlayed a leadership role within the woodwind section to perform high-level orchestral classical music concerts. Served on the Orchestral Players Committee, negotiating the contract with management and navigating the orchestra's pandemic response. Participated in community outreach events and interacted with donors and patrons.
Chamber Music Faculty @San Francisco Conservatory of Music
2013-2016 | San Francisco, CACoached weekly woodwind chamber ensembles, both undergraduate and graduate. Led weekly performance classes and presented on special topics like improvisation. Led woodwind sectionals for student orchestra concerts. Performed with other faculty members.
Education
Certificate in Advanced Software Engineering
Hack ReactorOver 700 hours of hands-on coding experience and learning. One of two students chosen to give commencement speech at graduation.
B.A. in Mathematics
University of RochesterGPA: 3.8 - Magna cum laude
D.M.A. in Flute Performance and Literature, Minor in Music Education
Eastman School of MusicOne of only two recipients of the Excellence in Teaching Prize based on the exceptional quality of dedicated instruction of primary and secondary flute students; Member, Graduate Academic Integrity Committee; earned a Performer's Certificate; studies with Bonita Boyd.
M.M. in Flute Performance
San Francisco Conservatory of MusicStudies with Timothy Day, former principal flute of the San Francisco Symphony
B.M. in Flute Performance
Eastman School of MusicStudies with Bonita Boyd