Biodata

I was born in Guyana in 1984, the youngest of three offspring from a multi-ethnic marriage. My parents were of humble backgrounds and of that interesting Caribbean mix; my father of Chinese descent and my mother of African descent, but both of them being able to trace ancestors from India and Europe. As a child, their stories of perseverance and overcoming the odds inculcated in me a sense of reality and moral fiber. In the company of my older siblings, I developed psychological maturity and a sense of discipline at an early age. I managed to retain my childish inquisitiveness, however, that left no device or toy of mine intact, always captivated by the discovery of what made things work as well as the challenge of making them work once again, or even better.

I grew up in Georgetown attending the Bishops' High School. I was a fairly reserved teenager, actively engaged in Scouting and drawn to subjects that allowed me to explore my creativity. My natural talent for visual arts was further explored in high school and drawing became a hobby of mine. I performed well academically, often receiving rewards for leading the class. At this time, my interest in computers began, partially stimulated by my passion for technology but primarily through hands-on experiments involving my first computer.

In August of 2000, I enrolled in the computer science program at the University of Guyana. Shortly afterwards, my father suffered a debilitating stroke that left him partially paralyzed and bed-ridden. This unexpectedly altered lifestyle automatically made me 'man of the house' at the age of sixteen. To generate needed income for the household, I circulated business cards and took my expertise to the industry, usually developing websites and servicing computers in the midst of my studies at the University.

Three years into my degree program, the intriguing world of Computer Science research and development refined and strengthened my original interests. Through this, I managed to regain my focus once divided in the wake of my father's ailment and applied myself with renewed fervor. Over the remainder of my degree, my passion and prowess for the field was manifested in my work. I was commended by the Head of Department for the quality of my undergraduate research project, which I later presented and published at a regional conference. It was through my undergraduate performance, I believe, that I was later offered a position at the university as a young member of staff.

In August of 2004, I assumed the position of Assistant Lecturer in the Department of Computer Science at the University of Guyana. Becoming a colleague of my former teachers, though surreal, set in motion my professional evolution. My role was primarily to undertake research. In addition, I administered tutorial and lab sessions for Java-based and web-based system development courses. As part of the department I co-authored many research projects, spanning a variety of disciplines. Additionally, I was able to further apply my skills to industry by undertaking several development projects, expanding my business sense and experience as a developer. Teaching became my motivation. I found it invigorating to stand before a group of students, share my knowledge and witness the nods and other expressions indicative of learning. Over time, my performance in the classroom, granted me opportunities to lecture courses in Advanced Java and Interactive Internet Computing which greatly contributed to my enlightenment as a young educator.

Overall, because of my experiences, acquaintances and roles to date, I have evolved from an enthusiastic but apprehensive teenager into an experienced young adult, confident in my capabilities and ambitions. I now look ahead to become qualified at the Doctorate level in the field of Computer Science that has, thus far, granted me direction and purpose.