Short Bio
I have had many interesting experiences in my life that I think define me and influence my thinking and outlook on life.
I came to the U.S.A. from Russia when I was 10. This was an interesting experience - including everything from the plane ride over with the "great" airplane food to a teacher who wouldn't tell me what "birth" meant on a math test. Anyway, all went well through middle school (C.C.A. Baldi Middle School) and high school (Cheltenham HS), and I ended up at Drexel.
I decided to go into Computer Science at Drexel. Somehow, I ended up back at Drexel, but this time as a full-time employee.
I live in Philadelphia and I really like the city. I like being close to culture and the night life that a big city has to offer without having the hectic life that plagues New Yorkers.
Me Today
For information about my professional qualifications, please see this site.
Stuff I Do
Besides school/work, I am also active in Shotokan Karate. The Shotokan style of karate came to Japan from Okinawa and is now taught in the U.S. in the traditional Japanese manner. After a few ventures into Karate and Tae Kwon Doe earlier on, I joined the Drexel Karate Club as a freshman and have been there ever since. I have pretty much held every leadership role in the club, including being president. In this time, I have attained the rank of Nidan (second degree black belt). This has been one of the most rewarding experiences in my life.
Aside from karate, I am also an avid snowboarder. I started out skiing, but around 1998 decided to try snowboarding. I have since "converted" to snowboarding and Iam pretty good. I fly down double black diamonds, but I have yet to master (or even do reasonably well on) the terrain parks and the halfpipe. I also try to get everyone I can to try snowboarding because it's much more fun than skiing, IMHO (aside from the initial learning curve).