Behind the keyboard
Hi, I’m Michael.
I’m Michael, a software engineer based in Richmond, Virginia. I build full-stack web applications and share what I learn along the way.
My love of programming started at an early age. In third grade, my friend Sam and I tried to memorize the alphabet in binary out of a Farmers’ Almanac. We were sure it would come in handy.
Later, I learned about variables, loops, and other BASIC concepts from a Windows 95 game by Interplay called Learn to Program BASIC. I carried around a notebook to scribble JavaScript in and try out when I got home from school, including some very important MySpace cursor trails.
I spent the next two decades as a hobby technologist, experimenting with gadgets and building automations. I pursued careers in music and hospitality before coming back to programming and finding my way into the industry.
What I build
I build full-stack web applications, mostly in the .NET and TypeScript ecosystems, with an emphasis on embracing modern web APIs. I’ve contributed to open source projects including Astro and RedwoodJS.
This site is where I share what I learn: practical walkthroughs, experiments, and the occasional programming puzzle that takes twenty years to solve.
Beyond the keyboard
I enjoy competing in strongman, making music, and most forms of being outside.
Community
I’m also an active member of Richmond’s software community. I co-organized and presented at Richmond JavaScript Conference 2025 and regularly attend and speak at local meetups, including RVA.js and RVASDUG.
I’ve given talks on topics including .NET for JavaScript Developers, Astro, RedwoodJS, Tauri, Playwright, test isolation, and learning in public.