Hi, I’m aschmitz. I’m a person.

I like solving problems.

A problem that a few hours with Google didn’t solve? Yes, please. A constrained environment, only a few tools, and a specific task? Sounds fun.

I like helping people.

I work with several non-profit organizations such as Connections to Care. I make many of the things I’ve done available as open source software, so that others can use and build upon them. (They’re in many different places, but for a start, check out my GitHub page.)

For other things I’ve done, you can take a look at things like GraphSketch (does exactly what it says on the tin), and Calcsy (a tool to help teachers display a calculator screen on a computer or projector).

I do a lot of things.

I specialize in computers and mathematics, but that doesn’t mean I only do those things. I’ve been a certified high school math teacher, and keep up with various education-related developments. I also have fun playing with electronics, building things, and pursuing a number of other hobbies, especially where problem-solving is involved.

In the fields of computers and math, I do everything from low-level assembly programming all the way up through protocol handling to high-level development in languages like Ruby, and beyond to software and system engineering. I’m also interested in the application of mathematics both to cryptography and common problems in everyday life.

Professionally, I've been lucky to spend years doing software security work (application security, threat modeling, network penetration tests, you name it) on hundreds of projects, from hot startups to the world's biggest companies. I've also spent a decade turning a small internal tool for producing client deliverables into a beloved project management system used by hundreds of people across my company, and saving thousands of hours of work a month.

I’m reasonably good at what I do.

I've won awards for programming, completed all kinds of tasks in a short time or with constrained resources, and done some supposedly impressive things. What matters most to me, however, is whether I'm satisfied with the work that I've done. And I am.

I’m around.

I occasionally post on the Fediverse. I used to have a blog, but I haven't run that for some time because work has kept me busy.

If after all of that you're still curious to know more, my about me page has more information than you ever wanted.