Hi. My name is Josh, and I am a nerd.

I'm currently looking for a job: if you're hiring a programmer (especially one with a background in linguistics or mathematics), have a look at my resume. My programming background is Unix/Linux-oriented, mostly Perl and C, with a focus on network and systems programming. You can find code samples on my projects page.

I am wrapping up two degrees at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (Bachelors in Linguistics and Mathematics). Due to a scheduling hiccup, I have one "perspective requirement" to go, which should be done in May 2006. The only thing missing from both my linguistics and mathematics degrees is that all-important life science class, "Prehistoric Life." It's really hard to do syntax or combinatorics without an intimate knowledge of Triassic fossils.

Generally speaking, I'm an avid tinkerer and builder. The mechanics of things fascinate me; when I see something novel, my first thought is usually "How would I do that?" My mother likes to remind me that, as soon as I learned to get up and pull things off tabletops, there was never a working pen in the house. Since then, I've both learned restraint and gotten better at putting things back in working order. However, one of the benefits of living by yourself is that noone is around to catch you breaking something.

When I'm not taking apart someone else's creation, I'm either watching TV, reading, or creating something myself. I grew up helping my father on various woodworking projects (read: I got in his way and held the tape measure). I make little programs, physical doodads, and kludge existing things to fit my needs better. Admittedly, the software I make is typically much more robust and reliable than my furniture, but that didn't stop me from building a basic desk and television stand.