Meet our people: Michael

How did you enter this career?

I have spent the last 15 years working as a composer and touring musician. The last 6-7 years as drummer/co-song writer for Protest The Hero from Toronto.

Touring can take a lot out of you mentally and physically, so I began studying computer science and web development while on the road. I fell in love with it, and when we decided to take some time off touring, I luckily transitioned from freelance to Carleton.

Where else have you worked?

Outside of music and development, I also managed Top Of The World Skateshop in Ottawa for a few years. I would consider it to be the best job I’ve ever had because of the people I have met. But, Carleton is making its way in that running pretty quickly with the team we have in Web Services.

What are some of the technologies you have used along the way?

I am primarily a Javascript developer using technologies like GraphQL, React, Next, and Node. Technologies used here include PHP, and many flavours of front end markup goodies.

What are the best things about your job?

The people I work with in Web Services are incredible. I always look forward to coming in to the office.

Being able to use the gym, the campus itself, and our coffee machine. It’s a great machine.

Do you have some exciting projects you are working on right now?

Outside of Carleton I am working on releasing a new album in 2019 with Protest The Hero, and also a second record for a solo project I have called Same Fears which donates 100% of its proceeds to the Canadian Mental Health Association.

In terms of development. I have a been working on a large app for the last year and it’s getting to beta which is extremely exciting!

What music are you listening at the moment?

I am currently listening to the album Body Feel by Shook Ones.

What are you reading at the moment?

Lots of documentation. Always lots of documentation.

What do you do outside of school to amuse yourself?

I play softball, write music, code, and play with my dog pretty much on rotation.

What exciting plans do you have coming up in the next year?

I just bought a house! I feel that will eat up all my plans for the next few months. My partner and I are also going to India in January.