charlesdietrich.com

I am interested in promoting end-user (e.g. kids, beginners) programming skills. I am interested in creating tools for computational creativity. I believe that end-user programming environments for computational creativity should be accessible, meaningful and social.

I have an M.Eng. in Computer Science from Cornell, where I focussed on algorithms, computer vision and compilers. In a previous (programming) life, I worked on static analysis and automated bugfinding software. (Though I’m no longer involved in compilers as my primary area, this knowledge comes in handy all the time!) I also have a strong background in web development.

Software that inspires me includes (but is not limited to): Facebook and the Facebook Platform; Processing; Scratch and the Scratch website.

In addition to being an engineer, I am interested in art and ethnographical studies of online communities. I am interested in learning more about physical computing.

Extracurricularly, I am interested in old-fashioned artmaking (photography, drawing, etc), in making music and playing guitar, and in various sports/movement activities (modern dance, snowboarding, etc.).