About Jacob Emerick
- Intro
- Hello! My name is Jacob. I'm a web developer currently living in Appleton, Wisconsin. My strongest web language is PHP (I have some awesome OOP skills), but I also have a knack for programming in HTML, CSS, and Javascript. In my free time I like to go hiking in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and hang out with my girlfriend, Katie.
- Prehistory
- I was born at Camp Pendleton, California. My parents were both in the Marine Corps. We moved around a lot when I was younger until we settled in Port Hope, Michigan in the early 1990s. Port Hope is a tiny farming community, and I frequently had fewer than ten other students in my class throughout my entire education. Even though my school was small, I was constantly involved in extracurricular activities, including multiple sports, Young Marines, Quiz Bowl, and Oceanography (NOSB).
- College
- Michigan Technological University was an obvious choice for college. Starting as a Physics student I switched to Mathematics during my third year, taking a lot of classes in Business and Communications along the way. I was president of the Inter-Residence Hall Council for three years and a member of countless other organizations, including the Undergraduate Student Government and Student Events Advertising.
- Web Sites
- After graduating I was offered a job within the university as a web developer. During my undergraduate years I frequently created websites, for both employers and for non-profit, and had taught myself a number of web languages. I continued with web development after leaving Michigan Tech, working for SparkNET as a PHP programmer and then DealerFire - where I am currently employed - as a website integrator.
- Hiking
- Starting with a simple summer waterfall project over my last year in Michigan, hiking has become a weekend mainstay. My favorite area to explore is the greater Keweenaw/Peshekee area up north, stretching from Marquette to Ontonagon to Copper Harbor. Within this general area I've visited every (named) waterfall, climbed the majority of mountain peaks, walked along numerous Superior beaches, and ventured in every remote area you can imagine.
- Future
- While I'm fairly open for new opportunities in the future, I do have some goals to aim for. There are a number of web projects I have in mind and languages to learn. I'm determined to continue sharpening my skills as a programmer. After exploring every acre of the Western Upper Peninsula I'd like to move to either the northwest or northeast of the continental United States (I'll never tire of snow). Most importantly, I'll always be seeking out new challenges and adventures to embark upon!