A Proper Bio

Let’s start with the basics: Full name is Jeffrey Aaron Farr, but I go by my middle name, so you’ll often see me sign things “J Aaron Farr.” That resulted in a short lived nickname “jaaron” which a few close friends used while I was in high school. I’ve kept it for my online handle and for things like email. I’m the oldest of five and am currently (2003) almost 25 years old. I’ve lived in or (relatively) around Pittsburgh, PA, USA for all my life with the exception of two years I spent in Taichung, Taiwan (1998-2000) when I served a prosolyting mission for the LDS church (http://lds.org). I still speak pretty good Mandarin, though my literacy has dropped a bit.

I’m finishing up a degree in Scientific Computing at the University of Pittsburgh with a minor in Economics and a certificate in Asian Studies. At one point I wanted a Physics degree or at least a minor, but current academic interests have changed—though I still love physics. I should graduate this December if I ever finish all the necessary paperwork. As for Graduate School, I’m planning on at least a masters, but often I’d rather not think about it. :)

When I’m not at school I’m usually at work. I do inhouse java software development for Sony Electronics in our Pittsburgh plant (we do TV’s there). I’ve been there about two and a half years now and it’s been a great place to work.

Since it seems like I can’t get enough of coding at Sony I usually end up spending what little spare time I have on open source software development. A lot of my jadetower.org site is (or will be) devoted to some of the software I develop. Some of the more interesting projects include the JavaLobby Community Platform (http://jlcp.org) and Apache Avalon (http://avalon.apache.org).

Somewhere in all of this I try to find time to fit in a number of other hobbies and interests including drawing, role-playing. a bit of video gaming, backpacking, dancing, and I keep meaning to pick up the violin again. On the weekends I’m often busy with church services as well.

Not sure what else enquiring minds would like to know. I’m single (broke up with my best friend and love of my life a year ago). I’ll probably stick around Pittsburgh for the next couple of years, but I’m not giving any solid commitments at this point. As for future aspirations—well, that’s a whole other entry. :)