Eric Kuha
Instructor of Information Technology and Computer Science
About Me
Welcome to my portfolio. I'm an information technology instructor based in Northern Minnesota.
I have almost 20 years experience in education and 12 in higher education. I have taught every subject, but my particular specialty is information technology and computer science. I currently teach at Leech Lake Tribal College, a small community college and up-and-coming research institution situated right inside the Chippewa National Forest. There I work on projects related to education, forest ecology, drone imaging, data processing, and virtual reality. I teach computer application and computer programming courses.
I also sometimes work as a contractor. For example, I worked with a small team to build a Django-based, full-stack, web-based lending library for a regional educational co-op, for efficient allocation of adaptive equipment for students with special needs in all of northwestern Minnesota.
I am extremely well-read and have fantastic written and verbal communication skills.
I have experience with every aspect of software development and many platforms and frameworks. I consider myself a life-long learner, am flexible and eager to learn about any new tech.
Education
Master of Computer Science
University of Minnesota - Twin Cities
May 2019
Master of Arts - English
Bemidji State University
February 2009
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Writing
Bemidji State University
May 2006
Bachelor of Arts - Philosophy
Bemidji State University
May 2005
Languages and Frameworks
Python, Java, R, C/C++, C#, HTML/CSS, JavaScript/TypeScript, SQL
Android, Django, Shiny, Node.js, React, Unity, TCP/UDP/QUIC, Git
Projects
- JBook - in-browser code editor in React/Typescript.
- I Ching Oracle - Android app that simulates the Yarrow Stalk Oracle. Google Play Listing
- Computer Applications Primer - An open-source computer apps textbook for my students (Jekyll/Ruby/Markdown).
First Nations Launch
High Powered Rocketry
- 2015 - Launch Day
- 2016 - Launch Day
- 2017 - First Demo Launch
- 2018 - FNL Launch Day
- FNL 2019 - First place win!
Professional Experience
Leech Lake Tribal College
Instructor of Information Technology
2014--Present
- I teach curricula related to computer science, programming, information technology certifications, and basic computer skills.
- I have served as department chair for Indigenous Science Department for two years.
- Worked with internship program with students performing research in forest ecology, drone survey, invasive species monitoring, and data processing.
- Helped to create new Indigenous Science degree program and Information Technology track. Lead the department during first two years of this program.
- Worked on numerous grants from National Science Foundation, Department of Agriculture, NIFA, NASA, Meta, and others.
- Developed courses and curriculum designed to build equity and inclusion in computing.
- Coach the high-powered rocketry team, funded by the Minnesota Space Grant Consortium and the Wisconsin Space Grant Consortium.
- Work with students to conduct research and analyze data.
- Extensive experience with sensitive data and federal regulations for data handling. (FERPA)
- American Indian College Fund Mellon Masters Fellow.
Kelly Educational Staffing
Short-call Substitute Teacher
2012--2014
Worked in classroom settings from K-12. Taught every subject at every grade level. Specialized in math, social studies, and English. Earned the trust of many teachers and was the main math substitute at Bemidji High School.
Turtle Mountain Community College
Academic Preparation Instructor
2010--2012
Full-time faculty and tutor primarily for students in health programs. My program was designed to prepare students from low-income households for high-paying health careers. Courses taught include developmental writing and mathematics, algebra, sociology, and history. Worked on accreditation self-study.
Bemidji State University
Teaching Graduate Assistant
2007--2009
For four semesters, taught sections of English composition at state university. First experience with higher education as faculty.
Other Experience
Bemidji Regional Interdistrict Council
Contractor - Software Development
Contractor
Summer 2019
I worked as a contractor with the IT department at BRIC to build a web-based lending library on the Django platform in Python. This was a full-stack product that enabled the organization to efficiently allocate adaptive equipment to school districts across Minnesota for students with special needs.
Interests
Professional
Programming, education, databases, robots, automation, human health, web development, algorithms, full-stack frameworks.
Personal
Literature, video games, cooking, board games, streaming, theater, science fiction, fantasy football. I can solve a Rubik's Cube in about 3 minutes.
