Computer Science (Game Design) Student at Ball State University
Muncie, Indiana Area
- Current
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- Software Engineer at Mixxx
- Software Engineer at OpenMRS
- Hardware Repair Technican at Ball State University
- Education
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- Ball State University
- Edison Community College
- Rochester Institute of Technology
- Connections
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12
connections
- Industry
- Computer Games
- Websites
Zach Elko’s Summary
Programming is my life, my true passion. If I'm working on a program for long enough, I find myself dreaming about it while I sleep.
I'm a big thinker and very creative. I'm constantly thinking up new game design ideas, new ideas for software projects, and also new technologies that are so far out there that they may not even be possible, but I'm determined to try.
I've had a long and confusing road in College, transferring schools twice. I left my first school because I wanted to pursue football, but I ended up getting the run around from a few shady athletic departments and it has cost me dearly in terms of transfer credits and money. I've put the past behind me and I'm focused on graduating and beginning my career.
It's been hard, but the one thing that keeps me going is my desire to work in the Game Programming industry. While the circumstances of my schooling may be holding me back in terms of time, I'm not letting them hold me back from learning everything I can about what I love to do. After all, most programmers are self-taught anyways. I'm currently honing my skills and putting a demo reel together so that I'm prepared to get the best job possible when I graduate in the Spring of 2010.
My skill set is composed of C/C++, Java, QT, SDL, Linux / UNIX, BASH, and SVN/CVS. I do almost all of my programming in C/C++.
I've written code for various different personal projects through the years, namely a 2-D target shooting game with C++ and SDL, a set of C++ classes to interface with the WinRadio API for automated scanning of frequencies based on data files over a network connection, as well as a number of utilities to assist in my projects such as configuration file parsers and things of that nature. I'm currently working on a few game related projects, namely a Checkers game that I've thought up which tweaks various elements of game play in a fun way to put a classic game in a new light, and a PC version of the board game "Apples To Apples".
Zach Elko’s Specialties:
I am well versed in a number of technologies, mainly C++, Java, and Linux. I'm currently exploring the more advanced areas of C++, as well as learning about various different design patterns and methodologies. I also hold A+ and Network+ certifications.
Zach Elko’s Experience
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Software Engineer
Mixxx
(Music industry)
April 2008 — Present (1 year 4 months)
I worked for Mixxx in the Summer of 2008 through the Google Summer Of Code program. I was tasked with developing crash recovery software for the Mixxx music application. Mixxx is used in live music venues and stability is key. This is after all software, and things do happen, so we need to be able to gracefully recover from any crashes and get the show back on the road. I'm currently functioning in a volunteer role in the same development project.
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Software Engineer
OpenMRS
(Computer Software industry)
April 2007 — Present (2 years 4 months)
I worked for OpenMRS in the Summer of 2007 as a branch off of the Google Summer Of Code program. I was tasked with developing a simple installer that would bundle the OpenMRS system with all of it's dependencies (JRE, Tomcat, MySQL). OpenMRS is used for medical record software in developing countries. I'm currently functioning in a volunteer role in the same development project.
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Hardware Repair Technican
Ball State University
(Educational Institution; 1001-5000 employees; Higher Education industry)
October 2006 — Present (2 years 10 months)
I'm responsible for doing any number of hardware related repairs for computers owned by Ball State University. I work on desktops and laptops; both PC, and Mac. These repairs involve both diagnosing and fixing issues such as replacing motherboards, lcd panels, hard drives, etc... I'm also responsible for coordinating pick-up and drop-off times with clients, as well as shipping defective parts back to the manufacturer.
Zach Elko’s Education
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Ball State University
Computer Science, Game Design 2006 — 2010 (expected)
- Activities and Societies:
- BSU Video Game Developers Club (BSUVGD), Ball State Bowling Team
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Edison Community College
General Education 2005 — 2006
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Rochester Institute of Technology
Software Engineering, Game Design 2004 — 2005
This is truly one of the top schools in the country for Software Engineering. I wish I had never left, but at the time playing football was something that meant a lot to me and I made a decision to pursue that. If it were financially possible I'd go back to RIT in a heartbeat.
- Activities and Societies:
- Society of Software Engineers (SSE)
Additional Information
Zach Elko’s Websites:
Zach Elko’s Interests:
Programming, Engineering, Gaming, Guitar, Music, Football, Hockey, Bowling, Photography, Animals, Cooking/Food, Travel, Die-Hard Pittsburgh Steelers/Pittsburgh Penguins fan, Exploring questions of the Universe and Life
Zach Elko’s Groups:
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Open Source -
Game Developers -
Linux Users -
Official RIT Alumni Association -
Cell Broadband Engine™ Developers -
BSU Cardinals -
C++ Professionals -
Ball State Alumni
Zach Elko’s Honors:
I won 2nd place in the Microsoft Campus Mashup programming competition in 2008. I developed a web application that allows users to visualize their goals using a collage of images with mouse over captions and links. I used Silverlight, XML, and JavaScript.
I also received numerous athletic awards during my high school football career at Lehman High School in Sidney, OH. They included Team MVP, Defensive MVP, Offensive Back MVP, and All-District Linebacker Honorable Mention.
Zach Elko’s Contact Settings
Interested In:
- career opportunities
- consulting offers
- new ventures
- expertise requests
- reference requests
- getting back in touch
