Hey there! I’m Frankie, a 27-year-old embarking on an exciting journey through my PhD program at Oregon State University.
Who is this Frankie guy?
I’m just a kid from Cleveland, trying to make something of myself. My journey to this point has been long and filled with twists and turns. Growing up, I wasn’t necessarily poor, but we certainly didn’t have extra money. There were nights when PB&Js were dinner, and I never had the latest gadgets or clothes. But I always had a roof over my head and never went hungry. Knowing I wanted a different life for myself and my future family, I set my sights on college.
To fund my education, I enlisted in the United States Army as a 68W (Healthcare Specialist/Medic). I served 6 years in the Ohio National Guard while attending The Ohio State University, where I earned a degree in Biology. Just as I graduated, the pandemic hit. Initially, I planned to go to medical school, but the timing wasn’t right.
Through some military connections, I started working with FEMA as a contractor, deploying to disaster zones and providing medical care. While this work was rewarding, the long hours and time away from home took their toll. Needing a new direction, I discovered freecodecamp.org and began teaching myself web development. This led me to Oregon State’s post-bacc program, which I enrolled in April 2023.
During this time, I reached out to professors whose research intrigued me. Dr. Stephen Ramsey responded, and I started working in his lab. He quickly became a mentor, and I asked if he would mentor me through a PhD. He agreed, and here we are—June 2024. I’m finishing my post-bacc program and will begin my PhD in September.
I’ve always been fascinated by the limitless possibilities of AI and how it can transform our lives. After years of hard work and dedication, I’m thrilled to dive deep into this field at such a prestigious institution.
What to Expect Here
On this blog, I’ll be documenting my PhD journey—the ups, the downs, the late-night study sessions, intriguing research findings, occasional mishaps, and moments of triumph. Whether you’re considering a similar path or just have a curious mind, I hope my experiences can provide some insight, inspiration, and maybe even a laugh or two.
So, grab a cup of coffee, settle in, and join me on this wild ride through the world of AI and academia. I’m looking forward to sharing this journey with you!
Please leave a comment introducing yourself—you can never have too many connections!
