About

Anyone can learn the skills to become a maker, innovator, or hobbyist.

NICE TO MEET YOU

I'm Stephen Cross

With a rich 30-year journey in website development behind me, I recently ventured into the fascinating realm of physical computing. The moment I bridged the gap between software, intricate electronic circuitry, and tangible, physical actions, it was a revelation. This experience opened my eyes to a vast world brimming with learning opportunities and limitless potential.

The path to becoming a maker, innovator, or enthusiastic hobbyist is open to everyone. Whether it's crafting basic home automation systems or delving into the complexities of autonomous robotics, it all starts with mastering the fundamentals. I invite you to embark on this exhilarating journey with me.

 

My Story

My passion for technology and teaching has been a cornerstone of my journey. My initial foray into teaching began during my college years when I had the opportunity to instruct an "Advanced DOS" course as part of Brown University's continuing education program. This experience was a springboard into developing and teaching a comprehensive course on building applications using dBase/Clipper. Throughout my career as a web developer, I have consistently shared my expertise, conducting various sessions and trainings on a multitude of topics, further blending my love for technology with my enthusiasm for teaching.

 

"Stephen made the training fun and accessible. I'm excited for my next hardware hacking project"

- Matt

"Stephen is a fantastic presenter, clear, communicative, knowledgeable, and just a super nice guy!"

- Chris

"Very practical and to the point. And fun!"

- Rick

Why I Do It

I firmly hold the conviction that programming and electronic circuits are accessible fields of study for anyone interested. Although the internet is a treasure trove of information, the sheer volume can be overwhelming, making it challenging to find a clear and productive learning path. My goal is to demystify the world of technology, making it more approachable and understandable for people across all ages and experience levels. By curating and simplifying content, I aim to bridge the gap between complex technical knowledge and eager learners everywhere.

 

Personal

Residing in Rhode Island, I share my life with my wife Erica and our cats, Toni and Abby. We are proud parents to two adult daughters.

Other work and projects

Talking Drupal

I'm the founder and former host of the Talking Drupal podcast.  The Talking Drupal is an engaging audio and video podcast dedicated to discussions about Drupal, a prominent open-source content management system. This weekly show is approaching 500 episodes.

New England Drupal Camp

In 2014, I started New England Drupal Camp  with a passionate group of Drupal enthusiasts from (mostly) Rhode Island.  NEDCamp is a conference for people to learn, share, and collaborate.

 

Web Developer

I'm currently a Drupal web developer for the US Department of Justice.  I work with a fantastic team of developers and content creators to keep the public informed.