Hi, I'm Oslo.

I'm a technology & computer specialist, music nerd, and former academic.

I’ve been taking apart and putting back together computers and other tech since Nirvana’s Nevermind was fresh on the scene. As a teenager I provided over-the-phone tech support for a DOS-based system, and I’ve continued developing skills a multitude of subfields over the years. A short list includes:

In general, I’m adept at configuring and maintaining both physical and cloud-based systems, troubleshooting and repairing/replacing hardware, and making sure that users are enjoying an overall low-frustration to high-productivity ratio.

From 2010 to 2019 I completed an MA in Art History and a PhD in American Studies (focus: Critical Race and Postcolonial Studies) at IU Bloomington, and learned a lot about teaching, writing, critical thinking, and global structures of power. I wrote a dissertation about the intersections of art, capitalism, and subjectivity, and will gladly talk to you at length about disco music in downtown Manhattan in the late 1970s.

I'm now circling back to my first love of tech, looking to combine my technology skills and passion for education in a new career.

I love the puzzle-solving aspect of working with computers. It's a joy to learn new tools or skillsets to approach a novel problem.

I also love working with other people. I'm a great listener and educator, skilled collaborator, and love contributing to larger projects as a part of a team.

If you think we might work well together, please send me an email.


Education:

Ph.D., American Studies, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.

Specialization: Critical Race and Postcolonial Studies

MA, Art History, Indiana University, Bloomington, IN.

BA, English Literature, Earlham College, Richmond, IN.

Personal Project Portfolio

small hardware repair
iPod Refurbishing

I restored this 2005 iPod mini, upgrading the hard drive with a 64gb compact flash drive and replacing the battery, mostly using parts found on eBay. I also installed Rockbox, an open source firmware that allows the iPod to play Ogg Vorbis and FLAC formats, in addition to plain old MP3s. This ensures that on long roadtrips no one but me is able to play any of the music or podcasts that I want to listen to. I love that this slightly-older technology allows me to carry a comparably large music collection around without having to worry about data usage or the relatively lower quality of streaming files. I also love how angry people get when I try to email them an Ogg Vorbis file.

laptop repair
Maintaining a Fujitsu S760

My favorite laptop is this Fujitsu Lifebook S760 from 2011. It weighs about 2lbs, and has enough processing power and RAM that I've been able to do pretty much anything I've needed with it (Photoshop, DJing, music production, writing, etc.) since I've had it. A couple of years ago it had a worst-case scenario incident and the motherboard shorted out. I was able to find a replacement on eBay and do a swap, and it's been chugging along ever since. Also helpful was upgrading the ram to the 8gb max and installing a 1TB ssd. I still use it for personal music production, some mild photoshopping, writing, and surfing the net. I'm so happy to have kept it out of a landfill, even if the youth of today frequently tease me about my giant laptop.

phone customization
Android

In the interest of increasing security and privacy and making my life harder than it needs to be, I've run custom ROMs on my phone for about ten years. Currently running LineageOS on a Oneplus5T.

life in the cloud
ownCloud Server

A couple of years ago I installed and continue to run an ownCloud server, as part of my long-term desire to convert as much of my life as possible to FOSS/DIY. Just like Dropbox, but with minty fresh breath and slower upload speeds.

music production
Ableton Live, Traktor, various hardware pieces

I have about fifteen years experience with Ableton Live and Traktor, and recently have been experimenting with an Elektron Model:Samples and Arturia Micrbrute. I like to connect them with a MIDI cable and scream, NOW KISS!!!

linux
Ubuntu

I've also dual-run Ubuntu on every Windows laptop I've owned since the year 2000. I've got a decent familiarity with accomplishing tasks from the command line, and have come to love how much more interesting it is than Windows whenever it breaks.

Skills

Adobe CC
Android Rom Installation
CSS
Cloud-Based Software
Computer Hardware Upgrades
HTML
Hugo
MS Office
Mobile Device Repairs
SQL
Ubuntu Configuration & System Admin
Wordpress
Written & Verbal Communication

Experience

Feb 2021 - June 2023
Congregational Administrator
https://www.nsuc.org

In addition to standard administrative tasks, I provided technical support for staff and members and maintained two Wordpress websites, scripted and produced YouTube video guides, installed and maintained all enterprise software (including Slack), trained on G Suite, and provided hardware support for printers and streaming equipment.

Dec 2020 - Feb 2021
Support Specialist
https://chowly.com/

Provided on-demand customer support for customers located nationwide, over phone, email, and via Sales Force support tickets.

May 2012 - Dec 2019
Ph.D. Candidate & Associate Instructor
https://www.iub.edu

Researched, wrote, and defended dissertation, Feeling Capital: Subjectivity and Survival in American Empire. Designed & taught humanities-oriented courses geared toward teaching students lifelong analytical skills. Presented original research at international conferences.

May 2017 - Nov 2020
Cheesemonger
https://www.centralmarket.com/

Provided extensive knowledge of 600+ varieties of cheese. Worked with an incredible team to consistently exceed production and safety expectations. Had a great time.

April 2013 - Jan 2015
Disc Jockey
https://www.bckdoor.com/

House DJ on Thursday nights. New wave, no wave, postpunk, disco, R&B, house, dance, etc.

April 2012 - Aug 2013
Technology/Art Coordinator
Boxcar Books

Collectively run infoshop/bookshop/Pages to Prisoners. I ran the monthly art exhibitions, maintained all of the tech, including the POS system, and worked front desk shifts on a weekly basis. RIP, Boxcar.

Sept 2010 - Sept 2011
Web & Media Development Grad Assistant, Fine Arts Library IUB
http://www.youtube.com/user/iufineartslibrary

Produced instructional videos to assist with researching web-sourced images for teaching and presentations, archived at link above. Developed Fine Arts Library landing site, streamlining organization and adding dynamic content. Designed promotional materials for special events and curated library exhibition on Mail Art.