Zach Minster
web designer / photographer / programmer
I do tech things.
Hi there, I'm Zach Minster, I'm a high school senior, and I'm severely allergic to all dairy products (fun fact)! I love computer science more than anything in the world, and I have a genuine passion for learning (especially within the physical sciences). If you'd like to find out more about my skills and talents, you've come to the right place (start clicking those bright, colorful links up above).
OK, more about me. I possess a genuine passion for the acquisition of knowledge. Mathematics and the physical sciences are where I shine most strongly, however, like the Renaissance Humanists, I challenge myself in the humanities and social sciences as well in an attempt to become a more well-rounded individual (sudden "eureka!" moments where I can draw cross-discipline connections are my favorites!). Outside of math and science, my most beloved subject area is most definitely media and communication sociology (the impacts of technology surely are great, and I'd like to thank Ursinus College's Dr. Woodstock for helping me realize that).
During the fall 2008 semester I developed an online system to manage student internship surveys for the Ursinus College career services department. Working on that project late into the night in the Myrin Library while commiserating with my fellow computer science students was one of the most unforgettable experiences of my life. Much of my current passion for computer science stems from that life-changing adventure.
Outside of academics, I enjoy photography, playing Dance Dance Revolution (DDR), observing the stars (I'm one of the founding members of my school's astronomy club), and listening to music. I regularly draw crowds at the local bowling alley when I play DDR (for anyone that lives near me: at Limerick Bowl on Friday nights, watch the DDR machine closely...I'll probably show up). I own an and use it regularly - astronomy is one of my nerdy passions, and I don't know what I'd do without my trusty Dob.
So I did mention I liked music, yes? While we're on that subject, I should mention that my Last.fm profile provides a quite accurate representation of my favorite music and bands/musicians: it stalks ("scrobbles") all the music I listen to, ever! My favorites are Angels & Airwaves, Jimmy Eat World, The Bravery, U2, Oceanlab, Above & Beyond, DJ Tiesto, Armin van Buuren, Tokyo Police Club, New Found Glory, Styx, The Alan Parsons Project, Daft Punk...
My theme song is unquestionably "On the Wing" by Owl City. Inspirational lead singer Adam Young sings: "Late nights and early parades / Still photos and noisy arcades / My darling we're both on the wing, look down and keep on singing / And we can go anywhere." As if speaking exclusively about my life, he moves from late nights, which I constantly maintain in preparation for long nights with the A-Team at HOBY, to noisy arcades, where I prefer to spend my Friday evenings playing feverish amounts of Dance Dance Revolution. On the airplane of life, I consistently stand upon the wing, looking down at my world below and singing through each moment as I progress and achieve my dreams.
Should I be granted the distinct privilege of transfiguring into a breakfast cereal, I would most obviously become Corn Flakes. Like William Keith Kellogg of yore, I see a palpable value in distilling healthy corn into a versatile breakfast cereal capable of nutritional and emotional fulfillment. As aforementioned, I am severely allergic to all dairy products. Thus, this basal cereal provides satisfaction without the need of bovine additives. Plus, who wouldn't want to be pictorially represented as a vectorized rooster?