Eric Wheeler, Web Developer
What I Do
I support the department's main front-end websites as well as back-end applications. I help any faculty or students who need help with their websites; e.g., front-end / back-end / server management / migrations / database support / etc.
I maintain the SystemX Alliance's website and infrastructure. I also work with Apple maintaining a joint scholarship application.
Origins
Originally I am from Concord, CA about 30 minutes from Oakland, CA. I have seen most of the country and lived in several different places including Florida, Wyoming, Oregon, and — since 2016, when I transitioned to remote — Washington state. My Stanford career started in 2007 with Joe Little hiring me to do Python programming 2 days a week. From there I did many things; desktop support, managing a high-performance Linux cluster, cleaning up server rooms, and eventually web development and web server management. I don't have any degrees or certifications, but I did take a computer class at a community college when I was 9 years old. I was the youngest student there by at least a decade and it was terrifying. When something interests me, I jump in head first and learn all I can about the subject. I have had many jobs in my life, from pager salesperson, barista, pizza delivery, concert security, trim carpentry, and more.
My EExperience
Working in Electrical Engineering has taught me how to work on teams, and how to rely on others for help. I tell people one of the greatest things about working at a school like Stanford is that it is almost impossible not to learn something new just by walking the halls and opening up your ears.
When I'm not at work
I love music, playing music, listening to music, or learning about music. I am an avid comic book reader. Computers are also a big part of my life. You will find me at home doing the same things I do at work with computers. I am heavily involved in the Drupal community. I like to help people, whether organizing events or helping people in forums like Slack.
I am an organizer of Stanford WebCamp and have recently contributed time to organizing the Pacific Northwest Drupal Summit, and MidCamp. Through Stanford WebCamp I am a board member of The Midwest Opensource Alliance. I have also worked on various diversity and inclusion initiatives in the Drupal community. Otherwise, you can find me playing Barbies or coloring with my 5 year old daughter.
Favorite Spot
Electrical Engineering is probably my favorite spot on campus. Off campus my favorite spot is probably just at home with my daughter.
Above: Eric indulging in the promotion of foods to eat in moderation.