Currently, I work full-time as a Software Engineer while studying Computer Science at Utah Valley University. I recently earned my A.A.S. in Computer Science – Computing and Networking Sciences, and I expect to graduate with my B.S. in Computer Science in 2023.

I enjoy the challenging projects and problem-solving my school and work involve, and as I grow into my own engineering mindset, I still maintain the importance of soft skills like developing documentation and relationships.

I’ve learned that having strong written and verbal communication skills can contribute largely to efficiency by preventing hours of work, and a strong sense of humor will keep my coworkers coming back in to work with me. That last part is not based on hard data.

My non-tech interests are:

  • Aquatic creatures – frankly, I’m over the top about those that dwell in earth’s waters.
    • Especially sharks.
  • Philosophy – I love thinking about and discussing tricky ethical issues and the nature of existence. My bookshelf is primarily philosophy books.
  • Learning – I will never settle with the knowledge I currently have.
  • Art – In fact, the paintings on this website’s banners are my own work.
  • Museums – art, natural history, science, I’m in.

At any job, you will find me:

  • Creating documentation & training materials as I learn to expand the benefits of my learning
  • Training and sharing knowledge with others so I’m not the only person who knows how to do something
  • Using project management skills to get even the little things done
  • Pursuing the skills and tools I need to do the job best
  • Providing jarring sea creature facts, relevant or otherwise
  • If you’re leading a meeting that needs a little comic relief, I may be a pal and set you up for some jokes. This is a gift from me to you. It would be foolish to squander it. You’re welcome in advance

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Q: So what’s your favorite sea creature then?
  • A: The wobbegong shark at my local aquarium.

  • Q: What the hell is a wobbegong shark?
  • A: Like the shark version of the Sarlacc from Return of the Jedi. Here is a picture of him with me.

  • Katherine Nieman visiting a wobbegong shark at an aquarium

  • Q: You like sharks. Why are you not a Marine Biologist?
  • A: Because it turns out, Marine Biology isn’t just liking sharks a lot. I can love sharks a great deal and not be a Biologist (but if you are a Marine Biologist, please be my friend).

  • Q: So why are you a Software Engineer?
  • A: When I was in the 8th grade, I got “Computer Programmer” as my top result on a career test they had my class take. I was really surprised by this because I’d never considered myself a “computer nerd”, but on the career picture day that followed, I brought in a keyboard to convey that I was a ✨Computer Programmer✨. Here is that picture next to one of me now.

  • On left: Katherine Nieman in the 8th grade holding a keyboard. On right: Katherine Nieman at age 30 holding a keyboard.

  • I’m not sure how many people actually end up working in the #1 career result from a middle school career test, but many years later, I ended up really enjoying studying Computer Science and learning how to program. Working as a Software Engineer provides me the challenges and opportunities I’ve always craved in a career.

  • Q: Why did you pose with a keyboard in the 8th grade to represent a Computer Programmer?
  • A: It was the best prop I could think of at the time. One guy in my class also got Computer Programmer as his career test result. He posed with a five dollar bill. Cheeky bastard.

  • The same picture of Katherine Nieman in the 8th grade holding a keyboard, but next to her, an 8th grade boy stands holding a five dollar bill.