Who's Who at the Computing Center

Meet the newest member of our staff...

Derek Wormdahl laughs ruefully that he is "a jack-of-all-trades and master of none," but in fact he is simply a multi-talented guy.

This Oregon native not only has a deep and varied background in his chosen field of computer programming, but he has also put in some serious time as a remodeling carpenter and American Legion baseball coach, and is currently pursuing perfection in the demanding arts of fly fishing and golf.

Derek Wormdahl
Systems Analyst, Administrative Services

After graduating from North Eugene High in 1988, Derek headed for Western Oregon University in Monmouth. Initially, he intended to major solely in business, but once his interest in computer science was kindled, he added it to his agenda and graduated with a double major in business and computer science in 1994.

Like most programmers, Derek enjoys problem solving and is a self-described "tech buff" who never tires of challenging himself to learn something new. His first job out of college was as a software developer at Sony Disc Manufacturing in Springfield, where he developed manufacturing and automation software as well as software for core information systems.

One of his most demanding assignments at Sony was developing software to integrate automated machinery (automated guided vehicles, automated storage and retrieval systems) into the manufacturing process. This involved getting automated machinery to perform precise tasks in confined spaces where there was little or no margin for error.

Derek enjoyed the variety of his assignments at Sony, but when the company shut down its operations in Springfield he had to move on.

Fortunately, the Oracle and C skills and Java and web development experience he'd gained at Sony were a good fit for the Computing Center, and, scarcely missing a beat, Derek joined our staff in September 2003.

Derek's new responsibilities offer no lack of challenges, either. He is currently working on two major projects to streamline campus administrative systems. With UO Assistant Registrar Jim Bouse, he is serving as joint project leader for the ambitious Document Imaging project, which could span several years. The team is currently researching Banner-compatible software packages that can scan, store, index, and search electronic documents (student records, transcripts, and the like), with a view toward tailoring that software to the UO environment.

Derek is also teamed with Jim Bouse on the "Resource 25" project. The two are working to expand the use of this third-party scheduling application, which is used for such tasks as scheduling events and reserving classrooms.

It would seem that with all this Derek would have time for little else, but he is also a family man. He and his wife Brandy, a math teacher and soccer coach at North Eugene High, are the parents of four-year-old daughter Jordan and are expecting another baby in May. Not surprisingly, Derek is engaged in a flurry of remodeling projects, expanding their Santa Clara home (which he also helped to build) to accommodate the new arrival.