What type of work do you do for Gastrograph?

I am a full time Android developer working on everything from back-end to front-end feature development.

What sparked your interest in working in that field?

Mobile development has always been an interest of mine as it provides a different set of challenges from Windows or web applications. The rising ubiquity of mobile applications point to an exciting future!

Why did you choose AFS?

As a member of the Tea Institute at Penn State, I was already friends with a significant portion of AFS' employees and having a love of flavor made AFS a natural choice.

Gastrograph has a pretty unique environment. What would you say your favorite part is?

My favorite part of the Gastronexus is how everyone is working toward a shared goal: Helping producers make the best products possible. We may be working on different aspects or approaches to accomplish that goal but we can all agree, a better cup of coffee is better for everyone.

You get to evaluate many different drinks. What product is your favorite to taste test?

I really enjoy taste testing experimental and limited release beers.

Why is that?

It gives me a chance to see the result of a brewer's creative freedom and gives me a glimpse into the culture of the brewery.

Working at a startup can be time consuming. What activities do you do in your free time to alleviate the stress?

I enjoy our barbecuing with the rest of the company, Chinese tea ceremony and listening to music.

Other Questions: (Pick a few)

If you were a character from Star Wars, which one would you be?

Admiral Ackbar. It's a trap!

What would you choose as your last meal?

A smoked ham hock wrapped in bacon with a side of chengdu cold noodles and an aged Imperial Russian Stout by Stone followed by a piece of cheesecake and chocolate covered bacon.

If you were given a free full-page ad in the newspaper and had to sell yourself in six words or less, how would the ad read?

It would be a picture of me covered in puppies giving a thumbs up (both me and the puppies are giving thumbs up) with a quote reading "Mitch cares. (and develops android applications)"

Who would win a battle between a ninja and a pirate?

It's completely circumstantial. In open combat, I like to think that a pirate would win with superior firepower but if given the opportunity, I believe a ninja would be able to sneak up on and out maneuver a pirate with stealth and guile.