Jeff Thomas, a web systems analyst at MSU, has been one of about 10,000 people able to test this technology since attending a Google conference in 2012 and signing up to become a “Glass Explorer.”
Google expects to release a version of Glass to the public in 2014.
“It’s been really neat being ahead of the curve as far as technology goes,” Thomas said. “I love being at the front of the line.”
Thomas provides feedback to Google about how he is using his Glass, which — among other things — can provide him with traffic updates and tell him the quickest routes home.
“Basically, I get to help Google learn about uses they didn’t think of and design the best applications for the public.”
Thomas, who has a bachelor’s in computer science, always knew he liked to figure out how things are built, then make them better.
“When I was little, I attempted to take apart the refrigerator and also took a stab at the thermostat in the middle of winter (which shut off the heat).”
At Missouri State, he quickly found his niche in computer science. But he also had a passion for campus life — he was even the man in the Boomer costume one year. He was a resident assistant and was in Maroon Madness, Student Government Association and other groups. But his most meaningful experience was being a University ambassador.
“There was something awesome about giving tours to hundreds and hundreds of kids. Several years later students would recognize me on campus and say, ‘Hey, you gave me my tour and you’re the reason I came to Missouri State.’ It was amazing to get to see all of the things they were doing and know that you led them here.”
He has worked at MSU in computer services since 2011.
His professors had a hunch he would thrive. “I first met Jeff when he enrolled in the programming class in the computer science curriculum,” said Richard Martin, faculty emeritus. They later worked as colleagues while designing a phone app. “His work was exceptional,” Martin said. “I have been privileged to work with Jeff and I expect him to accomplish much during his career.”
Thomas loves Missouri State and wants to spend his career here.
“Not only did MSU teach the computer science stuff and development work flows, but it taught me the real-world skills, too. Being involved as a student in campus life allowed me to build the social interactions necessary for success.”
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