Experience, focus & drive - Our core staff

John

Principal Technologist/Researcher (1982, CRI)
John Watson has been a professional technologist, educator and researcher for several decades. He served in executive management roles guiding the technology and market strategy, managed technical teams and developed key intellectual property for his own concerns and several start-up companies. His R&D work led to the creation of critically acclaimed distance learning and internet applications, and numerous copyrights, trade & service marks, and patents. Dr. Watson received several awards for his research work in metacognitive analysis and embedded cognitive probes in software. John earned his B.A. at U.C. San Diego (economics), his M.A.L.A. from San Diego State (artificial intelligence) and his Ph.D. in Education at Claremont University (technology and metacognition). As an associate professor of computer science, he re-developed and ran a masters program in software engineering.
Extra tidbit: John has completed 3 Ironman triathlons


Anja

Web mistress, graphical content and task coordinator (2001)
Anja Ross is the lead web developer for WatsonEd, a role that evolved from her start as an educational content and HTML developer for the company. Anja's previous work was largely in the web space, serving as content developer and localization specialist for Blue Mountain Cards (Excite @ Home), Macromedia (now Adobe) and Google. In Germany, Anja graduated from the NSH Business School (Basel, Switzerland) with emphasis on translation and office administration. She picked up her web publishing certificate and took Adobe Flash and Photoshop and project management courses through UCSD Extension.
Extra tidbit: in 2006, Anja took the U.S. oath for citizenship




David

SQL/CFM/PHP/C++ Programmer (2004)
David is a programmer with roots in data collection for education purposes, having designed his first 'educational survey' web site while still in high school. For WED, he uses his skills in ColdFusion, C++, SQL, and experience with Unix servers on a variety of projects. David holds dual bachelor's degrees in computer science and music (performance) from the University of Michigan.
Extra tidbit: David has toured as a musician, recently visiting Spain on tour.



Jeremy

Web programmer, trainer & educational specialist (2005)
Jeremy has been a k-12 classroom technology teacher for over 18 years, along the way developing an education-focused technology skill set that serves WED well in the areas of professional development and site training, web site layout, graphics and programming. He was the chairperson of the committee that developed the Computer Curriculum for Diocesan Schools. He has experience in HTML, Javascript, PHP, Flash, Photoshop, Illustrator, Premiere, InDesign and prides himself on his skills in audio and video editing. As an undergraduate, Jeremy worked with the MFA program at USD & the Old Globe.
Extra tidbit: Jeremy has directed several dozen plays with elementary and high school students.


Alex

SQL/CFM/PHP Programmer (2004)
Alex has experience in relational databases, C/C++, MS VFP, and Cold Fusion. He's one of our developers who has worked in several environments, contributing to both stand-alone database driven applications and web sites. He is a graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University (San Diego), where he studied computer science.
Extra tidbit: Alex is studying to complete his masters in theology


Zhuozhou

SQL/PHP Programmer (2007)
Zhuozhou has worked for the University of California as an application developer prior to his work with WED. His skills include relational database management, SQL, PHP, and a variety of other languages. Zhuozhou received his bachelor's degree in computer science overseas, and applies his international flair and depth of technology experience to his projects.
Extra tidbit: Zhuozhou is that rare programming perfectionist, an excellent documenter, and those traits suit us fine!


Michael

Tester & administrator (2006)
Michael earned a B.S. in Biology and a minor in Political Science from the University of California, Riverside. He is currently pursuing a law degree at the University of San Diego where he is actively involved. At Watson Education, Michael serves as both administrator and in a Q/A, and testing capacity, trying out new software still in the development stages. Michael is more than happy to assist with any general questions and inquiries regarding Watson Education and its services.
Extra tidbit: Away from the office Mike is nurturing an early 1930's California craftsman home.