My Story

My name is Joseph Portner. I am an 18-year-old freshman majoring in Computer Science. I come from a family of 5 including me, my two older brothers Matt and Ben, my parents Kay and David, and our dog Yetti. Through my life, I have always wanted to create and learn. I think this is a trait that has been passed down from my parents onto me and my successful brothers.

Programming and Computers

Computers have interested me since I was young. The hobby started with fixing simple computer problems for people and taking apart my laptop. Then I built my own computer and began upgrading and repairing laptops and desktops for people I knew. I started programming in AP computer science and programmed at the Advanced Technology Center on the Tidewater Community College campus for two years. I also programmed for my school robotics team, along with tutoring AP computer science students. Now I still program in my free time along with the coursework at ODU.

High Power Rocketry

What started as a father-son hobby of going to the park and launching small rockets, ended up becoming an obsession for me. My dad and I began attending local club launches, and I became Jr Level 1 certified allowing me to launch rockets with 640 total Newton-seconds in thrust. I am now a member of the ODU rocket club, a growing group of people that meet every Thursday night at 9:00, along with scheduled launches.

Woodworking

With a love the look of wood grain, I have built nightstands, tables, shelves, benches, and many other things out of wood for myself and anyone who pays me to do so. I find it easier to just build a picture in my mind, but I can follow a draft if necessary. The ODU craftsman club has been a great resource for woodworking machinery and a fun experience overall. We meet every Tuesday and Thursday from 12:30 to 1:30 in the New Education Building Room 4140.

Bowling

I have been bowling since age 6. My average in most leagues is in the 190s and I used to bowl about 1-3 times a week. However now with college in the way, I only bowl about once a month. Along with winning multiple tournaments, I have qualified for Jr Gold nationals but opted out and took scholarship money instead.

Cryptocurrencies and mining

Some people enjoy investing in penny stocks, I invest in cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin or etherium. Cryptocurrencies are what I consider to be the monetary standards of the future for safe holding of value, and fast, cheap transactions. The mining rig I built above uses GPUs to mine etherium earning me about 130 dollars a month (you can learn more about mining here). Along with mining I also invest directly on exchanges in a manner similar to stocks, however, since cryptocurrencies are mostly in their early stages there is a much greater risk involved and a much bigger profit potential.