I attended  Pierpont Elementary School (K-8) in  Pierpont, South Dakota; a town of less than 250 people. We lived on a farm across the street from the school. The primary industry was agriculture, and my father operated a small cheese factory in town. After grade school, my family moved to Sioux Falls, South Dakota and I attended  O'Gorman High School. In high school, I was involved in track, cross-country, debate, and other school related activities.

For my first two years of college, I attended St. Norbert College where I was on the track and cross-country teams. I transferred to Marquette University to complete a Bachelor of Science degree in Engineering. At Marquette University, I was a member of the football team and also IEEE. I also have a Masters degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Marquette University and I have almost completed my PhD in Electrical and Computer Engineering from Marquette University.

I currently work for General Electric Healthcare Technologies as a Systems Engineer. I am also an adjunct assistant professor at Marquette University. I am a stockholder in the Green Bay Packers football club. I enjoy biking and running and I have completed 20 marathons.