Tom Lynch is a software engineer and musician. Nearly 20 years of computer programming has required him to be a lifelong learner to keep up with the rapid pace of changing technology. He believes the best way to learn new technology is to use it, even if you don't know what you're doing, by working through projects that challenge you to figure out how stuff works and learn from your successes and mistakes. Tom aims to inspire students to learn programming as both a practical skill and a way to have fun through video game-based programming activities that offer opportunities to learn from their own process of trial and error with a new technology. He currently works for the School of Medicine at the University of Virginia where he builds custom software applications to support the pedagogical, research, and administrative goals of the academic side of the UVA Health System. Tom is also a performing member of two bands, playing music described as experimental electronic and electro rock. His music has taken him on the road to several states as well as to local theatre productions at Live Arts and PVCC. Tom holds a B.A. in Literature and a M.S. in Library and Information Science.