Josh Hansen, an Informatics undergrad at the IU School of Informatics and Computing at IUPUI, has always had an interest in technology. A native of Nebraska, he came to IUPUI from California where he was a member of the United States Airforce and decided to use the GI Bill to get his degree.
Engineering was what he initially considered for his career, but chose Informatics because he likes the broad range of technology it encompasses and the variety of industries in which you can work.
In addition to his interest in technology, Josh has a hobby of costume making and cosplay; Indiana Jones and Aqua Man are just a sample of some of the costumes he has created. Ironman, his most recent, took five months to complete.
Josh considered costume making an outlet for his creativity, until he received some big attention from attendees at a gaming convention. He then began looking into how he might be able to put smiles on the faces of those more in need.
“When I received such a great response, I thought wow, this might be an opportunity and that’s when I started looking into how I could visit sick children and their families as a way to lift their spirits, and brighten their day,” said Josh. He started on his mission to see how he might be able to visit children’s hospitals in the area and began reaching out, trying to connect with someone that would provide an opportunity for him to visit and foster his mission.
Josh eventually heard back from the Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital. “I know this sounds corny, but I kinda felt like a super hero being called to serve. I suited up and off I went. It is a bitter sweet feeling, seeing the smiles was rewarding, but knowing the children are really sick brought me back to reality. I am just glad that I could make them smile.”
Josh is working on a predator costume for his next project. He also is planning to graduate with a BS in Informatics May 2016, and hopes to secure a position where he can blend technology with his creativity.
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Joanne Lovrinic
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