Douglas Knight is an up and coming professional in the field of computer science. He combines his expertise in developing custom applications with a dedication to public service. His passion lies in introducing young people to the world of coding, encouraging them to bring their fresh ideas to the industry.
As a boy, Douglas Knight New Canaan resident, was fascinated with gaming. His earliest efforts in coding were focused on computer games. He was encouraged to major in computer science when he went to college. He has a Master’s Degree in computer science and uses his advanced education to bring new ideas to his work.
Knight’s professional portfolio includes many pieces of proprietary software, written both for his company and for their clients. He is involved in both front end and back end coding, making a unified whole. He considers coding to be an art, and is constantly working to improve his skills. Douglas Knight grew up in Boston, Massachusetts and is now based in Silicon Valley. Moving to the West Coast after college gave him a new perspective on the growing technology field.
Knight travels widely as an ambassador for coding. He visits high schools and technical schools to encourage students to code. He is determined that teens and young adults shouldn’t be discouraged from coding or be led to believe that it’s “too hard” for most people to comprehend. He believes that any kid or teen who is interested should be able to try coding.
What is your favorite thing about traveling?
I love the adventure of it. Especially when I’m traveling to a new place, I get excited. I like that traveling takes me out of my daily routine and gives me a fresh perspective on my life. Traveling lets me come into contact with some truly great teenagers, young people, and teachers.
Is traveling something you consider a hobby or a lifestyle? How did you get started?
Traveling is a hobby for me. I volunteer for all of my speaking engagements, so that is where I use many of my days off. My family traveled a lot while I was a kid, but mostly by car. I became very familiar with all of the corners of New England. My favorite place when I was a kid was the White Mountains in New Hampshire.
Do you have any exciting travel dates or itinerary planned for the future?
I’m still in the planning stages with this one, but I am hoping to take my girlfriend to Scotland this summer. She has been wanting to go for a long time, and I have been planning the best itinerary and finding us the coolest places to stay. She wants to stay in a castle and I said I could probably find a way to arrange that.
What are some travel tips you’d give to an inexperienced traveler?
Don’t overpack! You don’t need that second pair of work shoes. Make sure you have some room in your bag for anything you purchase while you’re away. The airlines are getting tougher on the size of carry-on baggage, and it’s important to try to put as much as you can in your checked bag.
Also, take the time to familiarize yourself with TSA requirements. They change more often than you might think. It’s better to be prepared than be flustered at the airport when the TSA workers want you to empty out your entire bag.
Where would you like to go?
I’ve always wanted to go to Australia. I’ve wanted to see Australia since I was a kid. I’ve heard that it’s a beautiful country, that the people are welcoming, and that the food is great.
Where would you like to revisit?
I will definitely go back to Austin, Texas. I was there recently for a talk and there was so much I didn’t get to explore. The food alone is worth the trip, and the music is awesome too. My favorite thing about Austin is its funky, individualistic quality. No one in Austin minds if you’re a little different.
Do you travel alone? Why?
I don’t necessarily enjoy traveling alone, but it’s a necessity for me most of the time. I would much rather travel with my girlfriend or with family members. It is nice to have some time to myself, when work is normally so busy, but I often spend the time I’m away from my loved ones wishing I were with them.
If you could pick the top three places every person should go, what would they be?
The top priority for everyone should be New York City. New York is amazing. You’ll find representatives of just about every culture on Earth. The second pick on my list is Florence. You can enjoy the art and take amazing day trips around Tuscany. My third pick is San Francisco, where I live now. I try to appreciate it like a “tourist” a few times a year.
Do you travel light or do you pack up the house?
I am a light traveler. I don’t usually check a bag, but I do if I have to stay more than a few nights.
