This site started as a way to organize links to my various projects and place them under a single domain. With more thought, I decided to convert it into a portfolio page that showcases my research, my growing interest in software development, and other hobbies or curiosities related to AI, cryptocurrencies, etc. Thus, tophertech.org was born.
I don't have formal training in code or software development, but large language models like Claude make it possible to build real, functional software anyway. The projects on this site, as well as the site itself, are all built through conversations with AI. My original goal was to learn how to interact with AI by 'vibe-coding', as I always enjoy learning through experimentation. Yet in the process, the projects actually developed value, leading me to become more ambitious with time.
The PDF keyword search was born out of a real need to ensure that grant applications were not flagged for containing specific keywords. It started as a python script, and then grew into a full webapp. Similarly, Battery Required was built on a Saturday morning, because I was manually calculating the required battery percentage for my EV. Later, I added a separate section for minor help during a recent trip to Korea. Finally, the most significant project to date is an AI-Assistant to help complete IACUC (Institutional Animal Care and Use) forms, which, if successful, will help both the user/PI and the reviewers. This site is the same; I needed to organize links and projects, which led me to a place where I was considering design philosophy, aesthetics, etc. Each new project has required me to learn something new, which is the fun part.
I've built these primarily with Claude Code, with some experimentation with Factory Droid and Figma. I started using Claude Code in GitHub Codespaces, but I am now also using a dedicated Linux machine I can connect to via SSH that runs Claude Code locally. This setup allows me to have an "AI-assistant" with access to all of my files, ideas, and notes, and I can connect to it from anywhere.
It's an exciting time, as each new model provides more power to build for someone like me. Hands-on experimentation helps me understand what's actually possible versus what's hype, and where these tools shine and where they fall short.
Send me an email ([email protected]) if you are curious about the site, have suggestions, or are interested in doing something similar.
Chris