A Lifelong Mission Inspired by Star Trek

When I first saw that Trek Central had published an interview featuring my work, I had a surreal moment of reflection. Here I was, standing in San Francisco—the very city where Starfleet Academy is set in the Star Trek universe—seeing my name and my sci-fi novel, The Amaranth Chronicles: Deviant Rising, featured in a Star Trek publication. It felt like my life had come full circle.

For as long as I can remember, Star Trek has been a guiding force in my life. It wasn’t just a television show; it was a philosophy, a blueprint for the future, and a source of inspiration for how I wanted to live my life. Star Trek taught me about exploration, resilience, and the power of imagination. It also set me on a path that led to a career in UX/UI design, the creation of my own sci-fi universe, and even the development of AI-driven technology aimed at helping people.

How Star Trek Set the Course for My Career

Growing up, my parents raised me on Star Trek. My mother loved The Original Series, while my father watched every new episode of The Next Generation. Our household was filled with discussions about warp drives, first contact scenarios, and the ethical dilemmas faced by Captain Picard.

That love for Star Trek shaped my curiosity and ambition. It inspired me to think about the future—not just as something to be imagined but as something that could be built. This mindset led me to a career in UX/UI design, where I could create the kind of intuitive, futuristic interfaces that Star Trek had always envisioned.

Over the years, I worked on projects that felt like they belonged in a sci-fi universe—designing DocuSign Mobile, helping shape Samsung’s Galaxy phones, and working on AI-driven applications. Every time I refined a user experience, I thought back to the smooth, seamless interfaces of Star Trek's LCARS system. I wasn’t just designing apps; I was bringing a small piece of the future into reality.

The Amaranth Chronicles – A Sci-Fi Universe of My Own

While my career in technology was fulfilling, I still felt the need to create something truly my own—a universe where I could explore deep, philosophical questions just like Star Trek did. That’s when The Amaranth Chronicles: Deviant Rising was born.

This novel wasn’t just a passion project; it was a way for me to contribute to the sci-fi genre that had shaped me. In Deviant Rising, I tackled themes of survival, morality, and the consequences of unchecked ambition—questions that wouldn’t feel out of place in an episode of Deep Space Nine or The Next Generation.

One of my proudest moments was creating 3D models of my characters and spaceships, bringing them to life just like Star Trek concept artists did. Seeing my sci-fi world materialize visually was a thrilling experience, and it deepened my appreciation for the work of designers and visionaries in both fiction and real-world tech.

AI and the Future – Bringing Sci-Fi to Reality

In Star Trek, AI was often portrayed as a tool to enhance human potential—whether it was Data from TNG striving for humanity or the ship’s computer assisting in complex calculations. That idea resonated with me as I started developing an AI-driven app aimed at helping people navigate contract generation and other real-world challenges.

But it wasn’t just business applications that interested me. When I was diagnosed with Astrocytoma, I turned to AI to help me process the experience. I saw the potential for AI to assist others in understanding their diagnoses, researching treatment options, and offering emotional support. This realization pushed me to integrate AI in a way that could genuinely help people, much like how Star Trek imagined AI as a tool for progress rather than a threat.

While I don’t believe we’re at the level of having a sentient AI like Data yet, I do believe that, in some ways, we are living in the future that Star Trek envisioned—where technology is designed to serve humanity’s best interests. It’s thrilling to be part of that transformation, whether through UX design, sci-fi storytelling, or AI development.

The Journey Continues…

Looking back, I realize that Star Trek has been more than just entertainment for me. It has been a philosophy, a career inspiration, and a motivator for innovation. Seeing my work recognized by Trek Central felt like a validation of everything I’ve pursued—from designing futuristic interfaces to crafting my own sci-fi worlds and using AI to improve lives.

As I continue my journey, I carry the principles of Star Trek with me: curiosity, empathy, and the drive to build a better future. I am excited for what’s ahead—whether it’s expanding The Amaranth Chronicles, refining my AI-driven projects, or continuing to push the boundaries of technology.

To all the Trekkies, dreamers, and explorers out there: we’re all part of this journey together. Let’s keep reaching for the stars. 🚀

Read my Interview on Read Trek Central Interview here.