A childhood interest in telescopes and astronomy started me on a somewhat non-Euclidean path towards a career in optical engineering and lens design.  Eventual completion of a master of science revealed both gaps and uncharted waters in mathematical understanding  that I (am still) continuing to develop by  a process of self-education. 

While I am still very much in the "learning curve" with MAPLE, I can already sense that the core emphasis on symbolic solving and rich heritage in mathematical education will mesh quite well with my desire to expand my mathematical modeling skills through self-study.  I look forward to integrating the MAPLE toolset into my daily work designing and analyzing optical imaging systems.