Python GIS and Firefox OS

I haven't made a post since January, but all that is about to change.  A lot has happened in the past 3 months:

1. After several false starts looking into app development for Ubuntu phones, I came across Firefox OS, with its supportive, community friendly staff and real focus on community building and education. Three of my current students are now working on Firefox OS related projects, and being mentored by Mozilla employees in the process.
2. My Spring graduate GIS class at George Mason University, titled "Introduction to GIS Algorithms and Programming" turned out to basically be a Python programming class with a focus on GIS (how cool is that!? ;-) As a result, my love affair with GIS has only deepened.  I will be doing an independent research project over the Summer that will involve applying and extending what I am learning in this class to a project involving using LIDAR data to inform Northern Virginia residents about the viability of putting solar panels on their homes.  I will be spending a two month "retreat" with my 100 year old grandmother in New Jersey immersing myself in both this project and in developing curriculum materials for teaching mobile app development with Firefox OS.
3. Our Code for NOVA brigade continues to grow and is reaching the size needed to provide multiple opportunities for real synergies between developers (both experienced and inexperienced), and local, regional, and national government agencies looking for help with IT tools to serve the public and conduct citizen science projects.  Our National Science Foundation host continues to make incredible learning opportunities available to Arlington Public Schools students.

I'll begin posting to this blog much more regularly now, as I document progress on each of the above.  Stay tuned...