ABOUT / 02

I learn by building real things.

I started with problems I wanted to solve, then learned what I needed to build the software. GrailLocker grew out of card shows with my sons and the questions we'd bring home.

No traditional path.
Just a lot of building.

I like working on things I can actually use. That means following a problem past the first working screen: checking the inputs, handling the awkward cases, and making sure the data still makes sense later.

The Build Lab is where I share that work, including the decisions that held up and the things I'm still figuring out.

Build. Study. Try again.

COMPLETED / 2026

CS50x

Introduction to Computer Science

Completed ten problem sets and a final project. Awarded a CS50 Certificate in 2026.

CS50 certificate awarded to Michael McKenna for completing CS50x in 2026. Open the full certificate PDF.
CS50 Certificate · Michael McKenna · 2026

IN PROGRESS

CS50P

I'm working through CS50P, Introduction to Programming with Python, alongside my own builds. The projects give me questions to investigate; the coursework helps me understand the foundations.

Inside the GrailLocker build