About Me

I am Matt Gruber, an Information Sciences student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign with a concentration in data science. I am from Lombard, Illinois and I first found an interest in license plates while working as a valet at a local country club. After seeing the #96 license plate on the job, I began digging into the history of the Illinois license plate system and learned about its long and somewhat controversial history. I began collecting pictures of all plates I saw that were 4 digits or less for fun. I eventually began to wonder how I could display these photos and make them into a fun project, when I came across thedelaware3000.org and was inclined to create this website.

Beyond license plates I enjoy fishing and spending time outside, as well as trying new restaurants and reading. I have been passionate about cars since a kid, which definitely led to the interest in license plates. I will graduate from UIUC in fall of 2025.