--- title: About layout: content description: I'm a software engineer who enjoys pushing the limits of web technology and applying them to business processes. print_blurb: "résumé" ---

# About

I am a software engineer who enjoys pushing the limits of web technology and applying them to business processes. Ideally, my job provides me with technical challenges that need well-designed solutions. I have a solid understanding of industry best practices, but I am more interested in continuously learning about why they exist and how they can be further applied and improved.

## Skill Set

I am especially familiar with 'cloud' concepts, e-commerce, server administration, and web applications. When working on a project, my preferred technologies are Linux, PHP (with symfony2, lately) and JavaScript (node.js, especially). Recently I have been able to gain experience and understanding in the following areas:

languages
  applescript · css · html · javascript · less · node.js · php · sql · xml · xslt
libraries
  composer · doctrine · mootools · phpunit · require.js · rpm · swiftmailer · symfony2 · twig
software
  apache-httpd · docker · elasticsearch · gearman · git · jenkins · memcached · mysql · nginx · opengrok · openvpn · oracle-database · puppet · subversion · vagrant
systems
  centos · linux · osx · ubuntu
services
  aws · facebook · github · paypal · twilio

## Experience

Software Developer · August '13 – present, contractor
City Index Ltd – Labs Team (www.cityindex.co.uk website) · London, England

- Implemented and managed scalable logstash + elasticsearch + kibana stacks on AWS
- Researched and tested elasticsearch scaling for project needs
- Researched technology to help identify requirements and grow functionality
- Worked remotely

aws · elasticsearch · git · kibana · logstash · linux · nginx · node.js · ruby · ubuntu · vagrant

Software Developer · July '09 – October '12; Summer '08, intern
Sentry Data Systems (www.sentryds.com website) · Deerfield Beach, Florida

- Guided the adoption of and migration to the open-source symfony2 framework from an internal framework for main customer SaaS web application
- Implemented development tools and standards including opengrok, composer, and PSR-*
- Advised and taught on software design, industry practices, and development workflows
- Created automated systems for detecting data quality issues in client data feeds, significantly reducing manual work
- Created custom issue tracking system to support existing Oracle-based applications, email ticketing, workflows, and time estimations
- Worked locally for 18 months and remotely for 22 months

composer · git · html · javascript · jenkins · linux · mootools · opengrok · oracle-database · php · phpunit · sql · subversion · symfony2 · twig

Software Systems Engineer · June '06 – present
The Loopy Ewe (theloopyewe.com website) · Fort Collins, Colorado

- Developed and currently maintain in-house e-commerce frontend and backoffice tools using primarily PHP and MySQL
- Migrated the backend website and services to the open-source symfony2 framework
- Integrated business tools with APIs including PayPal and Endicia
- Advising on strategic goals for the business and assisting in implementation
- Currently maintain production server environments and services

applescript · aws · composer · css · elasticsearch · git · html · javascript · linux · mootools · mysql · nginx · osx · paypal · php · puppet · require.js · rpm · sql · swiftmailer · symfony2 · twig · twilio · vagrant

Student System Administrator · Spring '06 – Fall '08
CSE Department, Taylor University (www.taylor.edu website) · Upland, Indiana

- Created web-based applications to aid in department processes for faculty and students
- Maintained and provided support for the Computer Science department lab computers and servers (Linux, Windows)
- Acted as contributing editor and webmaster for the department's public website

html · linux · mysql · php · sql · windows

Network Administrator · Spring '03 – Summer '07
The Covenant Presbyterian Church (www.cpcstl.org website) · St. Louis, Missouri

- Created, maintained, and hosted their website CMS during employment and until 2010
- Provided technical support (on-site, phone, and email) to ministry staff
- Managed Microsoft Windows and Exchange servers, internal ministry applications, and other productivity software

css · exchange · html · linux · mysql · php · sql · windows · windows-server

## Open-Source Contributions

- logstash/logstash – small enhancements
- elasticsearch/kibana – small bug fixes
- composer/composer – small enhancements, bug fixes
- symfony/symfony – small enhancements, bug fixes
- doctrine/dbal – oracle bug fixes

## Education

- Taylor University – Bachelor of Science (2005 - 2009) – Computer Science, Systems (Business Information Systems)
- Westminster Christian Academy – high school (2001 - 2005)