Northampton UK /
Availability
Not currently seeking work. Sorry! (updated Mar 2013)
Skills
- JavaScript (The Good Parts) / ES5 / jQuery / HTML5 / CSS3 / Ajax / JSON / XKCD
- Object Oriented PHP 5
- MySQL
- Familiar with memcache and other elements involved in running high performance scalable websites from an architectural perspective.
- Firefox addons, MSIE plugins, browser helper objects.
- My comment karma on reddit is over 9000.
- My GPL PHP CAPTCHA script was used by Apple and Mozilla, among others.
- My work on CAPTCHA security has been cited by W3C.
- One of my PHP scripts has an average rating of 4½/5 from 100+ reviewers on hotscripts.net.
- A little windows application development including C#, VB.NET, and NSIS.
- I have some experience with MSSQL/SQL Server and Linux server administration, as well as being a NodeJS beginner.
Qualifications
2011: St John Ambulance
Essential First Aid – All Ages (3 hour certificated course)
2008-2009: University of Oxford (St Anne’s College)
Subject: Computer Science MSc
Result: Pass, with distinction in dissertation.
My dissertation focused on implementing Adaptive Web Sites using Machine Learning and Ajax. I passed modules in Object Oriented Programming (with Java), Information Retrieval, Computational Linguistics, Machine Learning, and Compilers.
2004-2007: University of Wales Lampeter
Subject: Information Technology and Philosophical Studies BA (Joint hons)
Result: First Class Honours, awarded Lampeter Society Prize for IT
I undertook modules including SQL, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Modelling, Hypermedia and Web Design, Robotics, and Ethics. My final project, a ‘university simulator’ game, was written in VB.NET and MSSQL.
1999-2001: Northampton College
Distinction: City and Guilds “Computer Programming – Games & Quizzes”
Pass: City and Guilds “Computer Programming – Business Applications”
1995-1998: Northamptonshire Grammar School
9 GCSEs: Physics (B), English Lit (B), English Lang (B), German (B), French (B), Maths (C), Chemistry (C), Biology (C), Geography (C).
Commercial Experience
GG.COM / Twist Digital Media: Feb 2010 – current (2 years+)
Job Title: Web Developer
Having worked at the company prior to attending university, I rejoined the team to help with the construction of a client’s website. As well as completing the client website on budget, I also brought an idea for a new product to GG.
Immediately seeing potential, the company switched focus and direction around this idea. I implemented the idea as proof-of-concept Firefox, Chrome and MSIE plugins. For this project I improved my knowledge of creating Firefox and Chrome plugins, as well as learning C#.NET in order to create a DLL which hooked into windows API calls to provide a greasemonkey-like level of control over third party webpages within MSIE.
The product is now patent pending (GB1003528.5), is being offered as a licensing deal to key players in our industry, and even has applications outside our domain.
Initially working day to day with OO PHP5, mySQL, HTML5, jQuery, JSON and JavaScript 1.8 (EcmaScript 5), in August 2011 we began to rewrite GG.COM from the ground up, utilising rackspace cloud hosting to reduce costs and improve flexibility. I have had key input in designing the new architecture using memcache, redis and xeround in the appropriate places to implement robust API and web servers, not only for the high traffic GG.com website but also for other products and web applications that the company offers. The entire NodeJS backend API was written and designed by me with input from the CTO.
Web Office Systems: Oct 2009 – Jan 2010 (4 months)
Job Title: Web Developer
In this role I was responsible for maintaining existing web sites and developing new offerings. The technologies I worked with included the standard LAMP stack, and tasks included integration both of third party XML APIs into client sites and development and documentation of our own APIs for outside developers to hook into. I was also responsible for paypal integration and live card processing via datacash and paypoint – I was able to streamline the checkout process such that instead of a separate code base for each payment provider, one set of business logic handled the transaction regardless of which payment provider was used.
GG.COM / Twist Digital Media: 2007-2008Â (1 year)
Job Title: Web Developer
Primarily developing in PHP 5/mySQL, this role was split 70/30 between maintaining existing systems and R&D for new business directions. The company was looking to expand its web offerings with new in-browser betting games. I provided extensive input on technical feasibility for new projects, as well as being actively sought for my ideas for new business directions. During my time at GG, I redeveloped a JavaScript bet calculator which was deemed worthy of spinning off to a standalone website in its own right. I wrote an Internet Explorer plugin for this calculator which allows people to use their sidebar to calculate bets while on other websites. My JS code has since been ported into objective C for a profitable iPhone app supported by iAds.
Freetimers Ltd / Poulson Enterprises Group: 2001-2005 (4 years)
Job Titles: Internet Programmer, Senior Database Programmer
My role at Freetimers progressed rapidly from a junior technical role to being the primary designer and maintainer of the flagship ‘admin area’ product (now known as FreedomTM). At Freetimers, I was instrumental in the design and continued development of all technical products offered to clients. These products include a multi-lingual, multi-website content management system, a web-managed stock control system including ecommerce, and web-based bulk email software, as well as the multi-user admin shell with password authentication.
When I first started, Freetimers websites were produced from scratch on a per-client basis. My ideas and technical expertise allowed me to create standard, re-usable and upgradable modules that enabled Freetimers to massively reduce development time and continually improve the products offered to clients. I also managed a small number of junior developers, and brought their skill level forwards; under my supervision, a web graphics designer also became a html developer, and a html / PHP developer became a PHP / mySQL developer.
Personal Statement
I enjoy varied work and am deeply interested in all aspects of computer technology. I express my creativity through technology and I enjoy creating innovative solutions to problems. I am passionate about doing it right. I build with the future and solving the general case in mind.
My interests include machine learning, responsive UI design, and programming involving images. When unplugged from the internet, I enjoy photography and swimming (swam my first non-stop mile in July 2011), and I collect robots and Swiss Army Knives.
In addition to puremango.co.uk, I also maintain thingsinbooks.com, geekwallpapers.com, and have a handful of other side projects in various states of neglect.
References available on request.
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