Resume / CV

Education

California State University, Long Beach | B.S. Computer Science (Expected 2025)

Relevant Coursework: Introduction to Computer Security, Computer Security Principles, Networks and Network Security, Networks & Distributed Computing, Cybersecurity in Business, Operating Systems, Algorithms, Data Structures

Long Beach City College | A.S. for Transfer in Computer Science (2023)

Relevant Courswork: Advanced C++, Discrete Structures, Intro to Computer Architecture

Experience

Software Engineering Intern | PVNet (Feb 2025 - Present)

  • Developed scalable facial recognition backend with custom neural network, cosine similarity matching, and WebSocket support.
  • Implemented floor-plan identity tracking and encryption protocols.
  • Delivered workshops to 20+ students; mentored 8 interns.

Code Coach | AI Code Academy (Jun 2024 - Present)

  • Mentored 100+ students in multiple programming languages from beginner to advanced levels.
  • Created tailored study plans; guided final projects to completion.

Embedded Tutor (Java) | Long Beach City College (Feb 2023 - Jun 2023)

  • Provided personalized tutoring, boosting student problem-solving and debugging skills.

Part Sales Manager | Autozone (Oct 2021 - Jun 2024)

  • Diagnosed issues for 30+ customers weekly; maintained ~99% transaction accuracy.
  • Trained staff in intermediate repairs, improving productivity.

Projects

Facial Recognition Research Project | Lead Developer, PVNet

  • Migrated desktop app to REST API; reduced latency 2000% via image compression/encoding.
  • Improved recognition accuracy 2x with cosine similarity; automated enrollment.

Hole-In-The-Wall VR Demo | Lead, CSULB XR Engineering Club

Directed development of full-body VR tracking game in Unity targeting OpenXR/Meta platforms.

Rockband Song Manager | Personal Project

Built Python tool to manage Rockband 3 song libraries via whitelist/blacklist with FTP integration.

Other Projects

  • LCAD 48HR Game Jam - “Generic Warehouse Inc.” (Lead Coder, Godot)
  • VGDA Game Jam - “This Means Business” (Co-Code Lead, Godot)
  • GMTK Game Jam - “Stacking Spells” (Systems Programmer, Unity)
  • Home Network Admin - Self-hosted Proxmox server with web/Minecraft/VPN services

Technical Skills

Languages

Python, C++, C#, C, Lua, HTML/CSS/JS, Node.js

Tools & Frameworks

Unity, Godot, Blender, Git, Agile/Scrum

Backend

Docker, LXC, Proxmox, KVM, Networking, Web Servers, Databases, VPNs, Network Security

Soft Skills

Public Speaking, Leadership, Conflict Resolution, Technical Writing

Experience

Software Engineering Intern | PVNet (Feb 2025- Present)

  • Led the backend development to optimize a facial recognition system, improving attendance tracking and security through offloading heavy processing for better scalability.
  • Replaced legacy models with a custom neural network, achieving faster processing speeds and lower error margins. Implemented key optimizations like cosine similarity and WebSocket communication.
  • Designed a real-time identity tracking system that maps video input to a floor plan for monitoring individuals within a designated space.
  • Integrated encryption and authentication protocols to secure sensitive data and ensure compliance with best cybersecurity practices.
  • Delivered workshops on game design, animation, and cybersecurity to 20+ students and mentored 8 interns, providing guidance to help them complete their projects.

Code Coach | AI Code Academy (June 2024 - Present)

  • Mentored 100+ students from diverse backgrounds, teaching foundational syntax to advanced programming concepts in languages such as Scratch, Python, C++, C#, HTML/CSS, and more.
  • Guided student code, focusing on readability, debugging techniques, and efficient coding practices, resulting in improved code quality and student understanding.
  • Tailored study materials to individual student needs, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of core concepts and helping them overcome specific challenges, with 30+ hours of additional unpaid support.
  • Oversaw students through the completion of final projects, fostering creativity and technical proficiency, and ensuring a comprehensive understanding of coding concepts and software development processes.
  • Facilitated collaborative discussions, fostering a supportive learning environment and encouraging critical thinking.
  • Gained expertise in various programming languages, computer science principles, and effective teaching methodologies, enhancing my ability to communicate complex technical concepts clearly and effectively.
  • Improved organizational skills and the ability to manage diverse learning needs in both in-person and virtual environments, maintaining a high instructor rating and positive parent reviews.

Embedded Tutor: Java | Long Beach City College (Feb 2023 - June 2023)

  • Facilitated student understanding of core Java programming concepts through personalized tutoring and debugging assistance, resulting in improved code quality and a demonstrable increase in students' ability to independently solve coding challenges.
  • Served as a key feedback loop for the professor by providing insights into student comprehension gaps and areas needing clarification, contributing to adjustments in teaching strategies that enhanced learning effectiveness.
  • Effectively managed communication and support requests through prompt email responses and direct interaction, resolving technical issues efficiently and fostering a positive and supportive learning environment.
  • Demonstrated strong commitment to student success by consistently attending all class sessions and proactively engaging with the curriculum, providing readily available assistance and reinforcing key concepts.

Part Sales Manager | Autozone (Oct 2021 - June 2024)

  • Diagnosed and resolved complex automotive issues for over 30 customers weekly, leveraging technical expertise to recommend accurate parts solutions and improve customer satisfaction.
  • Streamlined inventory management processes by optimizing stock facing and implementing efficient return procedures, reducing discrepancies and improving operational efficiency.
  • Reconciled end of day transactions with around 99% accuracy, identifying and mitigating potential errors to safeguard financial integrity.
  • Coordinated technical support across multiple systems (POS terminals, computers, mobile devices), rapidly resolving hardware/software malfunctions and minimizing downtime impacting store operations.
  • Communicated effectively with diverse customer base, including Spanish-speaking customers (35-45% of interactions), providing clear technical explanations and resolving conflicts to enhance customer loyalty.
  • Mentored employees on performing basic and intermediate repairs efficiently (e.g., bulb replacements, battery installations) resulting in significant increase in productivity and customer throughput.

Part Sales Associate | Autozone (June 2021 - Oct 2021)

  • Diagnosed vehicle issues by interpreting diagnostic codes and customer descriptions, recommending accurate parts solutions that improved customer satisfaction and drove sales.
  • Validated part fitment and availability through comprehensive product knowledge, ensuring customers received the correct components and minimizing return rates.
  • Resolved customer inquiries regarding parts, pricing, and vehicle specifications with clear and concise explanations, fostering trust and building positive relationships.
  • Managed cash transactions with 100% accuracy, adhering to established protocols and safeguarding financial integrity.
  • Provided practical assistance with basic vehicle maintenance (battery/wiper/bulb replacements), reinforcing customer confidence and promoting product understanding.
  • Adhered to strict safety protocols for handling and disposing of hazardous chemicals, demonstrating awareness of potential risks and commitment to responsible practices.

Electronics Sales Associate | Target (Aug 2020 - May 2021)

  • Handle transactions accurately.
  • Stay informed about new products and what features are appealing to customers.
  • Inform customers about differences between similar products to ease their decisions.
  • Handle large fragile items like televisions and take thrm to customers' cars

Education

California State University, Long Beach | B.S. Computer Science (2023-2025)

Coursework

Discrete Structures, Data Structures, Object Oriented Application Development, Algorithms, Operating Systems, Cybersecurity in Business, Computer Science Theory, Principle Programming Languages, Computer Security Principles, Networks and Distributed Computing, Software Development with Frameworks, Networks and Network Security, Database Fundamentals, Introduction to Computer Security

Associations

  • Blue Team Lead @ CSULBreach (formally CSULB Cyber Security Club)
  • Officer @ XREC (Mixed Reality Engineering Club)
  • APWE (American Public Works Association) Member
  • VGDA (Video Game Development Association) Member

Long Beach City College | A.S. For Transfer (2021-2023)

Coursework

Intro to Computer Science C++ & Java, Computer Architecture & Organization

Projects

Chief Visionary/Lead, Facial Recognition Research Project | PVNet

  1. Transformed a facial recognition desktop app into a scalable REST API, enabling cross-computer functionality for video input processing and facial recognition across a network.
  2. Optimized image transmission and facial recognition accuracy, implementing techniques such as JPEG compression, base64 encoding, and cosine similarity, reducing latency by over 2000% vs. raw image bytes and improving recognition accuracy by 10x vs. euclidian distance.
  3. Improved system modularity and maintainability by refactoring the codebase into separate, asynchronous modules, improving readability and scalability for future updates.
  4. Enhanced user experience by automating the enrollment process, allowing the system to save and audit unrecognized faces, enabling real-time identity assignment and reducing manual input by 500% vs. previous methods.
  5. Led migration from face_recognition and OpenCV's transformers to ONNX formats, streamlining installation, increasing compatibility, and improving raw system performance.

Hole-In-The-Wall Full Body Tracking Demo | CSULB XR Engineering Club (Spring 2025)

  1. Spearheaded a revitalization of the XR Engineering Club by leading the development of an immersive full-body tracking demo inspired by the Japanese game show concept.
  2. Utilized Unity 6 for development with a focus on SteamVR, aiming to port to OpenXR and Meta platforms.
  3. Collaborated with team to create an engaging VR experience that promotes exercise through body tracking, with the goal of learning effective project management and team coordination.
  4. Gained hands-on experience in professional game development workflows, including team division and iteration cycles.

Code Lead, "Generic Warehouse Inc." | LCAD 48 HR Game Jam '24 w/ Team Generic

  1. Led the coding efforts in a game jam focused on the theme "Mundane Mayhem," using Godot for rapid prototyping.
  2. Created a warehouse simulation game where players handle a constantly growing stack of orders, emphasizing problem-solving and multitasking in a chaotic work environment.
  3. Taught team members Git and version control to streamline collaboration, though the game's incomplete state provided valuable lessons in realistic project management, collaboration under pressure, and scope management.
  4. Identified challenges with technical art integration, learning how critical coordination between programmers and artists is for game development success.

Co-Code Lead, “This Means Business” | VGDA Fall '24 Game Jam w/ Team Fried Scallions

  1. Co-led a team of programmers in the development of a diner-dash style game with a unique "little & big" theme, exploring social themes through gameplay mechanics.
  2. Used Godot for development, with a primary focus on "nighttime" gameplay mechanics, including cut scenes, sabotage, and dynamic customer loading systems.
  3. Experienced the challenges of leading non-programmers in coding and project development, learning the importance of leadership in managing a diverse team and maintaining organized code.
  4. Despite incomplete game delivery, gained valuable insights on balancing design and technical needs while working under strict deadlines.

Rockband Song Manager | Personal

  1. Developed a Python application to manage and filter songs for Rockband 3, enabling users to disable unwanted songs through a custom whitelist or blacklist system.
  2. Learned about FTP protocols, reverse-engineered game files (deprecated .dta format), and solved compatibility issues related to old game file versions.
  3. Created a remote connection system between the program and a jailbroken PS3/emulator to facilitate direct song management, providing a unique, customizable experience for gamers with large song libraries.

Systems Programer, "Stacking Spells" | GMTK 2024 w/ Team Making Games

  1. Contributed as a systems programmer in the development of a unique 2D platformer where players collect books to gain magical abilities, balancing platforming challenges with stack management.
  2. Implemented various spells tied to book collection, including vertical and horizontal boosts, bounce mechanics, and grappling.
  3. Developed in Unity, focusing on gameplay mechanics and systems programming, and collaborated closely with level designers and artists.
  4. Gained practical game jam experience, learned about time management, and witnessed firsthand how critical it is to balance ambitious ideas with achievable goals under time constraints.

Home Network Admin | Self (2023 - Present)

  1. Built and managed a personal server using Proxmox, hosting multiple services such as Minecraft, web servers, and a VPN proxy for secure school access.
  2. Gained expertise in containerization, networking, routing, and NAT troubleshooting to optimize service accessibility and performance across multiple devices.
  3. Successfully hosted several services exposed to the internet, ensuring secure and reliable connections for friends, while learning the intricacies of securing and maintaining self-hosted services.
  4. Developed hands-on knowledge of RJ45 cable creation, network configuration, and securing home server infrastructure.

Skills

Programming Languages

  • Python
  • C#
  • C
  • C++
  • Lua
  • HTML/CSS/JS
  • Node.js

Backend & DevOps

  • Containerization (Docker, LXC, Proxmox)
  • Virtualization (KVM, QEMU, VirtualBox)
  • Networking, routing, and firewall configuration
  • Managing web servers, databases, and self-hosted services
  • Network security and VPN setup for secure remote access

Misc. Technical

  • Git
  • Agile Development (Scrum)
  • Node.js
  • Unity
  • Godot
  • Blender

Soft Skills

  • Public Speaking
  • Conflict Resolution
  • Management
  • Technical & Formal Writing
  • Leadership / Team Building
  • Quick Learner / Adaptable

References

Diego Davalos | President of CSULB XR Engineering Club

Kimberly S. Davis | Associate Professor of Computer Science at Long Beach City College

Cindy Fentanes | Part Sales at AutoZone

  • (562)348-5980