I've been tinkering with computers since I was 13, after mistakingly buying (and being compelled to build) a barebones PC. As a teenager, I began creating websites for friends and family, igniting my interest in software development. After self-teaching, I went on to study Computer Science at University, graduating with a First Class degree in 2017.
I began my career as a software engineer, specialising in TypeScript & Python development, skills that I've applied both as the Lead UI Developer at Delio and in my freelance work with 21Orange and Morgan Streefland. My most recent role as Principal Engineer at Ultra Horizon was client facing, allowing me to apply my technical skills to engage with customers, gather feedback, and deliver high-quality networking solutions.
When I'm not at work, I can usually be found hiking or wildcamping in the Brecon Beacons, trying my hand at woodworking, or attempting to spot planets and galaxies through my telescope (easier said than done with the UK weather).
Experience
Career Break
In 2023, my fiancé and I fulfilled our dream of exploring Southeast Asia, Australia, and New Zealand. Alongside our travels, I remained engaged in projects for 21Orange and Morgan Streefland.
Principal Engineer @ Ultra Horizon
During my time as principal engineer, I led a team responsible for the design, installation, and technical support for complex domestic and international networking and IT projects valued at up to £200k. As the technical representative, I worked directly with clients and 3rd party contractors to ensure the unique needs of each project were delivered within stringent time and budget constraints. This involved gathering detailed technical requirements and producing technical reports and drawings to support project execution.
One project that highlights my capabilities was the development of Shorelink, an innovative ultra-fast 4G/5G dome for maritime connectivity. I led the design and construction phases of the project, requiring me to produce technical CAD drawings for CNC machining, perform hardware analysis, and undertake initial product testing.
I also developed numerous Python and Powershell automation scripts to enhance internal productivity, including reducing Juniper switch configuration times by 90%.
Lead UI Developer @ Delio
Following 2.5 years as a Senior and Full Stack Developer at Delio, I transitioned into the role of Lead UI Developer; a consultative role with a focus on bridging the design and engineering teams, therefore preserving the business objectives and design intent throughout the product development lifecycle.
My key responsibilities were to:
- Collaborate directly with the design and engineering teams in an agile environment, to ensure the UI stayed true to the product vision while aligning with the frontend code framework
- Build and maintain a component library and style guide with React.js and Storybook, standardising UI development across multiple products and teams
- Introduce gatekeeping measures to frontend ticket creation and pull requests using Storybook visual tests and Enzyme unit testing, resulting in a 50% reduction in UI inconsistencies across all products
- Improve upon key areas of the platforms UI, such as consistency, responsiveness, and usability
Freelance
Co-Founder & Principal Frontend Developer @ Morgan Streefland
Morgan Streefland is a software development consultancy specialising in bespoke web applications. As a Co-Founder, I lead customer relations, creating client specific legal contracts and functional documentation, as well as handling the business finances and delegation of work.
As a principal frontend developer, I work directly with clients to understand their requirements, allowing me to create interactive design mock-ups in Figma before developing bespoke, responsive frontend applications developed with TypeScript and Vue.js.
Founder @ 21Orange
I established 21Orange in 2013 with the primary goal of creating websites locally for friends and family. Over the past decade, I've worked with a variety of SME's and charities across the UK, designing and implementing tailored technology solutions, from website development to full system overhauls, including integrations with Xero, Shopify, and other CRM’s.
Co-Founder @ Blueprint
While in my final year of university, myself and a partner identified a potential gap in the architectural CAD market for a modified version of the software I was currently writing for my final year project. After performing an in-depth analysis of existing architecture/CAD software packages, we began work on Blueprint in August 2017, having secured our first round of external funding.
The foundation of the Blueprint proof of concept was written in C# and leveraged the ObjectARX SDK to assess the AutoCAD API. The Three.js JavaScript library was used to develop the 3D aspects of the plugin. We utilised TFVC version control and basic Kanban principles to ensure the project and our productivity were managed efficiently.
During our time working on the software, we attended several meetings with leading architect companies in London, including Allford Hall Monaghan Morris (AHMM) and David Chipperfield Architects, where we received very positive feedback on our presentation and software demonstration.
Unfortunately, in April 2018, our business venture was discontinued due to unforeseen issues with the variance and quality of the architectural drawings that served as our primary input, consequently preventing our software from operating autonomously.
Education
BSc Computer Science @ Univeristy of Reading
Grade: First Class Honours
degree
I graduated from the University of Reading with a First Class
degree in Computer Science (accredited by
the BCS) with a year in industry. I also achieved the highest
Computer Science final year project mark,
for which I was awarded the Sullivan Prize.
Projects
Blueprint 3D Modelling Suite
For my final year project at the university, I wrote an application that allowed users (students, parents, and staff) to view 3-dimensional, interactive models of the buildings on the University of Reading campus. Within the application, users could search for a room by specifying a room number and an entrance (or specify 'any' entrance). The application then plotted the quickest route from the entrance to the room using the A* search algorithm.
The motivation behind the project stemmed from constantly overhearing how students (and I) had gotten lost while trying to find specific rooms on campus. It was also glaringly obvious how prospective and new students may have struggled to navigate the more complex campus buildings.
The sole aim of the project was to improve current navigation techniques implemented inside large buildings and establishments. Current techniques were, and still are, inaccurate, time-consuming, and outdated, with very few changes being made since the buildings were first erected. The most common way of finding a specific room inside a building is to study the building's floor plan and memorise your route from the entrance to your room, using waypoint markers along the route. In a similar scenario, Global Positioning Systems (GPS's) have revolutionised travel and minimised the need to use a physical map for directions, another technique that has been in use for centuries.
I received 89% for the project, as well as being awarded the Sullivan Prize for the highest Computer Science project mark in my university year. After graduating from university, I secured funding to develop a modified version of the software with a partner.
WhichHalls
During my first year of university, I developed a website that allowed past and current university students to write reviews of their halls of residence. Each review included specifics such as cleanliness, security, and value for money, as well as a summary of the hall.
WhichHalls gathered over 150 reviews in the short period of time that it was live; however, due to a lack of time, technical expertise, and funding, I decided to halt the development of the website.
Volunteering & Leadership
The Survivors Trust
I have volunteered for The Survivors Trust since 2019, a national charity supporting victims of rape and sexual abuse. I continue to participate in focus groups aiming to raise awareness and develop resources to support sexual abuse survivors.
Care4Calais
In October 2024 I spent a week volunteering with Care4Calais, delivering emergency aid and support to refugees in Calais and areas affected by the European migrant crisis.
NHSE Sexual Assault & Abuse Services Lived Experience Group (SAAS LEG)
Being on the advisory board for the NHS England lived experience group was a huge accomplishment for me, as it allowed me to make vital contributions to the improvement of national sexual abuse services, in particular the ongoing development of Sexual Assault Referral Centres (SARC's).
Uprising Leadership Programme
The Uprising Leadership Programme is designed to build skills, knowledge, and networks through fortnightly sessions led by top local and national leaders, with a particular focus on social change.
During my time on the programme, I led a social action campaign called How You Doing?, focusing on reducing the stigma surrounding mental health by encouraging conversations between friends at university.
At the end of the programme, I won the Upriser of the Year award (as voted by my peers) for my work on the How You Doing? campaign.
