About Me
Hi, I'm Dave. I enjoy creating software, building things, and cooking food. I believe in the power of technology to make our lives better and solve complex problems. I have experience in software engineering, data science, data engineering, carpentry, and cooking. I'm always eager to learn new skills and take on new challenges.
Work Experience
-
Software and Data Engineer @ Divirod (Colorado, Remote)
March 2022 -
As a software and data engineer at Divirod, a startup focused on smart water management solutions, I design and implement end-to-end solutions for satellite signal processing via IoT sensors. I am also responsible for owning the REST API product that serves configuration data and measurement parameters throughout the pipeline. Recently, I upgraded the batch processing pipeline by migrating tasks from Airflow to Databricks and leveraging parallelism. In addition, I built a streaming processing pipeline for real-time Machine Learning and customer notifications. I was also responsible for driving a major firmware update by working with contractors and building a message deserializer and API Gateways. Finally, I improved operations by implementing automated notifications, dashboards, and reports. My role requires me to develop predictive models and create visualizations to help our clients make data-driven decisions.
-
Data Science @ IU Kelley School of Business (Indiana, Remote)
June 2021 - March 2022
As a data science student at the Luddy School of Informatics, Computing, and Engineering, I worked on a project based in the Kelley School of Business to support the publication of “Contagion in Organizational Crime and Compliance”. I conducted statistical analysis of assortativity and preferential attachment of nodes to define ethical risk, and trained machine learning models (BERT and LSTM) to recognize potentially problematic correspondences. One of the major tasks was to classify messages as being a rationalization which is often a precursor to unethical behavior. I gained experience in technologies/frameworks such as Python, NetworkX, PyTorch, HuggingFace, and scikit-learn.
-
Software Engineer and Business Analyst @ KMSCO Inc. (New Jersey, Hybrid)
January 2018 - March 2022
During my tenure at KMSCO, I developed custom software solutions that were used internally to streamline the manufacturing process. As the sole software engineer, I was responsible for the entire software development lifecycle, from gathering requirements to designing, implementing, testing, and debugging code. All of the software I developed was used in-house by our team to improve efficiency and productivity. One of my major accomplishments was creating a proprietary image processing system that converts bitmap files to machine code readable by 3-D knitting machines. Additionally, I implemented a CRM, Project Management System, a system for financial reports and business analysis, and created and managed various marketing and lead-generation campaigns. My work at KMSCO allowed me to develop both technical and business skills, as I gained valuable experience in the software development process as well as in understanding the needs and requirements of our internal clients.
-
IT Business Analyst @ CDPHP (New York)
September 2017 - January 2018
At CDPHP, I worked on a team that supported and maintained the company's core business applications. I was responsible for analyzing business requirements, creating functional specifications, and coordinating with developers and testers to ensure successful implementation.
-
Research Assistant at UAlbany Robotics Lab (New York)
September 2017 - January 2018
As a research assistant at the UAlbany Robotics Lab, I worked on several projects related to robotics and machine learning. I designed and implemented algorithms for object recognition, path planning, and control. I also conducted experiments to evaluate the performance of these algorithms.
-
Lead Timber Frame Carpenter @ JB Construction (New York)
November 2015 - April 2017
At JB Construction, I led a team of carpenters in the construction of custom timber frame structures. I was responsible for managing projects, coordinating with clients and architects, and overseeing the production and installation of timber frames. I also trained and mentored junior carpenters and apprentices.
-
Apprentice Timber Frame Carpenter @ TD Timberworks (Illinois)
March 2015 - November 2015
As an apprentice at TD Timberworks, I learned the art and craft of traditional timber frame joinery. I worked on several projects, including the construction of a barn, a timber frame addition to a house, and a timber frame pavilion.
-
Assistant Superintendent @ Forefront Homes (New Jersey)
December 2012 - March 2015
At Forefront Homes, I worked on a team that built custom homes throughout Central New Jersey. I was responsible for managing subcontractors and ensuring that construction was completed on time and within budget.
-
Hotshot Firefighter @ Sacramento IHC (New Mexico)
March 2011 - December 2012
As a hotshot firefighter with the Sacramento Interagency Hotshot Crew (IHC), I was part of a highly skilled team that fought wildfires across the western United States. My responsibilities included digging fire lines, setting backfires, and providing logistical support to other crews. The work was physically and mentally demanding, and required us to work long hours in challenging terrain and weather conditions. We also participated in regular training exercises and safety drills to ensure that we were well-prepared for any situation.
The Sacramento IHC is one of several elite firefighting crews that are part of the National Wildfire Coordinating Group. We were trained and equipped to tackle some of the most dangerous and difficult wildfires in the country, and our work often involved protecting homes and other structures from the flames. Although the job was demanding and sometimes dangerous, it was also incredibly rewarding to be part of a team that was making a real difference in protecting people and property from wildfires.
-
Line Cook @ Misc. Restaurants (Delaware, New Jersey, New York)
January 2010 - March 2011
During my time as a line cook at several restaurants throughout the Northeast, I prepared and cooked meals in accordance with each restaurant's recipes and standards. Additionally, I assisted with food preparation and inventory management. Although I was accepted to the Pacific Institute of Culinary Arts in Vancouver, BC, I ultimately chose to pursue a more adventurous path with firefighting.
-
Dishwasher/Cook @ Fairhill Inn (Maryland)
October 2007- December 2009
I worked at the Fairhill Inn as a dishwasher and cook, where my responsibilities included washing dishes and cleaning the kitchen. The Fairhill Inn, located in Elkton, MD, was a Michelin star-rated restaurant, and to this day, I consider the food there some of the best I have ever eaten. The restaurant has since changed owners, but I owe much of my personal development to the previous owners, Brian Shaw and Phil Pyle.
Education
-
MS in Data Science from Indiana University: 2020-2022
-
Undergraduate Coursework in CS at UAlbany: 2017
-
BA in History and Philosophy from University of Delaware: 2006-2009
-
High School: 2002-2006
-
Undergraduate Coursework in Economics at Brookdale CC: 2005
Graduate Coursework
How This Site Works
The site is built using Flask, a Python-based web framework. The code is hosted on GitHub and deployed using AWS Elastic Beanstalk. The frontend is built using HTML and CSS.