George Mason University - Rapid Prototyping Research Center

Fairfax, Virginia • On-site

• Developer on a defense-focused prototype/MVP supporting distributed data and learning workflows
• Contribute to system architecture, backend implementation, and iterative feature development
• Utilize spaCy, Ollama, and other AI/ML frameworks to explore distributed machine learning approaches

DoD, Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering

Camp Atterbury, Indiana • Hybrid

• Conducted prototype assessment and engineering support for the Rapid Assessment of Prototype Technology Readiness (Task Force RAPTR) Technology Readiness Exercise (T-REX 25-2)
• Worked with the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) process to support technology assessment workflows
• Produced comprehensive documentation for industry partners and their emerging technologies

Virginia Army National Guard

Norfolk, Virginia • Part-time

• Process and analyze personnel data for a unit of 250+ service members, maintaining 99%+ accuracy
• Implemented workflow improvements that reduced processing time for personnel actions by 25%
• Collaborate with leadership to ensure compliance with military regulations and policies

Dominion Drones LLC

Portsmouth, Virginia • Full-time

• Established and maintained repair protocols for UAS/Underwater ROV models, handling 150+ repairs annually
• Coordinated B2B and government agency sales, securing contracts worth over $200K annually
• Developed technical documentation for drone repair processes, improving repair efficiency

Full-Stack Web Application | Python, JavaScript, SQLite | hopin-carpool.com

Developed a real-time carpooling coordination platform that simplifies ride-sharing for events and clubs. Users can create events, offer rides with available seats, and join rides seamlessly through an intuitive web interface.

Key Features

• Real-time Updates: Implemented WebSocket connections using Flask-SocketIO for instant ride availability updates
• Event Management: Dynamic event creation with custom URLs, destinations, dates, and notes
• Ride Coordination: Complete driver/rider matching system with seat management and cancellation capabilities
• Responsive Design: Mobile-first CSS design with modern UI/UX principles

Technical Skills Demonstrated

• Backend: Python, Flask framework, SQLite database design, RESTful API development
• Frontend: Vanilla JavaScript, HTML5, CSS3, responsive web design, DOM manipulation
• Real-time Communication: WebSocket implementation with Socket.IO for live updates
• Database Design: Relational database schema with foreign key relationships and data integrity
• Full-Stack Integration: Seamless connection between frontend interfaces and backend APIs
• Project Architecture: Modular application structure following MVC patterns

Full-Stack Game Development | Node.js, JavaScript, Canvas API, Socket.IO | blindshot.zachwh.com

Developed a competitive 1v1 top-down shooter featuring darkness-based gameplay mechanics where players navigate maps using limited flashlight vision. Built with Node.js backend and vanilla JavaScript frontend for seamless real-time multiplayer combat.

Key Features

• Real-Time Multiplayer: Implemented bidirectional Socket.IO networking with optimized update throttling (75ms intervals) to handle fast-paced gameplay with minimal latency
• Darkness-Based Vision System: Created dynamic lighting engine using Canvas API with ray-casting algorithm for realistic flashlight cone visibility and line-of-sight collision detection
• Room-Based Matchmaking: Developed lobby system with 6-digit room codes, player session management, and automatic room cleanup
• Game State Synchronization: Server-authoritative architecture with client-side prediction and interpolation for smooth opponent movement
• Session Persistence: Implemented cross-match statistics tracking (wins, kills, deaths) using browser storage and rematch functionality

Technical Skills Demonstrated

• Backend: Node.js, Express framework, Socket.IO real-time communication, server-authoritative game logic
• Frontend: Vanilla JavaScript, HTML5 Canvas rendering, event-driven input handling, responsive scaling
• Game Development: Collision detection, projectile physics, raycasting algorithms, client-side prediction, state interpolation
• Network Optimization: Message throttling, ping measurement, perMessageDeflate compression, efficient update broadcasting
• Asset Integration: Tiled Map Editor JSON parsing, sprite rendering, audio management with volume controls
• Project Architecture: Modular client-server separation, game loop optimization, reconnection handling, cleanup timers