Tech Solutions Nate

Software Solutions

XML Validation Application

At General Atomics, I noticed that the quality of our code was often overlooked due to a mindset that we were producing paper manuals rather than software. While pursuing my computer science degree, I proposed and led the development of a custom XML validation application as my capstone project.

This application addressed our unique needs, improving code quality and enabling ongoing updates. Built using Electron, Node.js, HTML, Java, and Python, the tool allowed us to validate XML schemas efficiently, boosting overall productivity.

Automation Scripts

To streamline repetitive tasks, I developed a suite of Python scripts that automated file renaming, manipulation, movement, and updating based on reports. These scripts were later integrated into a single application, drastically reducing time spent on manual tasks and improving team efficiency.

Error-free Publishing Assistant (EPA)

The EPA application, built in Python, revolutionized our publishing workflow by automating manual creation processes and integrating seamlessly with our publishing engine. Key features include error detection, automated correction via template replacement, and comprehensive log analysis for feedback. The result was faster publication times, enhanced error resolution, and a smoother transition to new viewer integrations.

XML Redaction Tool

This tool simplified the labor-intensive process of redacting manuals for specific customers. By leveraging configuration files and user input, the application automated file redaction, significantly reducing time and effort while maintaining accuracy.

Data Cleanup

To address over 35,000 errors across 5,500 files caused by outdated authoring rules, I developed a Python script that resolved issues with an error rate of less than 1%. This effort saved months of manual labor and ensured compliance with new authoring standards.

Image Conversion

I automated the conversion of 1,000+ images to meet updated file type requirements, including verifying and updating XML-linked hotspots. Additionally, I developed a validation tool to ensure hotspot accuracy, streamlining QA processes for future projects.

Fun projects

Arduino light project

At my home for fun with my daughter. I built a stop and go light for her car and street set. This involved putting programming an Arduino board and wiring up some lights.

This involved building a minature stoplight, running wires, programming an Arduino board which is done in C++

Games

When my daughter started doing math in school, I created an application to allow her to practice math. This application takes an input for how big of a number she would like to try. It also asks what operations she would like to do. Then it gives math equations and she inputs an answer and the application verifies the correct answer.

I created a tic-tac-toe game to play. This game can do one or 2 players. In one player mode I just went with a random filling of the board instead of an algorithm.

Matching game, This game has 16 different pictures I used from our family and it creates 2 of the images in a board and the player will then play the matching game. Where they have to match up all of the photos.

IT Projects

Personal Share Drive

To provide a secure and accessible file-sharing solution for my family, I created a shared drive using FileCloud, hosted on an AWS server with S3 storage. This project required setting up SSL certificates for security, configuring Amazon Web Services, and linking the drive to a custom domain via Cloudflare for easy access through our family URL.

As the system administrator, I managed user accounts and ensured secure access for all family members. The result is a centralized, reliable, and secure shared drive that seamlessly integrates with our devices, enhancing collaboration and data management.

Home Network Security

To enhance the security and flexibility of our home network, I set up a custom configuration with multiple segmented networks tailored for specific use cases. Each network features distinct security settings to align with its intended purpose, such as IoT devices, personal computers, and guest access.

I configured the entire network to run through a VPN for privacy and added support for both OpenVPN and WireGuard protocols, allowing secure remote access to our home network. This setup ensures robust protection against external threats while maintaining high performance and flexibility.

Travel WiFi Router

To ensure secure and convenient internet access while traveling, I configured a travel router with AdGuard Home to block ads and provide additional layers of security. All internet traffic from the router is routed through my home network using a VPN, creating a seamless experience where devices behave as though they are on the home network.

This solution not only enhances security when connected to public WiFi but also simplifies connectivity for the entire family. Once the router connects to the internet at a new location, all family devices are automatically connected, eliminating the need for individual setups.

Web Development

Website Projects

School Parent Organization Website

I developed a website for the parent organization at my child’s school, providing an online platform to support communication and event organization. The website was built entirely from scratch and is hosted on Google Firebase. You can view the website here.

Personal Website

I created a personal website from scratch to showcase my portfolio and projects. The site is hosted on a Linode server with Cloudflare DNS, ensuring a reliable and secure online presence.

Firefighter Scheduling Web Application

To address the challenges posed by a newly negotiated rotating schedule in a California firefighter union’s collective bargaining agreement, I developed a custom web application. The application allows users to input their shift details and generates an ICS file containing their work schedule for an entire year. This is particularly beneficial for vacation planning, as selections occur in October for the following calendar year.

The web application was built completely from scratch and is accessible here.