My Education & Work Experience .

Experience

  • Next.js DevOps Specialist / API Developer  @Sustain the Scoop

    2024 - Present | Remote

    • Designed and developed a feature-rich SaaS platform using Next.js 15, TypeScript, and MongoDB, creating a unified solution for creator monetization and community support.

    • Designed and executed a comprehensive profile management system, allowing creators to showcase their work, share bios, and integrate social media links, significantly improving user engagement.

    • Developed a dynamic dashboard featuring revenue tracking, supporter analytics, and fundraising progress, empowering creators with actionable insights to grow their audience and income.

    • Integrated advanced monetization tools, including tips, subscriptions, and merchandise sales, diversifying revenue streams for creators and boosting overall platform profitability.

    • Utilized AWS S3 for file storage, enabling seamless uploads of high-quality images and documents, enhancing the visual appeal of creator profiles.

  • Next.js Specialist / Front-End Developer (UI/UX)   @Men’s Wearhouse

    December 2023 - May 2024 | Remote

    • Led the front-end UI refresh of menswearhouse.com, enhancing user experience and modernizing the site's aesthetic while maintaining brand consistency.

    • Executed the migration from React to Next.js, leveraging server-side rendering and advanced caching features to significantly improve page load times and overall performance

    • Optimized data fetching processes by implementing Next.js server-side rendering, resulting in faster initial page loads and improved SEO.

    • Utilized Next.js's built-in caching capabilities to reduce server load and further enhance site speed, particularly for frequently accessed product pages and categories.

    • Collaborated with the back-end team to ensure smooth integration of the new front-end architecture with existing systems and databases.

    • Implemented performance monitoring tools to quantify improvements, demonstrating a 92% reduction in average page load time and 90% increase in Google Core Web Vitals scores.

  • Full Stack Developer / Streaming Server Engineer  @UnTelevised Media

    2019 - 2024 | Denver, CO

    • Spearheaded website evolution through three iterations, progressing from WordPress to a MERN Stack based blog, and finally to a Next.js & Sanitypowered platform, demonstrating versatility and continuous improvement.

    • Designed and implemented a custom CMS interface and back-end schema using Next Sanity, significantly enhancing content management capabilities and editorial control.

    • Engineered and deployed custom NGINX based live streaming infrastructure, enabling high-quality field-to-studio broadcasts and revolutionizing video production workflows, resulting in elevated broadcast quality and improved overall production value.

    • Innovated a versatile dynamic News Ticker using GROK query language, automating real-time headline extraction from website content. This single instance seamlessly integrates with both live broadcasts and the news site header, enhancing viewer engagement across platforms while demonstrating efficient code reuse.

    • Optimized server caching through Next.js App Router features, resulting in dramatically improved site speed and content delivery performance.

    • Consistently leveraged cutting-edge web technologies to enhance user experience, streamline operations, and maintain UnTelevised Media's competitive edge in digital news delivery.

  • Next.js Developer / CMS Engineer  @Steven Watkins Photography

    May 2024 | Jackson, MS

    • Developed a comprehensive Next.js application for a professional photography portfolio, leveraging modern web technologies such as TypeScript, Tailwind CSS, and React.

    • Implemented SEO friendly metadata generation for both blog posts and gallery pages, ensuring high visibility on search engines like Google.

    • Integrated third-party services including Google Tag Manager, Vercel Analytics, and EmailJS for enhanced functionality and analytics capabilities.

    • Utilized Sanity.io for content management, enabling dynamic rendering of blog posts and gallery pages based on real-time data fetched from the Sanity back-end.

    • Employed responsive design techniques to ensure the website provides an optimal viewing experience across a wide range of devices, from desktops to mobile phones.

    • Incorporated accessibility features throughout the application, making it accessible to users with disabilities.

    • Set up a deployment pipeline using Vercel, automating the build and deployment process for seamless updates and roll-outs.

    • Optimized image loading and performance using Next.js Image component and lazy-loading strategies, significantly improving page load times and overall user experience.

    • Added interactive elements such as social media share buttons and embedded videos within blog posts, enhancing user engagement.

  • Web Developer / Digital Marketing Specialist   @Decima Tech Solutions

    2015 - 2020 | New Orleans, LA

    • Managed a multi-faceted digital presence, including website content, social media platforms, and online advertising, utilizing a diverse skill set in web development, graphic design, and multimedia production to establish Decima Tech as a top competitor in the low voltage contracting market.

    • Led the creation of the company's brand identity, including logo design and visual content production, leveraging photography and videography skills to create compelling advertisements and project showcases that enhanced brand recognition and drove client inquiries.

    • Designed and developed a comprehensive multi-page website, while implementing targeted SEO and digital marketing strategies, resulting in significantly improved online visibility, higher search engine rankings, and increased lead generation.

  • Senior React Developer / Digital Media Strategist   @A.R. Media

    November 2013 - March 2019 | Washington, D.C.

    • Created time-sensitive, impactful promotional and educational videos on complex subjects, enhancing audience engagement and information dissemination.

    • Led web development and management for multiple high-profile media sites, ensuring optimal performance and user experience.

    • Leveraged diverse skills in web development, graphic design, video production, and social media management to establish and maintain a strong, cohesive online presence for the media group.

    • Orchestrated comprehensive digital branding and social media strategies for 23 media outlets and partner organizations, encompassing logo design, animated motion graphics, and distinctive visual identities across multiple platforms, significantly expanding online reach and engagement.

    • Designed and implemented a comprehensive back-end content distribution platform, enabling seamless collaboration and content sharing among group members across multiple media outlets, streamlining workflows and enhancing overall content management efficiency.

  • WordPress Developer / Shopify Developer / Social Media Manager   @Hemp Sector

    February 2013 - August 2018 | Internet

    • Designed and maintained a multi-page WordPress website, regularly updating content and maintaining the platform to ensure an informative and seamless user experience for hemp education.

    • Created and managed a Shopify e-commerce store selling hemp-related products, with proceeds directly supporting the organization's educational outreach programs. Integrated the store with the main website to create a cohesive user experience.

    • Implemented a comprehensive social media strategy across multiple platforms, creating engaging content that significantly increased public awareness and interest in hemp benefits and use.

    • Utilized web development skills in WordPress and Shopify, combined with social media management expertise, to create a unified online presence that amplified the organization's message and supported its mission.

    • Leveraged photography skills to capture high-quality images of hemp and cannabis-related products, enhancing visual appeal and engagement on both the website and social media platforms.

    • Analyzed web and social media metrics to continuously refine digital marketing strategies, optimizing content and improving user engagement across all platforms.

  • Graphic Designer / Motion Graphic Animator / Game Designer  @Digital Alchemyst Studios

    June 2016 - May 2019 | Jackson, MS

    • Developed a streamlined Auto-Terrain Texturing system in Unreal Engine 4, ensuring efficiency and functionality.

    • Designed a Photo to PBR graph in Substance Designer for rapid rendering of PBR texture maps from photos, optimizing workflow speeds.

    • Crafted expansive 3D environments and assets for open-world scenarios based on concept art and reference photography.

    • Executed PBR texture rendering from photos or from scratch using Substance Designer.

    • Utilized the Blueprint scripting system in Unreal Engine to program backend game functionality, enhancing the overall gaming experience.

Education

  • Hinds Community Collage

    2007 - 2009 | Pearl, MS

    Sociology / Welding

    Dean’s Scholar and President’s List

    Member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Beta

  • Fullsail University

    2018 - 2020 | Winter Park, FL

    Game Development Bachelors

    Application Development Fundamentals

  • Online Courses

    2023 | Internet

    Full Stack Zero to Hero

    Next JS & Open AI / GPT: Next-generation Next JS & AI apps

    Web Dev Simplified

    Next.js Bootcamp