Introduction
Simon is a resourceful individual who has experience in a wide range of web and desktop software technologies, on both Windows and Linux platforms.
He has as a deep understanding of the underlying principles of computation, software engineering and the Internet.
Not only a technically adept person, Simon also likes to dabble in amateur graphic design and has created a several posters and website designs in the past few years.
Employment
This information is restricted for security. If you would like access, please contact me.
Education
Aug 2009: Microsoft Exam 70-536 (Microsoft .NET Framework - Application Development Foundation)
The first exam of 3 which constitute an MCPD qualification.
Oct 2002 – Jul 2005: University of Durham
2:1 Software Engineering BSc (Honours)
Information prior to late 2002 is restricted for security. If you would like access, please contact me.
Skills
- Studying for MCPD (Microsoft Certified Professional Developer) qualification – 1 exam of 3 completed
- Excellent knowledge of C#, ASP.Net and .Net Framework 1.1, 2, 3 & 3.5
- Excellent knowledge of (X)HTML, CSS
- Very good knowledge of , XML, Javascript, MS SQL, Subversion
- Good knowledge of MySQL, PHP, WinForms, Coldfusion MX, Flex development
- Graphic design primarily using Adobe Photoshop (7 and later)
- Extensive & deep development experience of Amber CMS, CRM & Media Server
- Previous development experience of Immediacy CMS
- Previous experience of Java, Delphi, Access
- Basic knowledge of Perl, VB, classic ASP, C++
- Experience of Windows, Linux, UNIX and BSD environments
- System administration experience of Windows and Linux platforms
- Appreciation of usability and accessibility in web design
- Knowledge and experience of Software Engineering and project management
Voluntary Work
Mar 2005 – Mar 2008: Web Developer, Grey College SCR, University of Durham
Mar 2005 – Jul 2005: Grey College JCR Website Sub-editor
Feb 2005 – Jul 2005: Grey College JCR Grey Day Technical Lead
Feb 2005 – Jul 2005: Grey College JCR Ball Technical Lead
Feb 2005 – Jul 2005: Grey College JCR PA Committee Member
2004 – 2005: Grey College JCR Social Committee Member
2004 – 2005: Grey College JCR Website Editor
2003 – 2004: Grey College JCR Ball Committee Member
2002 – 2004: Durham Student Union Computing Society Publicity Officer
Information prior to late 2002 is restricted for security. If you would like access, please contact me.
Interests, Hobbies & Personal Projects
Simon has a keen interest in technology, and has always had a desire to understand the way things work. He frequently has technical and creative ideas inspired by real-world needs and an active imagination. Some of them make it into reality, including a recent attempt to implement a whole-house audio system from scratch. This project is described in detail (with lots of photos) on his blog.
As mentioned below, this project along with a few others won an impressive prize of a Toyota Prius care of ZDNet UK and the sponsor Intel.
He also has a few software projects underway most of the time, which are generally released as either commercial (closed) or open-source applications.
At weekends, between developing his ideas as mentioned above, Simon enjoys computer gaming, occaisionally joining friends at a local venue to play games together.
Awards
2007: Winner of Homebrew Challenge by ZDNet UK & Intel
Impressed the judges with self-built rack cabinet, network wiring, distributed audio system, MythTV-based multi-room PVR system and more. Details at www.killswtch.net.
The prize was a top-model Toyota Prius.
2005: Honorary Life Membership to Grey College Junior Common Room
Awarded by the President of Grey College JCR in 2005 for outstanding contribution to the JCR.
2004: Software Engineering Group Project winner, IBM ThinkPad Challenge participant
Awarded based upon the quality of the presentation given to the guest judge from IBM Hursley. The finals of the national competition were held at IBM Hursley, with group-based challenges offering the chance to win an IBM ThinkPad for each member.
2004: Software Engineering Group Project – Most professional project
Produced a photo cataloguing system.
2002: Young Electronic Designer Awards (YEDA) national finalist runner up
Produced an educational microprocessor emulator/simulator for A-Level, which was later sold to several educational institutions.
Information prior to late 2002 is restricted for security. If you would like access, please contact me.
