Cybersecurity Professional | Software Developer | AI/ML Specialist | Veteran Leader
Peru, IN
Email | LinkedIn | GitHub | U.S. Army Veteran
Multidisciplinary cybersecurity professional and software engineer with 5+ years of leadership experience, specializing in AI-powered security automation, penetration testing, software development, and ethical AI research. Uniquely positioned at the intersection of cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and software engineering with proven expertise in building autonomous security agents, conducting vulnerability research, and developing full-stack applications.
U.S. Army veteran with Top Secret security clearance and extensive experience on classified government networks (SIPRnet). Currently serving as Director on the Board of VetSec 501(c)(3), collaborating with major technology partners including Amazon Web Services, Cisco, and Splunk to support veterans transitioning into cybersecurity careers.
Demonstrated expertise through open-source contributions, responsible security disclosures, and innovative AI research projects. Passionate about leveraging cutting-edge technology to solve complex security challenges while maintaining the highest ethical standards and commitment to continuous learning.
- Penetration Testing & Ethical Hacking: Web application security, API security, OWASP Top 10, vulnerability assessment, security auditing
- Security Methodologies: Penetration Testing Execution Standard (PTES), OWASP, NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- Threat Analysis & Incident Response: Network security, threat intelligence, security monitoring, digital forensics
- Vulnerability Research: Responsible disclosure, CVE research, security advisory creation
- Security Tools & Frameworks: Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, network analysis tools
- Compliance & Standards: GDPR, security assessment & auditing, risk management, security documentation
- AI Agent Development: Autonomous systems, agentic AI, multi-agent architectures, reasoning systems
- Large Language Models (LLMs): OpenAI API, Azure OpenAI, prompt engineering, AI orchestration
- Machine Learning: Natural language processing (NLP), sentiment analysis, cognitive modeling
- AI Ethics & Safety: Ethical AI framework development, AI governance, responsible AI deployment
- AI-Powered Automation: Intelligent automation, decision-making systems, self-improving algorithms
- Programming Languages:
- Expert: JavaScript/Node.js, Python
- Proficient: Java, Bash/Shell scripting
- Familiar: SQL, HTML/CSS
- Full-Stack Development: Backend API development, frontend integration, RESTful services, GraphQL
- Frameworks & Libraries:
- JavaScript/Node.js: Express.js, Axios, Puppeteer, Cheerio
- Python: FastAPI, Uvicorn, SpaCy, VADER Sentiment
- Android: Java Android SDK
- Database Management: SQLite, SQL, database design, data modeling, query optimization
- API Development & Integration: RESTful APIs, Azure OpenAI API, third-party API integration, webhook development
- Containerization & Orchestration: Docker, Docker Compose, container security, multi-stage builds
- Version Control & Collaboration: Git, GitHub, GitHub Actions, CI/CD workflows, open-source contribution
- Cloud Platforms: Azure, cloud security, cloud infrastructure
- Automation & Workflow: n8n, workflow automation, task orchestration, process automation
- Linux Systems Administration: Linux command line, system configuration, shell scripting, secure networking
- Secure Networking: SIPRnet (Secret Internet Protocol Router Network), network configuration, IP addressing, VPN
- Architectural Patterns: Plugin architecture, modular design, microservices, component-based architecture
- Design Patterns: Event-driven architecture, observer pattern, factory pattern, singleton pattern
- System Design: Scalable systems, extensible frameworks, maintainable codebases
- Software Engineering Practices: SOLID principles, clean code, code review, documentation
- Agile Methodologies: Scrum, sprint planning, iterative development, continuous improvement
- Project Management: Scope definition, timeline management, stakeholder communication, deliverable tracking
- Team Leadership: Team building, mentoring, performance management, conflict resolution, cross-functional collaboration
- Strategic Planning: Roadmap development, technical strategy, resource allocation, risk management
- Open Source Leadership: Project governance, community management, contributor onboarding, code of conduct enforcement
- Operations Management: Daily operations, inventory control, process optimization, resource management
- Financial Management: Budget planning, financial analysis, revenue growth strategies, cost optimization
- Customer Service Excellence: Customer satisfaction, relationship management, service standards
- Marketing & Promotion: Campaign development, social media strategy, brand positioning, community engagement
- Performance Optimization: KPI tracking, metrics analysis, continuous improvement, operational efficiency
- Technical Documentation: API documentation, system architecture docs, user guides, README files
- Security Documentation: Penetration test reports, vulnerability disclosures, security advisories, remediation guidance
- Research Papers: Whitepapers, technical specifications, architectural blueprints, research documentation
- Policy & Governance: Code of conduct, contribution guidelines, security policies, ethical frameworks
Autonomous Penetration Testing Platform | Remote
- Founded and architect an open-source AI-powered autonomous penetration testing agent.
- Design and implement sophisticated AI agent system using Node.js/JavaScript with Azure OpenAI integration for autonomous security testing
- Develop 26+ security testing plugins across 5 core modules (web analysis, filesystem operations, command execution, encoding utilities, system tools)
- Build plugin architecture supporting dynamic tool registration, community contributions, and extensible frameworks
- Implement SQLite database system for project management, evidence collection, and immutable audit trail tracking
- Create Docker containerization with multi-stage builds for isolated, reproducible security testing environments
- Develop comprehensive testing infrastructure including shell scripts, integration tests, and validation frameworks
- Integrate security scanning tools including content discovery, web scraping using Puppeteer and Cheerio, and automated vulnerability detection
- Implement OWASP and CWE classification mapping for automated finding categorization and severity assessment
- Author detailed technical documentation, contribution guidelines, security policies, and community standards
- Establish CortexAI Plugin Repository for community-driven tool ecosystem and collaborative development
- Collaborate with security researchers, process feature requests, and manage GitHub issue tracking
- Implement GDPR-compliant explainable AI with real-time audit logging and transparent decision-making
Key Technologies: Node.js, JavaScript, Azure OpenAI, Docker, SQLite, Puppeteer, Cheerio, Axios, Git/GitHub, OWASP, Shell Scripting
Veteran Cybersecurity Nonprofit | Remote
- Serve on board of directors for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization supporting veterans transitioning into cybersecurity careers
- Collaborate with major technology partners including Amazon Web Services (AWS), Cisco, and Splunk on organizational initiatives
- Lead strategic efforts to expand program reach, develop partnerships, and increase impact for veteran community
- Foster community engagement through events, mentorship programs, and professional development opportunities
- Manage high-impact communications including social media strategy, partnership correspondence, and public relations
- Contribute to organizational governance, policy development, and strategic planning
- Advocate for veteran employment in cybersecurity industry and technology sectors
- Develop relationships with industry leaders, training providers, and certification bodies
- Support fundraising initiatives, grant writing, and donor relationship management
Key Skills: Nonprofit Leadership, Strategic Planning, Partnership Development, Community Engagement, Public Relations
- Directed comprehensive daily business operations including staff supervision, inventory control, team development, and customer service excellence
- Recruited, trained, and mentored high-performing team of 15+ employees, fostering collaborative and positive work environment
- Implemented innovative marketing campaigns and strategic promotions resulting in 20% revenue increase
- Created and maintained business network infrastructure including:
- Network design and implementation with IP address assignment and management
- Security system configuration including firewalls and access controls
- Technical equipment management and troubleshooting
- Point-of-sale system administration and maintenance
- Developed operational procedures and quality standards improving efficiency by 30%
- Managed vendor relationships, contract negotiations, and supply chain optimization
- Implemented inventory management system reducing waste and improving stock accuracy
- Conducted performance evaluations, goal setting, and employee development planning
- Resolved customer complaints and escalated issues, maintaining 95%+ satisfaction rate
- Analyzed sales data, tracked KPIs, and generated reports for ownership and stakeholders
Key Skills: Operations Management, Network Administration, Team Leadership, Process Improvement, Financial Analysis
- Managed front-of-house and back-of-house operations ensuring seamless coordination and customer satisfaction
- Supervised staff of 12+ across multiple departments including kitchen, bar, and service teams
- Organized and executed promotional events driving community engagement and increasing revenue
- Maintained facility standards, equipment maintenance, and compliance with health and safety regulations
- Implemented inventory management systems and cost control measures
- Coordinated with kitchen staff on menu planning, food quality, and preparation standards
- Handled cash management, daily reconciliation, and financial reporting
- Trained new employees on operations, customer service, and company policies
Key Skills: Operations Management, Event Planning, Team Supervision, Customer Service
- Assisted in managing daily operations ensuring consistently high levels of customer service and operational efficiency
- Supervised and trained staff across all service areas, fostering productive and customer-focused environment
- Supported general manager in strategic planning, budgeting, and performance optimization
- Implemented new training programs improving employee retention by 25%
- Managed scheduling, shift coverage, and labor cost optimization
- Conducted inventory audits and ordering to maintain appropriate stock levels
- Assisted with marketing initiatives and promotional campaigns
- Resolved customer service issues and maintained positive brand reputation
Key Skills: Team Management, Training & Development, Customer Service, Operations Support
- Held Top Secret Security Clearance with access to classified materials and secure facilities
- Led teams in high-pressure, mission-critical environments demonstrating exceptional leadership, discipline, and reliability
- Operated, maintained, and repaired complex technical equipment ensuring 99%+ operational readiness
- Troubleshot sophisticated electronic systems, radar equipment, and communication networks
- Gained extensive hands-on experience with Linux systems for military applications and system administration
- Worked extensively on SIPRnet (Secret Internet Protocol Router Network) managing secure communications:
- Configured and maintained secure network connections and encrypted channels
- Ensured classified information integrity through proper security protocols
- Implemented access controls and authentication mechanisms for classified systems
- Monitored network security and responded to security incidents
- Conducted preventive maintenance schedules and equipment inspections
- Trained junior soldiers on equipment operation, safety procedures, and mission protocols
- Participated in joint military exercises and readiness drills
- Maintained detailed logs, documentation, and security records
- Received multiple commendations for leadership and technical excellence
Key Skills: Leadership, Technical Troubleshooting, Linux Systems, Secure Networking, Security Clearance, Discipline
Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) | In Progress
Relevant Coursework:
- Security: Network Security, Ethical Hacking, Cyber Defense, Digital Forensics, Security Assessment & Auditing, Security Risk Management, Enterprise Security, Incident Response
- Technical: Databases, Operating Systems, Computer Networks, System Administration, Cryptography
- Software Development: Programming, Software Engineering, Algorithm Design, Data Structures
University of Texas at El Paso (UTEP) | Completed Coursework
Relevant Coursework:
- Business Management, Organizational Behavior, Financial Analysis, Marketing Principles, Operations Management
- Google Project Management Professional Certificate | Google
- Google Cybersecurity Professional Certificate | Google
- IBM Certified Cybersecurity Analyst | IBM
- Cisco Certified Support Technician: Cybersecurity I | Cisco
- Cisco Certified Support Technician: Networking I | Cisco
- Cybersecurity Essentials (LFC108) | The Linux Foundation
- CompTIA Network+ | CompTIA
- EC-Council Certified Ethical Hacker (CEH) | EC-Council
- CompTIA Security+ | CompTIA (Next on roadmap)
- Offensive Security Certified Professional (OSCP) | Offensive Security (Future goal)
- Primary Languages: JavaScript (Node.js), Python, Java, Bash/Shell
- Web Technologies: HTML, CSS, RESTful APIs, GraphQL, JSON, XML
- Frameworks: Express.js, FastAPI, Android SDK
- Libraries: Axios, Puppeteer, Cheerio, SpaCy, VADER Sentiment, OpenAI SDK, Azure SDK
- LLM Integration: OpenAI API, Azure OpenAI Service, GPT, prompt engineering
- AI Frameworks: Agent architectures, autonomous systems, decision-making algorithms
- NLP Tools: SpaCy, natural language processing, sentiment analysis, text classification
- Machine Learning: Cognitive modeling, pattern recognition, data analysis
- Security Testing: Web application security, API security, vulnerability assessment, penetration testing
- Security Frameworks: OWASP Top 10, OWASP API Security, PTES, NIST Cybersecurity Framework
- Security Tools: Burp Suite, OWASP ZAP, Nmap, Metasploit, Wireshark, SQLmap, Nikto
- Security Analysis: Threat modeling, risk assessment, security auditing, compliance assessment
- Vulnerability Research: CVE analysis, exploit development, security disclosure
- Containerization: Docker, Docker Compose, container orchestration, security hardening
- Version Control: Git, GitHub, GitHub Actions, branching strategies, collaborative workflows
- CI/CD: Automated testing, deployment pipelines, continuous integration
- Cloud Services: Azure, cloud security, infrastructure as code
- Automation: n8, workflow automation, shell scripting, task automation
- Database Systems: SQLite, SQL databases, NoSQL concepts
- Database Design: Schema design, normalization, indexing, query optimization
- Data Analysis: Data querying, reporting, analytics, visualization
- Linux: Command line proficiency, system administration, shell scripting, package management
- Windows: Windows Server, Active Directory concepts, PowerShell
- Networking: TCP/IP, network configuration, firewall management, VPN, secure communications
- Network Security: SIPRnet experience, network monitoring, intrusion detection
- Design Patterns: Object-oriented design, modular architecture, plugin systems
- Code Quality: Clean code principles, code review, refactoring, technical debt management
- Testing: Unit testing, integration testing, test-driven development
- Documentation: Technical writing, API documentation, architecture diagrams, user guides
- Development: Visual Studio Code, Git, npm, pip, Android Studio
- Security: Burp Suite Professional, OWASP ZAP, Kali Linux, security scanning tools
- Productivity: Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Creative Suite, Markdown, Jupyter Notebooks
- Design: Graphic design, UI/UX principles, wireframing, prototyping
Role: Founder & Lead Developer | Language: JavaScript/Node.js
- Open-source AI-powered autonomous penetration testing platform with self-reasoning and self-improving capabilities
- Features 26+ security testing plugins, SQLite project management, Docker containerization, and Azure OpenAI integration
- Implements OWASP/CWE classification, immutable audit trails, and GDPR-compliant explainable AI
- Extensible plugin architecture supporting community contributions and custom tool development
- Active community with contributors, feature requests, and ongoing development
Technologies: Node.js, JavaScript, Azure OpenAI, Docker, SQLite, Puppeteer, Cheerio, Security Testing
Role: Security Researcher | Language: Security Research
- Responsible disclosure of three significant vulnerabilities in production web application
- Comprehensive penetration testing report following PTES methodology with OWASP API Security mapping
- Identified high-severity PII exposure and token vulnerabilities enabling account takeover
- Professional security advisory with evidence, risk analysis, and remediation recommendations
Technologies: Web Security, API Security, OWASP, PTES, Vulnerability Research
Role: Maintainer | GitHub Stars: 1 | Language: JavaScript
- Official and community plugin repository for CortexAI penetration testing platform
- Plugin system enabling extensible security tool integration without modifying core codebase
- Community-driven contributions for custom reconnaissance, scanning, and analysis tools
- Documentation and testing infrastructure for plugin development and validation
Technologies: Node.js, JavaScript, Plugin Architecture, Modular Design
Role: Developer | Language: Java
- Android application port of Edex-UI featuring futuristic terminal interface
- Fully functional terminal emulator with sci-fi aesthetic for Android devices
- Built using Java and Android SDK with custom UI components
- APK builds available for community testing and feedback
Technologies: Java, Android SDK, Mobile Development, Terminal Emulation
- Cybersecurity & Information Security: Penetration testing, vulnerability research, security consulting, threat intelligence
- Software Development & Engineering: Full-stack development, backend systems, API development, mobile applications
- Artificial Intelligence & Machine Learning: AI agents, LLM integration, NLP, cognitive systems, ethical AI
- Technology & Innovation: Open-source development, research & development, emerging technologies
- Cloud Computing & DevOps: Cloud security, containerization, automation, infrastructure management
- Defense & Government: Military experience, security clearance, classified networks, defense contracting
- Nonprofit & Community Service: Veteran services, community engagement, board governance
- Research & Academia: AI research, technical writing, knowledge sharing, academic collaboration
- Application Security: Web application security, mobile security, API security, secure coding
- Network Security: Network architecture, secure communications, intrusion detection, firewall management
- Operations & Leadership: Business operations, team management, strategic planning, process optimization
- Technical Architecture: System design, software architecture, scalable solutions, modular frameworks
- VetSec 501(c)(3) - Director, Board of Directors | Supporting veterans in cybersecurity careers | Present
- Amazon Web Services (AWS) | Partnership through VetSec board role
- Cisco Systems | Partnership through VetSec board role
- Splunk | Partnership through VetSec board role
- Active Maintainer
- Community Building: Fostering open-source contributions, mentoring contributors, establishing governance
- Knowledge Sharing: Technical documentation, public repositories, educational content
- "AURA: An Architectural Blueprint for Emergent Sentience" | Comprehensive exploration of artificial sentience architecture, consciousness modeling, and ethical AI frameworks | August 2025
- "Suno.com Security Advisory" | Penetration testing report detailing OWASP API vulnerabilities including PII exposure and IDOR | October 2025
- Multiple Commendations for leadership and technical excellence during U.S. Army service
- Top Secret Security Clearance demonstrating trustworthiness and background verification
- Honorable Discharge from U.S. Army service
- 3.6 GPA in Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity Technology program at Southern New Hampshire University
- Active Certification Preparation: CompTIA Network+, CEH, Security+, OSCP
- Hands-on Labs: TryHackMe, HackTheBox, VulnHub, PentesterLab
- Security Research: CVE database research, vulnerability disclosure, security blogs and publications
- Technology Experimentation: New frameworks, languages, tools, and methodologies
- Open Source Contribution: Active participation in security and AI communities
Available upon request
- Top Secret Clearance | U.S. Department of Defense | 2014–2018 (Inactive)
- Extensive experience working with classified materials on secure government networks (SIPRnet)
- U.S. Citizen | Eligible to work in the United States without sponsorship
- Veteran Status | Eligible for veteran hiring preferences and programs
- English: Native proficiency (spoken and written)
- Open to: Full-time, contract, remote, hybrid, and relocation opportunities
- Remote Work: Experienced in remote collaboration, asynchronous communication, and distributed teams
- Travel: Willing to travel as needed for client engagements, conferences, and team meetings