Ex-LinkedIn Software Engineer | Ex-Professor | 17+ yrs Teaching

Harley J.

Biostatistics

I passed STA5176 Biostatistics at University of West Florida with an A. Transcript available upon request.

Business

My business coursework includes BUS531 Research and Strategic Communications, CIS500 Information Systems for Decision Making, ECO550 Managerial Economics, and a certificate in business English. Additionally, I have worked with executives and business workers for three years as a corporate instructor and assisted in the start-up of two ventures, including my own education management firm called Minglish.

C++

I initially learned computer programming in C++, and later did Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures, and Algorithm Analysis using C++ in an ABET-Accredited Computer Science program.

Career Development

As a freelance instructor and consultant for three years in Seoul, South Korea, I constantly had to submit cover letters and resumes to compete for contracts with major corporations and public entities. I have also worked as an interviewer for one of the largest steel companies in the world, POSCO. Furthermore, I have taught courses on job interviewing, negotiation, and presentation.

Computer Science

I have done over 45 credit hours of undergraduate and graduate Computer Science coursework, in addition to doing 2 nanodegrees, in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning.

CSS

I have extensive hands-on experience with CSS through my role as a Software Engineer at LinkedIn, where I built over 100 end-to-end features for internal data applications, implementing robust frontend solutions using CSS alongside EmberJS and other web technologies. My CSS expertise spans from fundamental styling and layout techniques to advanced responsive design and component architecture, developed through building full-stack web applications including my current startup Bandruption, a NextJS platform with complex UI requirements. I've worked with CSS in professional enterprise environments, ensuring cross-browser compatibility and maintainable stylesheets for applications serving massive user bases at companies like LinkedIn, Uber, and Intuit. Additionally, my teaching background allows me to break down CSS concepts from basic selectors and box model fundamentals to advanced topics like Flexbox, Grid, and CSS preprocessors, making complex styling challenges accessible to students at any level.

Data Structures

I have deep expertise in data structures developed through my Computer Science degree from Florida State University and reinforced through professional experience as a Software Engineer at LinkedIn, where I implemented efficient data handling solutions for massive datasets using various data structures in Java, Python, and other languages. My practical knowledge spans fundamental structures like arrays, linked lists, stacks, and queues to advanced concepts including trees, graphs, hash tables, and heaps, which I've applied in real-world applications like building Apache Pinot (an OLAP database) and developing machine learning algorithms for image recognition and genetic optimization problems. Through my graduate coursework at Purdue and Stony Brook Universities in algorithms and artificial intelligence, plus my experience building full-stack applications and conducting research in computational biology, I understand how to select and implement the most appropriate data structures for specific performance requirements. My teaching approach connects theoretical data structure concepts to practical programming scenarios, helping students understand not just how these structures work, but when and why to use each one for optimal algorithm performance and memory efficiency.

Interview Prep

I have extensive experience preparing students for technical interviews, having personally navigated the interview processes at major tech companies like LinkedIn and startups throughout my career as a software engineer and entrepreneur. My approach combines algorithmic problem-solving techniques with real-world coding challenges, drawing from my hands-on experience building full-stack applications and contributing to open-source projects like Apache Pinot. I help students master data structures, algorithms, system design concepts, and behavioral interview strategies, while also providing insights into company culture and what hiring managers actually look for based on my experience on both sides of the interview table. My unique background spanning academia, large tech companies, and startups allows me to tailor interview preparation for different types of roles, from entry-level positions to senior engineering roles.

JQuery

I have extensive jQuery experience gained through both hands-on development and teaching roles, having instructed the full-stack engineering bootcamp at UCLA Extension under Trilogy Education where jQuery is a core frontend technology in the curriculum. My jQuery expertise was further developed through completing the Thinkful Full Stack Engineering Bootcamp and tutoring Trilogy Education students, giving me deep understanding of jQuery's role in the complete web development stack from vanilla HTML/CSS/JavaScript/jQuery frontends through to backend databases. During my 5+ years at LinkedIn, I applied this full-stack knowledge building features from the database or AI model forward to the frontend, utilizing jQuery alongside other technologies to create robust user interfaces for internal data applications. My teaching and tutoring experience has reinforced my jQuery skills, as I've guided numerous bootcamp students through jQuery fundamentals, DOM manipulation, event handling, and AJAX implementations, ensuring I maintain current best practices and can explain complex concepts clearly.

Machine Learning/ AI

I have extensive practical experience in Machine Learning and AI, having wrapped AI algorithms with APIs and implemented ML-powered features during my 5-year tenure at LinkedIn, while also completing specialized nanodegrees in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning Engineering from Udacity. My hands-on ML expertise includes building convolutional neural networks for multi-digit classification achieving 80% accuracy, developing facial keypoint detection systems, creating dog breed classifiers, and implementing image recognition components for startup applications. I've pursued advanced academic coursework in Deep Learning, Neural Networks, and AI through institutions like Purdue University, Stony Brook University, and Coursera, covering topics from hyperparameter tuning to computational biology applications. Additionally, I've applied machine learning in research contexts, including algorithm design and refinement for sharing economy platforms and bioinformatics projects like improving splice site classifiers, demonstrating both theoretical knowledge and practical implementation skills across diverse domains.

Microsoft Windows

I have been using Windows OS for at least 12 years. In fact, it's the only OS for a PC in which I'm fully proficient. I run statistical software, Office suites, internet browsers, games, and countless other programs using Windows OS.

React

I have deep hands-on experience with React, having built over 100 end-to-end and frontend-only features for internal data applications during my 5-year tenure at LinkedIn, where I implemented robust, stable features in React and related technologies. My React expertise extends to modern full-stack development, demonstrated through building complete NextJS applications with React frontends integrated with databases, APIs, and cloud services like Azure for my current startup Bandruption. Additionally, I've shared my React knowledge through teaching roles at UCLA Extension under Trilogy Education and providing one-on-one tutoring to bootcamp students, helping them master React fundamentals and advanced concepts. My React experience spans from enterprise-scale applications handling massive datasets to startup MVPs, giving me comprehensive understanding of React across different scales and use cases.