California-Based Software Developer | Practical Coding Tutor

John R.

C++

I was hired by the head of the Computer Science Department during my second semester to serve as a TA and to contribute to his personal project, GameSci.com. Around the same time, I was also hired by the MESA department as a tutor. Since earning my B.S. in Computer Science from UC Irvine in 2017, I have worked professionally as a programmer. In addition to my full-time work, I’ve continued tutoring for several years, trained AI models, and pursued my hobby of building and programming robotics.

Computer Engineering

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UC Irvine and have hands-on experience in core computer engineering topics, particularly where hardware and software intersect. I’ve designed and programmed embedded systems using Arduino, Raspberry Pi, and ESP32 microcontrollers, including the development of a 12-servo robotic arm featuring real-time control logic and sensor integration. My work includes C/C++ development, low-level hardware interfacing, and implementation of data fusion techniques such as the Extended Kalman Filter. I have also tutored students in these subjects and specialize in making abstract concepts in computer engineering practical, relevant, and easy to understand.

Computer Programming

I was hired by the head of the Computer Science Department during my second semester to serve as a TA and to contribute to his personal project, GameSci.com. Around the same time, I was also hired by the MESA department as a tutor. Since earning my B.S. in Computer Science from UC Irvine in 2017, I have worked professionally as a programmer. In addition to my full-time work, I’ve continued tutoring for several years, trained AI models, and pursued my hobby of building and programming robotics.

Computer Science

I first started studying Computer Science in 2013 at College of the Canyons where I was the TA for the head of the Computer Science Department, Prof. Christopher Ferguson, as well as the only tutor for Computer Science in the MESA department. Furthering my studies, I attended UCI where I received my bachelors degree.

Data Structures

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from UC Irvine and have several years of experience tutoring students in data structures and algorithms. I’ve worked as a paid tutor through the MESA program and as a teaching assistant to the head of the Computer Science department, supporting students in mastering key topics such as linked lists, trees, graphs, stacks, queues, recursion, and time complexity analysis. I specialize in helping students build problem-solving skills and understand how to apply these concepts in languages like C++, Java, and Python. My teaching approach combines theoretical foundations with practical, real-world coding examples.

Elementary Math

I have a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science, as well as Associates degrees in Mathematics and Physics. I am a single parent of 3 elementary school aged children, my son is 6 and my girls are 7, and 8.

Information Technology

I served as an Information Systems Technician in the U.S. Navy, where I gained hands-on experience with network administration, system security, and troubleshooting under mission-critical conditions. I hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from UC Irvine and have continued applying my IT knowledge in software development, embedded systems, and web infrastructure. I’ve also worked as a tutor for MESA and as a teaching assistant in computer science, helping students of all levels master core IT concepts. From setting up secure networks to understanding the backbone of modern computing, I make IT approachable and practical.

Java

I have been working with Java for about 11 years, I’m well versed in data structures and algorithms as well as object oriented programming, multithreading, swing GUI’s and programming in 3D with JavaFx.

JQuery

I’m a software developer with a strong background in front-end technologies, including jQuery, JavaScript, HTML, and CSS. I’ve used jQuery extensively in dynamic web projects, including building a custom 3D graphing matrix calculator using jQuery, Three.js, and vanilla JavaScript. My tutoring focuses on helping students understand how jQuery simplifies DOM manipulation and UI interactivity, with practical, hands-on examples drawn from real web apps I've built.

Machine Learning/ AI

I have a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UC Irvine and several years of experience applying machine learning to real-world projects. My work has included sensor fusion using Extended Kalman Filters, custom logic engines, and integration of computer vision systems with embedded hardware. I’m fluent in Python and have implemented AI pipelines from data preprocessing to model deployment. I break down complex ML concepts into practical, understandable steps for learners at all levels.

PHP

I’m a software developer with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from UC Irvine and several years of experience building dynamic websites using PHP. One of my main projects was CyberCarpentry.com, a site I built from scratch using PHP for templating, routing, and dynamic content generation. I’ve also integrated PHP with JavaScript, jQuery, and Three.js for interactive applications. I teach PHP by breaking down core concepts like server-side scripting, form handling, and basic security practices, always connecting them to real-world use cases to help students apply what they learn effectively.

React

I hold a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from the University of California, Irvine and have professional experience developing interactive web applications using React. I built a boolean logic parser and dynamic UI in my Reactive Truth Table project, which demonstrates advanced React concepts including component design, hooks, and state management. I’ve also tutored computer science students at various levels and focus on helping learners understand React through hands-on, project-based learning. My teaching emphasizes practical development patterns and a deep understanding of how React works under the hood.

Robotics

Hi there, I grew up with a passion for robotics, first sparked by my early exposure to robotics when my mom who worked at UCLA's Boltier Hall for 26 years before retiring, would take me into the robotics laboratory at the very impressionable age of 5. Ever since then my curiosity as only grown. I have built several robots, including a robotic arm for my kids, follower bots using arduino, I've automated all sorts of things around my home with various project boards, including Arduino's Mega, Uno R3's, ESP32, Raspberry Pi's, Pico's, and Teensy's. I have work on CubeSat implementing an algorithm for the EKF (three actually, each with different characteristics), and I am currently working on a robotic arm that I have designed to play chess. I am using ESP32's for computer vision, Arduino Mega in conjunction with 2 Uno Rev3's to control the servo movement and provide sensor updates from two digital encoders I have attached to the frame to track the movements of two of the joints that are driven by continuous rotation servos so that I can map the locations of the arm to a dataset for interpolating the positions of chess pieces, and the movements pertaining to game play. I have several switches built into the design to alert to the arm reaching certain maximums and have considered using various strength magnets with the game pieces to be detected by a hall sensor for easier piece identification, but have found it not necessary as the 2 ESP32's have been adequately providing the data necessary for the computer vision neural network to correctly identify the pieces consistently. All of the micro controllers mentioned are connected to a central Raspberry Pi for processing, the Raspberry Pi is outfitted with extra RAM and a large storage SD card where the digital neurons for the neural network reside, which allow for the arm to be autonomously AI driven. The project is still underway, but has been coming along nicely, should be nearing completion by late August, early September.

Web Design

I hold a Bachelor's degree in Computer Science from UC Irvine and have several years of experience designing and building websites using modern web technologies. I independently created and maintained CyberCarpentry, a full-featured project site developed with PHP, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, and jQuery. This project showcases my understanding of responsive design, front-end interactivity, and server-side integration. I also have experience tutoring students in web development through academic support programs, and I focus on teaching both the visual and structural aspects of web design using real-world tools and workflows.