National Science Foundation
Given two constraints: compression testing + 3D printing. Explored non-pneumatic wheelchair wheels through biomimicry. Feasible but not affordable → Learned that constraints shape creativity.
Uber & Popmenu
Drove Uber to pay bills. Landed sales role at Popmenu (scrappy dish-level menu tech). Closed first client in 10 days. Learned sales = pattern recognition, but curiosity leaned toward building. Programming started calling.
Coding Bootcamp
Took leap into HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Node.js, React. Built foundations for future engineering work.
Consultancy & Startups
Software engineer at Tony Sparks Industries. Built with Node, React, Sails.js, including API powering United Coin’s NFT platform. Nights/weekends = startup experiments: NyteOut, VOL, YellaCone. Two failed, one pivoted. Learned resilience, product thinking, and systems design.