Degree Work

Undergraduate capstone and coursework artifacts: self‑assessment, outcomes, and three enhanced projects with source links.

Professional Self‑Assessment

My coding journey began in high school through a STEM software engineering track, where I learned Java in Eclipse and built small apps and games. I kept tinkering through my A.S. in Computer Science at Tidewater Community College, picking up C++ and Python. While working as a web designer at the City of Chesapeake’s Department of Human Services, I taught myself additional HTML5 to take their site from inoperable to fully functional. I also completed a Cybersecurity Career Studies Certificate during this time.

At Southern New Hampshire University, I deepened my skills in databases (MySQL), secure coding, and testing (e.g., dynamic testing via Maven). Courses emphasized Agile practices and converting stakeholder requests into impactful features. I also explored AI/ML concepts, including path‑finding, and consistently prioritized security via input validation and dependency review.

This ePortfolio highlights three artifacts demonstrating growth in software design, data structures, and databases. I strengthened each with improved error handling, scalability, input validation, and clearer structure and documentation.

CS 499 Course Outcomes

Build collaborative environments that support decision‑making across diverse audiences.
Communicate professionally — oral, written, and visual — for the intended audience.
Design and evaluate algorithmic solutions while managing trade‑offs.
Apply modern techniques, skills, and tools to deliver computing solutions that create value.
Develop a security mindset to anticipate exploits and mitigate vulnerabilities.

Code Review

My review analyzes three artifacts for functionality, structure, and security, and identifies improvements for each. It is organized into three sections with before/after discussion and enhancement rationales.

Artifact 1: Software Engineering & Design

The enhanced artifact is a buffer overflow checker from CS 405 (Secure Coding). I expanded coverage of types and edge values, modularized common logic, and improved error handling and messaging. The goal was to demonstrate a security‑first approach with robust testing and clearer code.

Artifact 2: Algorithms & Data Structures

I reworked a CS 300 hash table implementation: moving from chaining to open addressing with linear probing, adding dynamic resizing, and using multiplicative string hashing. These changes reduced memory fragmentation, improved performance, and simplified the codebase for maintenance.

Artifact 3: Databases

I improved a CS 340 MongoDB manager for an animal shelter by adding input validation, creating indexes for frequently queried fields, and refactoring into modular components. The result is more secure, efficient, and maintainable.