Leading the implementation of a full Serverless AWS platform for asset monitoring and tracking in the health sector including NHS Trusts.

Working as the lead developer for a product commissioned by a large automotive company to enhance the feedback loop which will help retain customers and improve services. The tool uses sound psychological principles to improve data gathering coupled with Sentiment Analysis and NLP linked to the OpenAI GPT-3 API and business tools to provide a service dashboard to allow them to understand the feedback. The requirement was for a highly scalable, cloud-based tool that could handle large numbers of requests involving sentiment analysis linked to a three-stage neural network.The first experimental version of the system was written using Python and Django which allowed for the rapid development of the sentiment analysis tools and neural network however there were issues around robustness, speed and security. My role was to make the system both more robust and far more performant and scalable.I have overseen the development of the production-ready system developed and implemented as an adaptive UI using customised React Material UI components. The speedy development of the new version was achieved by leveraging the use of Co-Pilot AI. The system is currently in beta testing.The backend was implemented as a Python Azure serverless function REST API with backend storage using a database module running PostgreSQL, deployed to Azure using Terraform. The API is documented using the SAFRS package. Push notifications implemented using Firebase with Data persistence using PostgreSQL.Skills and Knowledge: Python, Azure, Terraform, PostgreSQL, Firebase, Swagger Doc, Adaptive UI Design, React, MaterialUI, Open Standard Form-Associated Custom Elements, Co-Pilot AI.

Working as Audit Remediator consultant, risk assessment based on external audit outcomes, developing robust processes and internal controls framework to ensure that the internal financial systems at Premier Foods have adequate internal control frameworks in place (SOX Section 404). This includes the development of automated auditing tools integrated into React/NextJS infrastructure, using TypeScript and JavaScript, around code development and deployment, database manipulation on both their old and new systems and system backups along with writing and delivering training materials to ensure audit compliance.Skills and Knowledge: Financial Auditing, Audit Compliance, Sarbanes-Oxley (SOX), Scripting, React, MongoDB, PostgreSQL.

As the Principal Software Engineer working for Toshi, a startup targeting high-end fashion logistics, Mark is responsible for working alongside end users and UX experts to both design new systems and re-imagine existing tools, supervising the implementation of the end-to-end architecture as well as decisions about technologies and software. Products included a secure warehouse management system, high-speed scheduling algorithms, a PWA used by store assistants, an embedded checkout process used by the e-commerce websites. During my time at TOSHI I designed and worked with the team to implement a cross-platform "Assistant App" developed using Dart and Flutter which integrated into the delivery vehicles via CarPlay and Android Auto with push notifications implemented using Firebase. This process included not only designing a suitable robust architecture but also in training the team who had no previous experiences with this platform which included developing new processes to leverage the use of Co-Pilot AI tools.Skills and Knowledge: Server and Client-Side JavaScript (NodeJS/Deno), Ruby on Rails, GraphQL, REST API Development, App Development with Dart and Flutter, CarPlay and Android Auto, Firebase, PWA Development with React/Ant and Modern Browser APIs. Managing Agile Teams (Slack/Linear), Co-Pilot AI, PostgreSQL with Elasticsearch.

Within the Faculty of Engineering, Computing and Environment I currently deliver practical modules at Masters and Undergraduate level covering modern advanced software engineering using a range of the latest web technologies including the Deno and Node.js runtimes and the React (Native) and AngularJS frameworks as well as being an expert in framework-free development. Full integration of version control (Git) including the use of industry-standard workflows and the integration of hooks, Test-Driven Development (TDD) utilising test-doubles, using Deno Test, Jasmine and Travis CI, and cloud deployment using CI and CD pipelines such as GitHub Actions, along with a practical understanding of cloud security.I also lead the delivery of topics such as agile methodologies, version control, automated testing, devops, team psychology and leadership, giving the students the skills and techniques demanded by industry and helping them find placements and graduate jobs in the sector.

Founded, led and trained a team of final year and Masters student engineers designing and developing land and water-based autonomous vehicles resulting in national and international competition prizes and an award for services (The Cecil Angel Cup). There were two concurrent projects:Formula StudentLed a team of mechanical and software engineers to build and control an electric autonomous racing car. Led the team to first place in the national championships held at Silverstone Race Course. The car was a twin motor, four wheel steer with disk brakes. The autonomous driving was developed using stereoscopic vision programmed using Python as a Docker container, using a GitHub Actions CI pipeline to test before automatic deployment to the on-board computer which integrated with the CanBUS network to control the vehicle.The team took part in the inaugural Formula Student Autonomous Vehicle Competition in July 2019 and took first place.Skills and Knowledge: Python, OpenCV, Docker, GitHub, GitHub Actions CI/CD, CanBUS.World Robotic Sailing ChampionshipLed a team of software engineers to design and develop a self-contained robotic sailing boat that integrated a range of sensors to detect wind speed and direction plus obstacles to develop a GPU-powered sailing boat to plan and navigate a route. The software ran on an on-board Jetson Nano GPU device and pulled in sensor data for current location, orientation, wind speed and direction plus a camera system to detect obstacles. Implementing the GPS included the need to convert to the local BeiDou system.The software was developed in a Python VENV using the CUDA Toolkit, then unit tested and deployed using a GitHub Actions Pipeline to the on-board system.This was entered into the international WRSC championship in Ningbo, China in 2019 where we came third in class.Skills and Knowledge: Python, CUDA, NUMBA, OpenCV, Docker Compose.

Senior Lecturer in Web Technologies. I deliver final year modules covering IOS development using the Swift programming language as well as designing and building RESTful web service APIs using full-stack functional JavaScript and noSQL technologies (Node.JS, AngularJS, CouchDB, MongoDB, Neo4J). Full integration of version control (Git) and Test-Driven Development (TDD) using Jasmine and Travis CI. NoSQL covering MongoDB and CouchDB as well as Graph Database design and development using Neo4J. In addition I support a range of commercial projects involving SMEs around the West Midlands.I have also developed and run staff training in advanced teaching strategies including flipped classroom. This training has been successfully delivered to staff across 2 faculties / 8 departments.

Based on my experiences as a University startup and knowledge of the startup culture in the US based on my visit to the US, I was asked to run a 12 month pilot for an incubation unit at the University, based in the EEC Building. As part of the pilot I supported 50 clients, paired them with industry mentors and developed a rigorous entrepreneurial programme covering team building, leadership, IP commercialisation, pitching and funding streams. This allowed me to get a better understanding of the problems faced by startups and the issues specific to the commercialisation of University IP.

Following the re-election of Andy Street as the Mayor of the West Midlands, his team got back in touch and asked me to apply my first-hand experiences both as an entrepreneur and in running an incubation hub to develop a strategy to connect the expertise and resources in universities to the wider entrepreneurial ecosystem and build an accelerator programme with a dedicated venture capital fund. This is an ongoing project working with the Mayor's Office and Sisu Capital.

After the outbreak of Covid-19 the NHS and the National Cyber Security Centre started designing a smartphone app to track interactions between members of the general public. Since my startup had focussed on this technology I advised the team developing the app on the limitations of the Bluetooth technology and strategies to get around these. This directly assisted in the development of the NHS Covid tracking system.

The NHS developed a paper-based training package aimed at improving the efficiency of General Practices across all Primary Health Trusts in the UK. This project aimed at converting this into an online, self-paced, gamified tool that could be used by all GP practices. The solution included a range of interactive games and simulations, all written using native JS together with analytics to measure impact.

Founded a social media company in partnership with Coventry University to develop and release a social media platform focussing on interactions in the immediate area. The technology was based on an innovative approach to proximity detection using smartphones. Registered IP and patent applications.

Coventry City Council wanted to restructure in order to reduce the number of top-level managers and overall management costs. They had realised that the existing structure was not efficient and were looking to improve this at the same time. Based on metadata and sentiment analysis on the contents from all emails sent both within the council and to external partners I proposed and developed a Machine-Learning algorithm and used this to produce a network graph that indicated the best organisational structure based on communication and trust patterns. This was then used to support the reorganisation.

Having developed the proximity technologies I applied for, and won, a place on the 7th SetSquared international growth scheme. As part of this I travelled extensively in the US, visiting potential customers, Universities and Innovation hubs in New York, Boston and Silicon Valley. In addition to gaining insight into the marketing opportunities for the proximity detection technology I organised visits to Stanford, MIT and Harvard incubation units to understand the approach taken by these organisations. On my return to the UK I made a pitch to Andy Street showing how the West Midlands could best support startups however I was advised that this project would need to wait until his second term in office.

Lecturer in Web Technologies

Responsible for recruiting software developers and managing an international multidisciplinary team developing modern software and training simulations using cutting edge tech such as augmented reality. Customers included British Airways, Toyota and The Shakespeare Birthplace Trust.

In this role I am responsible for the development and delivery of the HNC and HND in Computing and Systems Development.

In this role I was responsible for developing all the Computing courses and liaising with industry to establish work placements and input into course development. This post was lost at the end of 2009 due to College restructuring.

In this role I am responsible for the development and delivery of a range of second and third year units dealing with Smartphone development and social networking.

Seconded to run a two year programme to develop a county-wide school Moodle infrastructure for Lancashire. The contract was won by Synergy Learning, based in Belfast who asked me to support the installation and customization of the Moodle VLE including the development of several custom plugins as well as training and supporting the IT Coordinators from all secondary schools in the region.

In this role I delivered technical training in Moodle to organisations around the UK. I also developed custom Moodle plugins for a number of high profile Moodle organisations.

I joined Coventry Technical College shortly before the merger with Tile Hill College (to form City College Coventry in 2002). My role was to support the executive in the planning and provisioning of services to support the merged College. This included the new CISCO telephony system as well and network and infrastructure to support both voice and data communications. I also successfully managed the transition from a WebCT VLE system to one running Moodle.

After leaving Secondary education I teamed up with a consultant from BECTA to set up a company to deliver training and support to Schools and LEAs. The work included an extended contract from Bexley LEA to work on a project with Denfords to set up a CAD-CAM centre of excellence which included remote Machining and Prototyping based on a hub-spoke arrangement within the schools where students could send their designs electronically to a centre and watch the outcome being made via a 2-way video link.

From the experience I gained teaching and developing ICT, I obtained a position at Ernesford Grange School in Coventry where my primary focus was to transition a school from using Acorn computers to one running Windows PCs. This involved both the planning and installation of the hardware plus software as well as staff consultation and training.

Following a shift to focus on ICT I gained a job teaching ICT at Coleshill School in Warwickshire where I taught students from the ages of 11 to 18 and gained a great deal of practical experience in hardware, networking and programming/web development.

I started my teaching career delivering construction technology in a Girl’s Grammar School in Kent where, as the only DT specialist I had to plan the curriculum predominantly on my own, reporting to the head of Technology in matters such as timetabling and group rotation.