Sawyer Sieja

Resume

Brief Summary

Experienced Computer Scientist and Fullstack Developer. Previously, acted as CTO of a fledgeling startup experiencing modest success. Familiar with explaining complex topics in simple, easy to understand terms. Cybersecurity enthusiast. Competed in several programming and cyber defense comptetitions. Winner of the 2023 Consensys NAVH hackathon. Awarded a $5,000 grant from 2022 HackFS judges. Finishing up my Bachelor's in Software Engineering at California State University San Marcos. Always learning.

Education

California State University San Marcos

Bachelor of Software Engineering

Expected Graduation: May 2026

Experience

Fullstack Developer

sawyersieja.com | Jan 2025 - Present

  • Created a personal portfolio website and tech blog using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, PHP, and MySQL.
  • Familiar with domain acquisition, SSL setup, and web hosting.
  • Programmed a contact form to receive communications from site visitors that doesn't expose my personal email to spam.
  • Configured DMARC, DKIM, and SPF for authenticating domain email forwarding and avoiding spam filters.
  • Built the database using MySQL and PHP for backend integration.
  • Implemented hCaptcha to reduce spam, denial of service, and brute force attacks.

Fullstack Developer

eSDee | Oct 2024 - Dec 2024

  • Created a San Diego tourism and social media website for a web programming class group project.
  • Created mockups, wireframes, and ERDs for the website.
  • Utilized MySQL for the database and PHP for backend integration.
  • Responsible for client-side validation, user verification, session state management, and encrypting sensitive data.
  • Provided technical troubleshooting and guidance for other group members.

Game Developer

Penguin Fun | December 2024

  • Utilized boids to create a flocking simulation for the web browser.
  • Used 2.5D sprites and movements to create 3D visuals.
  • Created own physics environment from scratch for learning purposes.
  • Applied alignment, cohesion, separation, collision and avoidance algorithms to create swarming behavior in penguins that avoid obstacles and threats.

Game Developer

Dwarfbeard Fort | Oct 2024 - Nov 2024

  • Developed an Oregon Trail-style text-based game for a game development class project.
  • Implemented game logic using jQuery and JSON to create interactive, non-linear storytelling.
  • Designed the encounter system with various outcomes based on user input and player strategy.
  • Integrated sound effects, custom art, and animations to enhance player immersion.

Cyber Defense Competitor

Hivestorm Competition | Fall 2024

  • Competed with CSUSM students in a cyber defense competition.
  • Identified and removed unauthorized accounts and malware.
  • Closed unnecessary open ports, updated software, and reconfigured system misconfigurations.

Frontend Developer

csusmcsc.github.io | Summer 2024

  • Created a responsive website for the CSUSM Cybersecurity Club using a mobile first approach.
  • Taught myself TailwindCSS to see if I liked it more than CSS. It's 'okay'.
  • Reinforced existing web development, web design, and collaboration skills.

Cybersecurity Competitor

picoCTF Competition | March 2024

  • Led a team of CSUSM students new to cybersecurity in a jeopardy style capture the flag competition.
  • Taught and assisted newer students with instructions and troubleshooting.
  • Learned more about RSA encryption.

Cyber Defense Competitor

WRCCDC | Feb 2024

  • Represented CSUSM in the Western Regional Collegiate Cyber Defense Competition.
  • Collaborated on a team of 8 to maintain service availability in a real world cyber defense simulation.
  • Was responsible for identifying network intrusions, resetting passwords, and reconfiguring system misconfigurations.

Frontend Developer

Consensys NAVH Hackathon | July 2023 - August 2023

  • Contributed to the winning team of the 2023 Consensys NAVH Hackathon.
  • Developed frontend components using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.
  • Gained experience with Solidity, MetaMask, Node.js, and ethers.js.
  • Created animated particle effects with particles.js for modern UI design.

Frontend Developer

HackFS Hackathon | July 2022

  • Worked on a team for the 2022 HackFS Hackathon, awarded $5,000 grant.
  • Developed frontend using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React.
  • Gained exposure to Solidity, Redux, MetaMask, Node.js, and ethers.js.
  • Utilized IPFS for cost-effective storage and immutable digital receipts.

Frontend Developer

Chainlink Hackathon | April 2022 - June 2022

  • Participated in the Spring 2022 Chainlink Hackathon.
  • Collaborated with senior developers to build the frontend using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Learned React to build a blockchain IoT solution for a lighting system.
  • Utilized Git for version control, Jira for project management, and Figma for prototyping.

Clubs