me

AJ Barea

Keep coding, keep growing.

✌🏽Hello, friends! I'm AJ.
gamer.
engineer.
otaku.
developer.

Welcome! This portfolio is a window into my world of creativity, problem-solving, and engineering expertise.

Explore a curated selection of my projects to see the challenges I've tackled and the solutions I've built.

Looking for a deeper dive into my experience? My resume details my educational background and professional journey.

For a more personal touch, head over to my blog. There, I share insights and musings on the ever-evolving landscape of the field, offering a glimpse into my current explorations and passions.

I've leveraged a powerful and growing tech stack to bring my projects to life:

Frontend

  • Angular
  • Bootstrap
  • CSS
  • HTML
  • JavaScript
  • Markdown
  • Nuxt.js
  • Tailwind CSS

Backend

  • C
  • C++
  • Express.js
  • Java
  • Node.js
  • PostgreSQL
  • Python
  • Spring Boot

Design Tools

  • Chrome
  • GitHub
  • Linux
  • npm
  • PyCharm
  • Trello
  • Microsoft Visual Studio
  • Visual Studio Code

  1. Lowe's Home Improvement Currently

    At Lowe's, I'm putting my skills to the test, building applications that streamline processes and crafting detailed documentation to empower new engineers. My analytical mind tackles complex support tickets, and my dedication to collaboration fuels agile development cycles. Seeing the impact of my work, slashing errors and improving efficiency, is incredibly rewarding.

    Full-Stack Development • Technical Communication • Analytical Skills • Knowledge Transfer • Efficiency

  2. Computer Engineering at the University of South Florida

    Fulfilling my childhood dream of becoming a computer engineer wasn't always sunshine and roses, especially with the pandemic forcing isolation. But the knowledge I gained and the friendships forged through late-night study sessions are priceless.

    Java • C • Verilog • Python • C++ • VHDL

  3. Phiquest

    Joining the Phiquest team for my senior project threw me into the world of blockchain. Learning JavaScript, Node.js, and the intricacies of agile development was a whirlwind, but the guidance from Jay and the challenge of building something truly innovative made it unforgettable.

    Collaboration • Autonomy • Research

  4. Instacart

    Instacart offered freedom and the chance to witness app development in action. The adaptability required during the pandemic solidified my appreciation for customer feedback and the power of technology to help others.

    Self-Sufficiency • Customer Feedback • Adaptability

  5. Lightning Express Courier

    Delivering for Lightning Express was a blast. Cranking up the music while zipping between medical specimens and document drops made the days fly by. The free time between stops fueled my co-op gaming sessions with my buddy Davis, rekindling our love for the online gaming world.

    Time Management • Responsibility • Attention to Detail

  6. Xbox Customer Support

    Xbox customer support was a dream come true (except for the lack of official Xbox One documentation at release!). My passion for gaming fueled my problem-solving skills and led to some epic conversations with fellow gamers (even became a real-life wedding guest for one!).

    Tenacity • Problem Solving • Active Listening • Multitasking

  7. Muzzie's Ice Cream & Sandwich Shop

    Muzzie's wasn't just an ice cream shop; it was a haven of kindness. Judie and Greg, the owners, showered me with not just delicious food but also opportunities and genuine care. Witnessing their compassion for those less fortunate had a profound impact on me.

    Gratitude • Empathy • Flexibility

  8. Winn Dixie

    My first job at Winn Dixie was a crash course in customer service, hard work, and the realities of the working world. From bagging groceries to cashier whiz, I learned valuable lessons about efficiency and the importance of treating everyone with respect.

    Customer Service • Hard Work • Efficiency

  9. Moved to Florida, Summer 2002

    Tarpon Springs is my forever home. It's where I made lifelong friends like Christina and Jack, explored hidden corners with my family, and discovered the joy of freshly baked bread and oversized sandwiches at Muzzie's.

    Patience • Resilience • Adaptability

  10. Born May 20, 1993

    Imagine a childhood filled with laughter - dozens of cousins, endless video game battles, epic snowball fights, and the thrill (and inevitable capture) of pushing bedtime limits. That was me in Rochester!

    Teamwork • Communication • Social Skills