Owen Gaspard

IT Administrator,
Full Stack Developer

About Me

Hey, I'm Owen, a seventeen-year-old systems administrator and full-stack developer based in New Orleans. My skillset encompasses proficiency in industry-leading tools like React and TailwindCSS. I hold an AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner certification and have hands-on experience with cloud solutions, including AWS and Azure, as well as Cloudflare's global CDN and WAF. I excel in managing both on-premises solutions such as ESXi and cloud-based environments.

In addition, I am well-versed in administering both Windows and Linux systems, with a strong affinity for Linux across desktop and server setups. I demonstrate expertise in Python for AI and machine learning tasks and Java for robotics applications. My aptitude extends to database administration using SQL, backed by relevant certifications.

Experience

Greater New Orleans STEM Initiative

gnostem.org

September 2023 - Present

Webmaster

In September 2023, I assumed the role of webmaster at the Greater New Orleans STEM Initiative (GNOSTEM), a pivotal point in my journey with the organization. Entrusted with the responsibility of managing the digital landscape, I dived into the existing WordPress platform with the goal of optimizing and fortifying GNOSTEM's online presence. Through meticulous efforts, I implemented strategic improvements, including site speed enhancements, security updates, and a comprehensive redesign. This marked the beginning of my dedicated commitment to leveraging technology to support GNOSTEM's mission of delivering top-tier STEM education to K-12 students and educators.

Some of my work includes:
-Spearheaded a comprehensive overhaul of the organization's website on the existing WordPress platform, resulting in a visually appealing and user-friendly interface.
- Implemented advanced caching techniques, significantly improving site speed and responsiveness by reducing load times.
- Conducted regular updates to the WordPress platform, ensuring the organization's web presence is on the cutting edge of technology.
- Enhanced website security measures, implementing protocols to safeguard sensitive information and user data.
- Redesigned the site layout and structure, optimizing content presentation for a more intuitive user experience.
- Collaborated with cross-functional teams, including educators and administrators, to align website content with STEM education initiatives and events.
- Utilized analytical tools to track website traffic, social media metrics, and user engagement, providing valuable insights for strategic decision-making.

Social Media Manager

At Famcore, I use my experience in AWS to speed up operations. I migrated the organization's volunteer form to a custom-built solution backed by AWS Lambda. I also migrated some of the spreadsheets to DynamoDB in order to perform data analysis and grouping through Lambda and Power BI. Cost-effectiveness is my top priority at Famcore, especially due to it being a nonprofit.At Famcore, I use my experience in AWS to speed up operations. I migrated the organization's volunteer form to a custom-built solution backed by AWS Lambda. I also migrated some of the spreadsheets to DynamoDB in order to perform data analysis and grouping through Lambda and Power BI. Cost-effectiveness is my top priority at Famcore, especially due to it being a nonprofit.

Famcore Foundation

famcorefoundation.com

August 2023 - Present

Information Technology Administrator

I am an accomplished IT administrator and technology solutions developer specializing in enhancing operations and user experiences. With expertise in Google Workspace management, Azure AD integration, and a proven track record in developing impactful AWS-powered solutions, I've been a driving force behind Famcore Foundation's technological progress.
Key Competencies:
- Google Workspace & Azure AD: Orchestrated a seamless transition from individual email accounts to @famcorefoundation addresses using Google Workspace. Integrated Microsoft Azure AD/Entra ID, establishing Single Sign-On (SSO) across Google Workspace and Microsoft 365. Proficiently managed accounts, security, and access controls.
- Innovative Web Development & AWS Solutions: Designed and developed responsive websites tailored to Famcore Foundation's needs. Managed website backends, including implementing AWS Lambda-powered contact forms. Leveraged AWS's power to create solutions that have optimized processes and streamlined operations.
- Empowering Custom Solutions: Crafted bespoke solutions that drive Famcore's transformation. Notably, developed a subsidiary's website and an internal portal automating contact management, organizing families, donors, and volunteers to enhance efficiency.
- Strategic Technology Management: Demonstrated expertise in Google Workspace, Microsoft 365, Azure AD, and AWS Lambda. Continuously updated skills to propose innovative solutions aligned with Famcore's vision.

Cloud Engineer

At Famcore, I use my experience in AWS to speed up operations. I migrated the organization's volunteer form to a custom-built solution backed by AWS Lambda. I also migrated some of the spreadsheets to DynamoDB in order to perform data analysis and grouping through Lambda and Power BI. Cost-effectiveness is my top priority at Famcore, especially due to it being a nonprofit.At Famcore, I use my experience in AWS to speed up operations. I migrated the organization's volunteer form to a custom-built solution backed by AWS Lambda. I also migrated some of the spreadsheets to DynamoDB in order to perform data analysis and grouping through Lambda and Power BI. Cost-effectiveness is my top priority at Famcore, especially due to it being a nonprofit.

Data Analyst

I cleaned data pertaining to Famcore Foundation's donors and volunteers and put them into Amazon DynamoDB. From there, I was able to import the data into Power BI and created charts to allow the organization to easily track metrics.

Projects

Cloud File Storage Server on AWS

June - July 2023

I engineered a cloud-based file storage server utilizing a selection of Amazon Web Services (AWS). The goal was to establish a scalable and secure file storage solution. Here's a brief overview of how I used various AWS services:

Amazon EC2: Hosted the server-side application on EC2 instances. This allowed for the creation of a scalable environment that can adapt to changes in demand.

Amazon S3: Chose Amazon S3 to store files, taking advantage of its high durability and availability.

Amazon Route 53: Managed DNS using Route 53, ensuring a reliable and easily accessible server.

AWS IAM: Bridged the EC2 instance to the S3 bucket securely by setting up proper permissions using Identity and Access Management (IAM).

For the software part, I implemented FileCloud, an enterprise-grade file sharing solution known for secure file sharing, synchronization, and custom branding. FileCloud's comprehensive features complemented the robust infrastructure provided by AWS.

FIRST Tech Challenge Robotics Team Website

jesuitroboticsnola.org

September 2021 - Present

I had the wonderful opportunity to develop the website for my school's FTC Robotics Team. The goal was to create a modern and user-friendly web platform to showcase our team's activities, achievements, and provide a way for visitors to get in touch. Here's an overview of the technologies and services I utilized:

ReactJS: Employed React as the primary front-end library to create a dynamic and responsive user interface. React's component-based architecture allowed for reusable components and a more organized codebase.

TailwindCSS: Integrated TailwindCSS for styling the website. TailwindCSS's utility-first CSS framework enabled rapid design iterations and a visually appealing user experience.

AWS Lambda & SES: To build an efficient contact form, I used Amazon Web Services (AWS). I utilized AWS Lambda to handle form submissions and AWS Simple Email Service (SES) to send email notifications to the team.

This project not only improved my web development and cloud computing skills but also contributed positively to my school's robotics team by providing them with an online presence.

Personal Website

ogaspard.com

July 2020 - Present

I am excited to share my personal website, which I built as a platform to showcase my portfolio, share my experiences, and connect with professionals and enthusiasts alike. Here's a brief overview of the technologies and features I utilized:

ReactJS: Used React as the primary front-end library for building a dynamic and responsive user interface. React's component-based architecture enabled a clean and modular codebase.

TailwindCSS: Integrated TailwindCSS to style the website. Its utility-first CSS framework allowed for rapid design iterations and ensured a modern and polished user experience.

AWS Lambda & SES: For the contact form, I employed Amazon Web Services (AWS). I used AWS Lambda to process form submissions and AWS Simple Email Service (SES) to send email notifications to my inbox. This allowed for a serverless architecture, which is both efficient and scalable.

Building my personal website has been a fantastic learning experience, and it has given me an opportunity to showcase my work and connect with a broader audience.

Snippet Share - Text Sharing Service

November 2022 - February 2023

Snippet Share is a text sharing service I built that allows users to save and manage "snippets" - short text files that can include code, color values, and more. The platform is designed to offer users an organized and secure way to store and access their snippets. Below is an overview of the main features and technologies I used:

User Authentication: Integrated user authentication to ensure that users can only view and manage snippets they have created. This was vital for ensuring the privacy and integrity of user data.

MongoDB: Chose MongoDB as the database to store the snippets. MongoDB's flexible schema and high-performance NoSQL database was well-suited for storing various types of text data.

Express: Used Express as the back-end web application framework for building the API. Express streamlined the process of handling requests and routing.

Docker: Containerized the application using Docker, which simplified deployment and ensured a consistent environment regardless of the platform.

TailwindCSS: Incorporated TailwindCSS for styling the user interface. TailwindCSS's utility-first approach enabled rapid design iterations and a visually cohesive user experience.

Personalized Dashboard: Created a personalized dashboard for authenticated users, showing a list of their snippets. Users can easily manage (add, edit, delete) their snippets through this dashboard.

Snippet Share was a challenging and rewarding project that further honed my skills in web development, database management, and user authentication.

Contact

Languages

- Java
- Python
- C#
- JavaScript
- SQL

Frameworks/Web Tools

- React.js
- Next.js
- Remix/Hydrogen
- Blazor
- Stripe.js
- TailwindCSS

Certification

cert

Amazon Web Services

Certified Cloud Practitioner