About Me

SO YOU'RE INTERESTED ABOUT ME, HUH?


Where do I start? How about by me telling you a bit about my life right now?

I am currently a senior ICS (Information and Computer Science) student at UCI (University of California, Irvine). I will be graduating this winter quarter. I don't have a specific focus in my major, but from my work experience I mainly enjoy doing web development (backend). My experience has ranged from creating solid backend structures to creating a robust fresh CSS based menu system to lighten the load time for a web based application.

During my free time I also like to learn new coding languages. I am self versed in Ruby, PHP, and Ajax. This process is still ongoing. These languages are complemented with my strong skills in C++, C#, Java, VB. To hone my skills and challenge myself I enjoy creating little projects that allow me to work with the skill I want to develop.

Here is a list of a few of my past and pending experiences:

  • LeadROI - A CRM system built for the mortgage industry. My role ranged from frontend to backend. Pretty much anywhere they needed me! The main languge we coded in was VB. Though, over time I had done XML,XSLT, and XSL. I also did a lot of work with MSSQL 2005.
  • WebMerge - While working here I helped them with a project for Countrywide. I learned about web standards and little tricks on making pages cross-browser compatible. This company has now been merged with LeadROI who got bought out by Root Markets.
  • StatsTracker - I personally began developing this from an idea my uncle gave me. I am using Ruby on Rails to develop the prototype.
  • The site you are viewing right now is made in CakePHP.
  • Third Stone Media - I am currently a contractor for this company. My current role is not too involved because I am also a student. But I do help them keep a few of their sites up to date. I mainly deal with PHP and CSS based edits.
  • Fabflix - A school website project that is similar to netflix. This was an assignment for a project class at UCI. My partner and I developed it using C#, Asp.NET 2.0 and the.Net 2.0 framework. We did everything from creating a complete frontend to a fully functional and data driven backend. This project used a PostgreSQL database.
  • BankAround - A bank shopping site aimed at providing a more simplistic approach to help finding a bank that meets your needs. I am currently helping develop this site.

I pride myself on my drive to learn new concepts and ideas. This drive has allowed me to always find solutions to hurdles I face. I am also a quick learner. But I also find myself easily side tracked if I dont have a focus or a goal in mind. My work ethics are like my life ethics. I truely believe that if you do your best then the best will happen to you.

Now to the more fun stuff.

So far I assume your assumption about me has been "What a nerd! Who learns for fun?" Surprisingly, I agree with you. First let me clear up that I am not a nerd (although I dont really know what makes a nerd a nerd, so I guess I could be one). I love sports, not to watch but play. A few of my favorites are: Golf, Basketball, Volleyball, Football, Snowboarding, Surfing, and Boogeyboarding. The reason I enjoy so many sports is beacause I like to be physically active. And as you can see some of these sports are seasonal. This helps me balance out my sports and not get bored by one. I also love going to the movies, hanging with freinds, or just sleeping(probably the most!).

If you liked what you read and would like to get to know me better then feel free to contact me: nirmit.patel@yahoo.com.