Matthew J. Barry
Texas A&M University Class of 2014
Texas A&M University Class of 2014
Howdy! Welcome to my personal résumé. This section of my site contains brief overviews of my accomplishments, abilities, and aspirations.
I am currently wrapping up my M.S. in computer science (cybersecurity) and am a full-time software developer at Texas A&M Center for Applied Technology. My undergraduate foci were in computer science (software development and algorithms) and in applied mathematics (computational theory). I am an avid programmer: when I am not busy with work, I usually work other side programming projects such as this and other sites.
I also have a passion for dolphins: their intelligence and complex communication have always intrigued me, but more fundamentally, there is something about dolphins that just fills me with joy whenever I am around them. Hence, I visit SeaWorld regularly to support their rescue and conservation efforts and their mission to educate and inspire the public. At some point in the future, I would very much like to be able to work with and care for dolphins and to share with others the joy and inspiration that they bring me.
When I am not coding or at SeaWorld, I am usually volunteering around the community, learning and tinkering with new technology, flying a plane, or “calling CQ” on ham radio.
I like to think of myself as a positive, upbeat person—always adding extra energy to every room that I enter. I want every person I meet to walk away with a smile. I seldom complain (unless merited) and always try to find the good in the “little things” in life by counting God’s blessings whenever I can.
Summer 2014–present: Texas Center for Applied Technology — full-time software developer specializing in JavaScript web applications and PHP rapid prototyping.
August 2019–May 2020: Seminarian, Diocese of Austin — Discernment of Catholic priesthood, pastoral development, education in philosophy and theology at Holy Trinity Seminary in Irving, TX. I like to call this time my “sabbatical” from TCAT.
Summer 2012, Summer 2013, Winter 2013: Texas Center for Applied Technology — student developer on numerous high-impact projects: developed several user interface components and visualizations.
2007–present: Dr. Philip Yasskin, Texas A&M Univ. Dept. of Mathematics — assistant programmer and consultant for Maplets for Calculus and Meade Yasskin Math Apps (MYMathApps) projects.
2007–10: Komputerwiz Web Design — freelance web developer.
I am fluent in English, my first language, but I am also familiar with Spanish, Italian, Latin, Mandarin Chinese, and a little bit of Klingon.
Comfortable with public speaking (not sure where else to put this)
Proficient in the following programming languages, libraries, and frameworks:
Familiar with the following programming languages:
Programming. I find it amazing that this site is main from plain text crafted in a simple text editor, and then made visible to you through the orchestration of many tools and computers working together. “Code is poetry” according to WordPress, and I couldn’t agree more.
Mathematics. Mathematics is the language of our universe. It allows us to understand our surroundings, even up to calculating infinitely large or small limits that realistically should not exist. My personal favorite fields are in abstract algebra and signal processing.
Cryptography. A direct application of modern abstract algebra to the realm of computers and technology: computer science in its purest form.
Dolphins. More than just my favorite animal: seeing them brings me so much joy! I like all cetaceans, but I have a particular interest in the Tursiops (the bottlenoses), Lagenorhynchus (pacific white-sided dolphins, dusky dolphins, etc.), and Orcinus (orcas) families.
Aviation. I’ve always enjoyed planes: in my youth I had a rather large collection of model planes, and I was able to name each one and give its identification. I went on my discovery flight in Summer 2014 and got my private certification in Fall 2015. After much additional schooling, I received my instrument rating February 2018.
Amateur Radio. I went on the air as KG5LYE for the first time as a technician class operator in March 2016 and got my general class later that year. I achieved my Amateur Extra class license in November 2018. I enjoy tinkering with antennas and offering support when other communications fail.
Languages. I am familiar with a few useful and some not-so-useful languages. Each language is different in how it communicates ideas, but there are a lot of similarities. By looking at other languages, I hope to increase my ability to communicate effectively and to contemplate how people form and process ideas.
Codes and Alphabets. In elementary school, I enjoyed “cracking” the fictional codes and alphabets in books like Artemis Fowl, The Hobbit, The Lord of the Rings, etc. and learning new ones from Omniglot. I still enjoy this today.
Calligraphy and Fountain Pens. I like to have neat handwriting. Words alone can have a profound impact, but the way in which those words are written can convey a subtle yet deeper impact. At the same time, writing with a fountain pen has a different feel.
Mechanical Keyboards. I spend a lot of time with my hands on a keyboard for my job and other computer-related hobbies. Having a custom mechanical keyboard at my fingertips adds a little bit of extra satisfaction to the way the keys feel (and sound) when I type.
St. Mary’s Catholic Center — Liturgical ministries: Sacristan, server, extraordinary minister of Holy Communion, lector, usher. Apologetics (faith education) team member.
Brazos Valley Schola Cantorum — Latin Gregorian chant choir for traditional Latin Masses and Masses for special occasions.
Bryan Amateur Radio Club — Secretary (2017–present), net control operator, Web committee member. ARRL Volunteer Examiner. Brazos County (N5BRZ) ARES.
Aggieland Humane Society — Animal care and enrichment, primarily with dogs and cats. Help with adoption events: an extra set of hands where needed.