Software
Developer.


Hi, I'm Alex, a doctor of astrophysics transitioning into software development.

Previously, I leveraged analytical thinking and advanced computational methods to help unravel the mysteries of the smallest galaxies.

Now, driven by a love for solving complex problems through code, I'm channelling my analytical methodologies to build software solutions that generate meaningful impact.

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About

My journey from astrophysicist to software developer began during my doctoral research at the University of Surrey, where four years of working with complex galactic simulations and large datasets trained me to approach problems systematically and think at scale.

Beyond providing a technical foundation, the academic world also taught me the value of collaborative problem-solving, how to present complex ideas clearly, and to embrace feedback as a tool for improvement rather than criticism. Overall, a mindset well-suited to agile development and team-based software engineering.

Projects like my real-time multiplayer life tracker have shown me that great software is more than just code—it's about deeply understanding user needs and designing solutions that are as intuitive as they are effective.

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Photo of Monty

When I'm not developing my software portfolio, you'll find me out running, bouldering, or struggling to contain this bundle of energy pictured here (his name is Monty and he loves taking out people's knees with big sticks!)

Projects

PhD Research

My PhD in astrophysics was a rigorous training ground in advanced problem-solving, statistical analysis, and intricate systems thinking. Over four years, I learned to decompose complex problems systematically and build robust data pipelines using Python in combination with statistical modelling methods. This experience culminated in a comprehensive Python toolkit for galaxy morphology analysis, which demonstrates my ability to architect scalable solutions and translate complex data into meaningful insights—skills that led to a first-author publication in a top-tier scientific journal.

Python Statistical Modelling Data Analysis Team Development
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bigtable (Life Track App)

A real-time multiplayer life tracking app for Magic: The Gathering, I designed bigtable to solve the frustrating problem of managing life totals across large gaming tables. Built with React Native and Node.js, the app uses WebSocket connections to instantly sync game state across up to 6 players' devices. Featuring automatic commander damage tracking, simple room codes for easy joining, and an intuitive mobile interface optimised for gameplay, this project demonstrates my ability to identify real-world problems and create full-stack solutions that enhance user experiences.

WebSocket React Native Mobile UI/UX Real-time Systems
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Interactive Portfolio

This portfolio website is a comprehensive showcase of my web development capabilities and design sensibilities. Built entirely with vanilla HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, it demonstrates my ability to create polished user experiences and bring creative concepts to life through clean, lightweight code. The site features responsive design principles, smooth animations, and intuitive navigation, all optimized for performance across different devices.

Responsive Design JavaScript HTML/CSS Frontend Development
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