Hello, I'm Alex Kio

Web Developer
Based In Florida

About Me

I am a compassionate and forward-thinking software engineer, driven by a passion for problem-solving. Whether backpacking across mountain ranges or navigating the dynamic landscape of software engineering, I consistently embrace opportunities for growth and learning.

Having graduated from the University of Florida in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science, I transitioned into a career as a software developer by completing the certificate program in Front-End Engineering at the Turing School of Software and Design. Proficient in Test-Driven Development, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, and React, I am committed to delivering well-tested, responsive, and accessible web experiences.

In my current role as a Developer at Rightpoint, I have played a pivotal role in diverse projects, including the Iron Mountain website redesign and the development of the Ogletree Deakins client portal. My expertise spans Next.js, Storybook, Radix, Framer Motion, Contentful, React Hook Form with Yup, React Query, and more, reflecting a commitment to staying at the forefront of cutting-edge technologies.

What I find most exhilarating about software engineering is the infinite array and variety of challenges that present themselves. I thrive on breaking down complex problems into manageable components and chipping away until a solution emerges. Currently I'm pursuing a certification with Contentful and expanding my skills in React Native, Ruby, and Go. I am excited about the endless possibilities that lie ahead in this ever-evolving field. Let's connect and explore how we can create impactful and innovative solutions together.

Work & Education

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January 2022 - Present

Rightpoint

Software Developer

June 2023 - Present

Iron Mountain website redesign. We're creating a large component library using Next.js, Storybook, and Framer Motion. This library will be consumed by an instance of Sitecore Experience Manager and deployed across sixty international websites, some of which feature right-to-left orientation.

January 2023 - June 2023

Ogletree Deakins' secure client portal. A Next.js application utilizing Contentful CMS, NextAuth, RTL & Jest, Sass, React Hook Form with Yup, React Table (Tanstack), React Query w/ Axios, & Radix UI components to deliver a secure front door to the firm's valuable client-facing tools and content.

February 2022 - December 2022

Talent support role on Unqork's Design Services team. Unqork is a "no-code" application development solution used by the likes of Goldman Sachs, Liberty Mutual, and the Cities of New York, Chicago and Washington DC.

December 2017 - March 2021

University of Florida

Manager of Operations

I was responsible for overseeing the daily operations of several National Institutes of Health (NIH) programs, which included assisting in process development and refinement, creating SOPs and procedure manuals, training employees, conducting quality-control audits, handling client services, and inventory management.

June 2016 - November 2017

Rocky Mountain Labs

Laboratory Support Specialist

My responsibilities encompassed the comprehensive design of a startup clinical pathology clinic, involving the creation of a networked office suite that interfaced clinical equipment with a Laboratory Information System. Additionally, I developed a secure and responsive company website, deployed a locally-hosted PBX system, and customized Vtiger Customer Relationship Management (CRM) software to facilitate inventory management, scheduling, invoicing, and marketing. I also designed courier service routes and procedure manuals for streamlined operational efficiency.

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March 2021 - October 2021

Turing School of Software & Design

Certificate in Front-End Software Engineering

Turing is the sole accredited web development bootcamp in the U.S., offering intensive seven-month-long software development programs. Their Front-End program focuses on communication, collaboration, technical proficiency, and workflow best practices, incorporating user stories, wireframing, issue management, continuous integration/continuous deployment (CI/CD), test-driven development (TDD), and code review. The tech stack for the Front-End program includes HTML, CSS, JavaScript, TypeScript, React, and Cypress.

January 2007 - May 2009

University of Florida

Bachelor's Degree

I graduated from the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science and a minor in African Studies. During my academic tenure, I was an active member of our award-winning Model United Nations team and served as a board member for the Beta Gamma Chapter of Pi Sigma Alpha, the National Political Science Honor Society.

February 2024

Contentful

Contentful Certified Professional

Credential ID 294974176
Expires February 2026

Philosophy background

Development Philosophy

I am passionate about creating engaging and accessible software that is scalable, performant, and robust.

Collaborative

I firmly believe that the cornerstone of any project's success lies in the art of effective communication and collaboration. I show up to every Agile ceremony prepared and engaged, am readily available to my team, and I consistently advocate for both the client and my peers.

Accessible

Companies that prioritize accessibility demonstrate social responsibility and inclusivity. Using semantic HTML, incorporating ARIA roles and attributes where applicable, providing focus states, and ensuring ample color contrast are some of the ways that I ensure my applications are accessible to all users.

Scalable

Writing modular code ensures that a codebase remains maintainable, adaptable, and efficient as a project grows. Employing a component-based architecture and upholding principles such as "Don't Repeat Yourself" (DRY) and the Single Responsibility Principle are key strategies I employ to achieve this goal.

Performant

Optimized code directly impacts the user experience and search engine visibility leading to increased conversion rates. Minimizing HTTP requests, incorporating SSR, SSG, and ISR when applicable, leveraging SWR, optimizing assets, writing efficient CSS, code splitting and minification all contribute to these positive outcomes.

Tested

Tests provide confidence in code correctness, save time and costs, contribute to project scalability, and serve as living documentation. Additionally, they play a crucial role in preventing regressions and assuring a positive user experience.

Responsive

Responsive design anticipates and accommodates the diversity of devices, future-proofing websites and applications. This ensures a consistent and positive user experience across various devices and screen sizes.

We have worked on group projects together, where his strengths that stood out were empathy, hard work, reliability, explaining, and problem-solving. Alex is a bright, creative, detail-oriented person, for whom I have great respect when it comes to both personality and technical skills. Any workplace would be lucky to have him on their team.

Hayley WitherellHayley WitherellSoftware Engineer, IDBS

Get In Touch

me@alexkio.com

I'm happy to connect, listen and help. Let's work together and build something awesome. Email Me.