I am Simon Liles, a software developer, sailor, Dive Master, long distance runner, and a craftsman. Generally I describe myself as a solver of problems (mostly for other people).
At the end of 2021 I completed my Bachelor’s of Science in Information Science with a concentration in Data Science, at the University of South Florida.
I first learned to program when I was 10 years old with Java. Since then I have learned almost a dozen languages including Swift, C++, Java, R, Python, SQL, PHP, JavaScript, and more.
One of my biggest achievements recently is publishing my app, QuarterMaster Yacht Inventory, to the Apple App Store. The idea for the app was brought to me by a family member as one of my first clients as a freelancer developer. The QuarterMaster app is an inventory app specially designed for cruising sailors. It can track any kind of item, and associated locations, quantities, categories, and more. The core feature of the app is its ability to share data with other devices without requiring an internet connection, making it easier to collaboratively track inventories in connectivity challenged areas.
I have also contributed to the open source R language during my studies at USF by publishing the protein8k package to the Central R Archive Network which proved to be one of the most in depth reviews of my code pushing me to the highest of standards. My R package was developed to read special files from the World Wide Protein Data Bank, turn them into R objects, and create 3D plots and various models.
I am also a blue ocean sailor, having sailed up and down the east coast of the United States since 2020. I crew aboard the Sailing Vessel EOTI, a 2000 Moody 46 Sailboat. In 2021 I became a US Coast Guard licensed 50-ton Captain.
In the summer of 2019 I took my first Open Water Diving lessons. I loved the experience of exploring the underwater world so much that I would achieve Master SCUBA Diver, the highest non professional certification, before the end of that summer. In June of 2020 I became a Professional Dive Master and look forward to exploring new and remote locations such as the Bahamas, Tonga, Palau, and the Tuamotu Archipelago.
Every day I run at least 3 miles. While I competition can be fun, I mostly run for the sake of running. One of my greatest joys is to be out running, watching the sunrise before the rest of the world wakes up.
I am also a craftsman, in high school I built a number of pieces such as stools, pens, card holders, and small toys. I did a lot of wood working with planers, joiners, and various saws. I also learned some basic MIG welding and how to work with metals. On Sailing Vessel EOTI I have also spent time building pieces of cabin sole, shelves for cabinets, installing marine electrics, and installing marine air conditioning systems.
With my variety of experiences, I can bring well rounded problem solving capabilities to any organization. I may not be a subject matter expert at any one thing, I have achieved proficiency in many. My strongest skill is bringing together disparate domains to develop creative solutions to complex problems.
Currently I am looking for my next opportunity to learn and explore. If you find yourself in need of an experienced developer, here is where you can find me:
Where to find me:
Email: simon@quantknot.com
LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/simon-liles
GitHub: github.com/SimonLiles
Instagram: simon.liles