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Daniel Skinner

Technical Skills, Experience and Interests

High School

Since a very young age I have had an interest in both Physics and Computing. During high school I passed 10 GCSE’s, 2 of which were A* in Science and a grade B in Mathematics. In my spare time I took pride in learning how to make my own computer, whilst every so often upgrading the components with the latest technology. During summer 2003, I undertook unpaid work experience for two weeks working in a computer hardware shop as a sales assistant in Wakefield.

College and University

In September 2003, I went on to study for my A levels at NEW College, (Pontefract) I chose the following options; Chemistry, Computing, Mathematics and Physics. In 2005, I left College with 4 A grades. At this point, I had developed a greater interest and an enthusiastic approach to quantum computing and astrophysics. In 2005 I decided to further my education and started a BSc in Experimental Physics at The University of York, graduating with first class honours in July 2008.

Client Portfolio

During summer 2005, I was contracted to design and set up a website for a hair salon (see www.hairbycaroline.co.uk). Since my first website contract I have developed several others ranging from my own blog to brochure sites for luxury homes.

Technical Skills and Experience

Throughout College and University I have successfully taught myself the fundamentals of web development (XHTML, CSS) and have learnt more advanced techniques such as PHP5, JavaScript (AJAX) and mySQL databases. Recently I have become very familiar with AJAX application development. I have been given the opportunity to put these to use during the last 2 years, whilst working for Web Certain, a search marketing company based in York. Working for this company has since encouraged me to further my computing skills and knowledge, as well as a new interest in web design and marketing. More recently I have been improving my software engineering and architecture skills using version control tools, unit testing and continous integration to create a more productive development environment for building web applications. I am very keen to build software using good design principles.

My experiences working at Web Certain has enabled me to work as part of a web development team and perform the jobs of both the web designer and the application/database programmer allowing me to be a link between the two sides of the team, easing the areas where design meets business logic. I have acquired the ability to use PHP and JavaScript together to create new generation Web2.0 applications in an AJAX style. Alongside this, I have built many computers and fixed many problems be they software or hardware issues for family, friends and clients/co-workers at Web Certain.

Hobbies and other Interests

If I have spare time on my hands, I like to spend it updating the general content management system (CMS) for my personal web portal whilst keeping a few Linux servers running.

I also have a keen interest in cooking; (especially Mexican and home-made curries) mixing turntables. I like sci-fi films, and comedy sitcoms such as The Simpsons, Space Ghost, and Dr Who. Futuristic images such as the designs used on this website I find very cool.