Brenda Sanchez Personal Site

Backend Software Engineer | Building Scalable APIs and Secure Financial Systems

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Skills showcase

PROJECTS PORTFOLIO

Completed Projects

Agile Software Development and Project Management

Technologies Used: Java, Agile Scrum Framework

Developed a travel application using Agile and Scrum methodologies to deliver high-quality software through iterative sprints. Conducted sprint planning and facilitated stand-ups. This project emphasized Agile project management, collaborative development, and delivering customer-centric software solutions while adapting to evolving stakeholder requirements.

System Analysis and Design

Technologies Used: UML Diagrams, Lucidchart, Draw.io, Microsoft Office

Developed a comprehensive system design for the DriverPass project, a driving lesson scheduling and progress-tracking system. This project involved analyzing client requirements, creating system models, and producing technical documentation to guide system implementation. The work highlighted expertise in systems development, project documentation, and communication of technical concepts to nontechnical stakeholders.

Data Structures and Algorithms

Technologies Used: C++, Hash Tables, Binary Search Trees (BST), Linked Lists, Vectors, CSV Parsing

Developed a Course Management System that efficiently loads, organizes, and searches course information while managing prerequisites. The project leveraged advanced data structures like hash tables, binary search trees, and linked lists to optimize performance and scalability. This work demonstrated expertise in algorithmic design, problem-solving, and efficient data manipulation.

Secure Software Development

Technologies Used: Java, Spring Boot, SHA-256 Encryption, RESTful API, JUnit

Designed and implemented a secure SSL server application using Java and Spring Boot to ensure encrypted data transmission. Developed RESTful endpoints for secure hashing with SHA-256, ensuring data integrity and preventing tampering. Conducted vulnerability assessments, identified security risks, and applied secure coding practices to mitigate threats. This project demonstrated expertise in secure software design, encryption technologies, and adherence to industry security protocols

Software Test, Automation, and Quality Assurance

Technologies Used: Java, JUnit 5, IntelliJ IDEA, Maven

Developed comprehensive JUnit test suites to validate functionality, performance, and security across Contact, Task, and Appointment services. Implemented boundary value analysis, equivalence partitioning, and negative testing to identify edge cases and ensure software robustness. Achieved high code coverage while maintaining clean, modular, and maintainable code. This project demonstrated expertise in software testing strategies, automation practices, and quality assurance throughout the software development lifecycle.

Client/Server Development and Database Integration

Technologies Used: Python, Dash, MongoDB, Jupyter Notebook, Plotly, PyMongo

Developed the Grazioso Salvare Rescue Dashboard, a full-stack web application designed to streamline the identification of rescue dogs based on specific operational needs. This project involved building a MongoDB database, developing CRUD operations, and creating an interactive dashboard using the Dash framework for real-time data visualization.

Mobile Architect & Programming

Technologies Used: Java, Android Studio, SQLite, SensorManager API, SMS Manager

Developed SensorManagerApp, a fully functional Android application designed to leverage device sensors for real-time data monitoring. The app features user authentication, SMS notifications, and interactive sensor dashboards. This project showcased expertise in mobile development, user-centered design, and secure app deployment.

Current/Emerging Trends in Computer Science

Technologies Used: Python, Deep Q-Learning, TensorFlow/Keras, Jupyter Notebook

Developed an intelligent agent for a Pirate Treasure Hunt Game, utilizing deep Q-learning, a reinforcement learning technique. This project demonstrated advanced problem-solving, artificial intelligence algorithms, and ethical considerations in AI deployment. The project highlighted expertise in intelligent systems design, machine learning, and ethical software development.

Full Stack Web Application Development

Technologies Used: MEAN Stack (MongoDB, Express.js, Angular, Node.js), HTML5, CSS3, RESTful APIs, GitHub

Developed Travlr Getaways, a full-stack web application designed to streamline travel bookings and trip management for users and administrators. The project involved designing the system architecture, building RESTful APIs, and developing a dynamic single-page application (SPA) using the MEAN stack. This project demonstrated expertise in full-stack development, database integration, and responsive web design.

Computer Science Capstone

Technologies Used: Swift, Java, MySQL, RESTful APIs, SQL, Agile Development, Unit Testing

Developed and enhanced the Brendalis Mystery Game, a cross-platform, database-integrated application demonstrating mastery of full-stack development, data structures, and secure coding practices. This project involved porting the game from Java to Swift, integrating a MySQL backend for persistent storage, and implementing advanced algorithms to improve user experience and system efficiency.

Bank Account Management API
Goal: Developing a secure, cloud-deployed REST API for managing user bank accounts, processing deposits, withdrawals, and fund transfers.
Tech Stack: Java (Spring Boot), PostgreSQL, Docker, AWS EC2, GitHub Actions (CI/CD).

Expense Tracker Full-Stack App
Goal: Building a full-stack budgeting application to manage income, expenses, and generate dynamic financial reports.
Tech Stack: Python (Flask), React.js, PostgreSQL, Docker, AWS.

Transaction Monitoring System
Goal: Designing a backend system to detect and flag suspicious financial transactions in real time.
Tech Stack: Java (Spring Boot), PostgreSQL, Kafka (optional later), AWS.

Why Work With Me?

I’m more than a coder — I'm a backend engineer who designs secure, scalable systems that solve real-world problems.

I specialize in building robust APIs, managing cloud deployments, and ensuring data integrity across financial and enterprise applications.

My approach ensures that every project is engineered for reliability, performance, and long-term scalability — whether it's optimizing operations, improving system security, or enabling cloud-native solutions.

TESTIMONIALS

What others are saying

"Brenda would be an excellent addition to any team"

"I had the pleasure of working with Brenda on several projects and I highly recommend her. Brenda is very knowledgeable in so many areas and is also great to work with. Brenda communicates well with both her internal teams and stakeholders outside of technology.

In my time working with her, she demonstrated excellence with her development skills and also was willing to learn new technologies. She has a very diverse background in her work experience and higher education degrees achieved.

Finally, Brenda is very meticulous and is excellent regarding meeting her timelines. Brenda would be an excellent addition to any team."

- Michael Holtan

"It was a pleasure to work with her"

"Brenda is a Java Script expert. She dug into a very new and challenging environment and helped to push a big project through. It was a pleasure to work with her."

- Shonda Taliaferro

"I really enjoyed having Brenda on the team"

"Brenda was a full-stack developer on my team. As a developer and former accountant, she was critical in helping our team understand important accounting processes then turning them into requirements, then building the features to deliver back to the business.

Additionally, Brenda picked up on new languages and systems really well. She worked closely with other internal teams to expand the capabilities of a low-code application with C# and JavaScript, improved our UI, and connected internal systems to create a better user experience.

I really enjoyed having Brenda on the team. She's an amazing and growing developer will add value to any team she joins."

- Tim Woodson