Brian Brod
Full-Stack Developer specializing in backend development, system optimization, and secure scalable applications.
About Me
I'm Brian Brod, a Full-Stack Software Engineer with a strong focus on backend development, system optimization, and building secure, scalable applications. With experience in technologies like Java, Spring Boot, MySQL, and React, I've contributed to impactful software solutions in healthcare and nonprofit sectors. I hold a degree in Kinesiology from UIC and a Full-Stack Java Developer certification from Per Scholas.
Beyond coding, I actively volunteer through ASEZ WAO, leading environmental clean-up efforts and community service events. I'm passionate about using technology to solve real-world problems, collaborate effectively in teams, and keep learning every day.
Projects
NCA WMSCOG Website
A modern, responsive WordPress site for a church organization, designed with structured navigation, event integration, and media resources.
Stack: PHP, WordPress, HTML, CSS
Visit SiteActivedo Productivity App
A full-stack time and task tracking platform built using Spring Boot and MySQL, featuring authentication, session management, and deployment via Docker on DigitalOcean.
Stack: Spring Boot, MySQL, JSP, Docker
Visit SiteEndorsements
“I would like to use this channel to recognize Brian for his quality level of effort, tenacity, and perseverance by doing a break fix on one of our APIs related to latency in a short period of time and in the process also resolving one of the toughest code vulnerabilities we have had so far in the same section of the code. He replaced a problematic library with native Java code, eliminating the issue entirely, all while pulling a 12-hour workday. I am really fortunate to work with such a smart, hard-working, and tenacious team member with a great attitude who makes our entire team more successful. Thank you Brian!”
“Brian, this recognition is to acknowledge your continued excellence in developing transformative services for our TDSaaS team. In such a short period of time, you ensured that our code not only meets service requirements, but also offers enduring quality by proactively eliminating vulnerabilities in the open-source ecosystem. Your professionalism and work ethic are exceptional. Thank you for all your support.”
“The rollout of our Self-Service Data Minimization solution on the Health Care Platform Console is a monumental achievement. Brian, along with the team, delivered an innovative, no-code approach to file layout adaptation that significantly enhances customer efficiency and control. Your collaboration, knowledge sharing, and dedication were instrumental in making this a success. Thank you for going the extra mile without compromising quality.”
Skills & Technologies
My Journey
Associate Software Engineer
Optum
- Led technical reviews and created manuals for devs and users.
- Mentored interns and gave live code demos to stakeholders.
- Optimized backend systems with Spring Boot and modernized React UI.
- Remediated 100+ security vulnerabilities using CodeQL.
- Built internal tools to replace costly third-party apps.
Full-Stack Java Developer Certification
Per Scholas
- Completed an intensive full-stack Java bootcamp.
- Built a Student-Course App using Spring Boot and JSP.
- Practiced Agile and Scrum in collaborative projects.
B.S. in Kinesiology
UIC – University of Illinois at Chicago
- Graduated Cum Laude with Honors College distinction.
- President of UIC EBS Club (2018–2021).
Certifications & Awards
Full-Stack Java Developer Certification
Per Scholas · June 2021
Completed an intensive bootcamp focused on backend and frontend development using Java, Spring Boot, and web technologies. Practiced Agile methodologies and collaborated in team projects.
Graduated Cum Laude with Honors College Distinction
University of Illinois at Chicago · May 2021
Recognized for high academic achievement, achieving a GPA of 4.0 across multiple semesters.
Volunteer Work / Community Impact
ASEZ WAO Volunteer Leader
Organized and led multiple environmental clean-up events as part of ASEZ WAO — a global young adult worker volunteer group. Coordinated efforts such as invasive species removal, riverbank cleanups, and city beautification in partnership with local officials. These initiatives not only improved local ecosystems but also fostered community engagement and awareness about environmental issues.
We Love U Foundation Contributor
Contributed to We Love U Foundation initiatives focused on global welfare and environmental protection. Participated in awareness campaigns, donation drives, and park revitalization projects that positively impacted underserved communities.
Church of God Developer Team Member
Volunteer member of the Church of God’s developer team. Contributed to the design and development of the regional website, which is listed in the project section. Focused on front-end integration, responsive layouts, and WordPress implementation.