Aim
Hi there,
"Aim at nothing, and you'll hit it every time" — Zig Ziglar
I'm a detail-oriented IT professional with a passion for hands-on problem solving. I approach technical challenges with creative thinking, whether I'm optimizing system performance, troubleshooting hardware issues, or exploring cutting-edge solutions to everyday problems. Outside the tech world, I cultivate patience through gardening and foraging for rare flora in unexpected places, while mountain biking keeps me sharp (just a cool excuse to touch grass).
George Mason University
B.S. Information Technology
(Expected 2028)
6+ Years Experience
Technical troubleshooting & team management
Linux Enthusiast
Since age 13
Skills & Expertise
Hardware & Software
PC building, laptop repair, component troubleshooting, performance optimization, diagnostics
Operating Systems
Windows optimization, Linux distributions, Virtual machines
Professional Experience
Team management, inventory control, technical support, process improvement
Emerging Tech
Homelab setup, NAS configuration, server management, 3D printing
Experience Timeline
Assistant Store Manager
NTB/Mavis Tires
Directed daily operations for automotive service center, managing team of 8+ technicians. Implemented systematic improvements reducing turnaround time by 15% through shop management software optimization.
Data Annotation Contractor
Remote Platforms
Complete data labeling tasks for machine learning and AI training projects. Execute precise annotation work across multiple platforms while maintaining high quality standards.
Technical Projects
Pi-hole Network Security
Deployed DNS-level ad blocking using Raspberry Pi 3B+ with Unbound recursive DNS resolver. Integrated with WireGuard VPN for complete network privacy protection.
Key Achievements:
- Blocked 40,000+ DNS queries daily with 15% block rate
- Zero-logging privacy configuration
- VPN integration for remote protection
- Custom blocklist optimization
Enterprise SAS NAS Build
Built cost-effective TrueNAS server with 10x enterprise SAS drives and LSI controller. Achieved 5.46TB RAID-Z2 storage with Immich self-hosted photo backup, replacing Google Photos.
Key Achievements:
- Built $270 NAS with enterprise-grade reliability (vs $800+ prebuilt)
- 5.46TB usable storage with dual-drive failure protection
- Self-hosted Immich replacing Google Photos subscription
- Automated SMART monitoring and monthly scrubs
GrapheneOS Migration
Complete privacy-focused mobile OS migration from carrier-locked failure to successful GrapheneOS deployment. Documented bootloader unlock verification, damaged device acquisition strategy, and dual-device privacy architecture.
Key Achievements:
- Bypassed carrier bootloader restrictions through systematic verification
- 50% cost reduction via cosmetically damaged device acquisition
- Implemented dual-device privacy architecture for risk isolation
- Documented complete migration guide with troubleshooting protocols
Router Optimization & Hardening
Comprehensive TP-Link router optimization for performance and privacy. Systematic configuration of DNS, wireless settings, ALG management, and security hardening with documented methodology.
Optimization Results:
- Privacy-focused DNS configuration with custom servers
- Wireless performance optimization (Airtime Fairness, Beamforming)
- Disabled unnecessary ALG settings for cleaner NAT traversal
- Comprehensive security hardening with cloud service isolation
Technical Documentation
Explore the Knowledge Garden
A comprehensive collection of technical documentation, project guides, and system configurations. Over 70+ curated notes covering homelab implementations, privacy configurations, and infrastructure optimizations.
Homelab Projects
Detailed guides on Pi-hole, TrueNAS, and enterprise storage configurations
Privacy & Security
GrapheneOS migration, router hardening, and network optimization documentation
Programming & Systems
Python fundamentals, C programming, and computer science concepts
Interactive visualization with 6 featured projects • Live documentation • Updated today
Want to Chat?
Email: amasud.tech@gmail.com
Phone: 571-866-3024