Hi, I'm
John Shields.
Hi, I'm
I’m a Software Engineer with a background in backend development, cloud systems, and real-time applications,
along with a passion for interactive media and game development. My foundational skills stem from an
M.Sc. in Serious Games & Virtual Reality and a B.Sc. (Honours) in Software Development.
I’ve built backend services, automation tools, and internal systems in Agile teams using C#, .NET, Python,
FastAPI, TypeScript, React, AWS, Docker, and Azure DevOps. My work spans full-stack development, CI/CD,
cloud deployments, and performance tuning. I’m especially drawn to how creative applications are powered by
robust backend architecture.
Beyond coding, I’ve crafted interactive experiences in Unity, Unreal, and WebGL,
often blending AI and real-time systems. I also explore visual storytelling through video editing and music
production.
And when I need to cool off... I go surfing!
Some technologies and tools I work with!
A collection of my development and creative projects from university and personal interests.
A stylised survival game set on a distant alien planet. Built in Unity with exploration, dynamic controls, progression, scavenging, combat, enemy AI, and a cloud save system. Currently, in development with a prototype in place.
A backend API for a mock rental service, built with Node.js and Supabase to simulate real-world workflows. Implements RESTful routes for gear management with PostgreSQL integration, structured using MVC patterns and tested with Postman.
A full-stack journalling app with React and FastAPI—built as a CMS-style editor with editable content blocks, RESTful endpoints, and dynamic frontend rendering. Includes unit tests, Postman collections, and robust backend validation.
A C#/.NET issue-tracking API using PostgreSQL as the backend database. Features Dapper ORM integration for efficient SQL queries, full CRUD functionality, and LINQ-powered filter endpoints and tested via xUnit.
A bee-themed space hub exploration and action platformer created for my M.Sc. dissertation, exploring AI companionship in Serious Games. Built in Unity with real-time AI dialogue via a Python–Flask chatbot, deployed to WebGL and AWS EC2.
A CRUD web app for automobile technicians to manage service reports, developed for my B.Sc. dissertation. Built with a Go microservices backend and Angular frontend, deployed on AWS with secure authentication.
A distributed banking system built with Java and Kafka to process transactions and detect suspicious activity. Implements multiple microservices for validation, notifications, account management, and reporting.
A Flask web service that uses a trained machine learning model to predict wind turbine power output from wind speed data. Includes a Jupyter-trained model, REST API for predictions, and Docker containerisation for deployment.