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
interest.
My M.Sc. dissertation — a bee-themed space exploration platformer built in Unity with real-time AI dialogue. Integrated a Python-Flask chatbot via REST APIs and deployed to AWS with WebGL for browser-based play.
My B.Sc. Honours project — a CRUD app for automobile technicians to manage service reports. Built with a Go microservices backend, an Angular frontend, and deployed on AWS with secure authentication.
A full-stack journaling 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 stylised survival game where Kanta Fujimoto, a stranded space traveller, struggles to escape the alien planet Inari. This game is currently in development with a boilerplate prototype in place to build an atmospheric and immersive experience.
A Flask Web Service that uses Machine Learning to make predictions based on the Power Production of a Wind Turbine Data Set.
A JavaFX game where AI-driven characters use fuzzy logic and neural networks for smarter, unpredictable movement and enhanced gameplay.
A Kafka Distributed Banking System that processes card transactions and identifies suspicious transactions so that customers can be notified.
A VFX re-creation in 3ds Max of the burning spitfire scene from the film, Dunkirk (2017) directed by Christopher Nolan and VFX by DNEG.