Backend-Focused CS Student · Java/Spring Boot Developer
B.S. Cybersecurity & Computer Science @ UNG Dahlonega · Minoring in FinTech
"With great power comes great responsibility." – Ben Parker
- Building CentDash – Migrating personal finance API from CSV to database-backed architecture with JPA inheritance
- Developing Spring Boot REST APIs with clean architecture and comprehensive testing
- Building a new rewards and progression system for Code Ninjas students, starting with my dojo and planning expansion internationally
- Assisting Code Ninjas Corporate by co-designing the new Unreal Engine learning pathway from scratch
- Applying for Summer 2026 backend engineering internships at fintech and enterprise companies
- Deepening expertise in Java/Spring Boot for scalable, secure backend systems
Languages:
Frameworks & Tools:
* I am currently developing a new rewards and progression system for Code Ninjas students. It is being built first for the dojo where I work as a Sensei, with a long-term goal of expanding it internationally.
* For Code Ninjas Corporate, I am also co-designing the new Unreal Engine pathway from the ground up, working closely with one other team member.
| Project | Description | Tech Stack | Lines of Code |
|---|---|---|---|
| Code Ninjas Bux | Full reward and progression system for Code Ninjas students with live leaderboards, achievements, admin dashboards, and real-time updates. Built for dojo rollout first with plans for global expansion. | Java, Spring Boot, React 19, WebSockets, PostgreSQL | In active development |
| CentDash | Personal finance API with JPA inheritance, aggregation endpoints, and CSV to database migration | Java, Spring Boot, Spring Data JPA, H2 | 475 |
| InventoryAPI | REST API featuring CRUD, stock management, search filtering, validation, and integration tests | Java 21, Spring Boot 3.5.6, H2, JUnit | 412 |
| Task Manager API | Task management API with soft delete and recovery, complex filtering, and custom query composition | Java 21, Spring Boot 3.5.6, Spring Data JPA | 291 |
| jsmitty.com | Portfolio built with Next.js 15, React 19, and Tailwind v4 | Next.js, React, TypeScript, Tailwind | Live |
These are the tools I use daily for development.
| Project | Description | Tech Stack | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ichthys.nvim | My custom Neovim configuration optimized for Java, Go, Rust, C, and TypeScript development. Includes LSP, DAP, telescope, snippets, formatting, and full plugin ecosystem. | Lua, Neovim, LSP, DAP | Actively maintained |
- Mastering Java and Spring Boot for enterprise-grade backend development
- Returning to C programming to understand the computer ecosystem at a low level
- How memory actually works
- How the CPU interacts with RAM
- What pointers, stacks, heaps, and compilation really do
- Strengthening fundamentals in operating systems, memory models, and CPU architecture
- Learning both the high-level and low-level perspectives to become a stronger backend engineer
- Continuing deep work on JPA design, inheritance strategies, and ORM performance
- Actively applying for Summer 2026 internships in backend engineering and fintech
📦 Archived Projects (Click to Expand)
- Workout Tracker API – Three-level entity relationships (Sessions → Exercises → Sets) practicing JPA cascade operations
- CentLedger API – First Spring Boot project with CSV persistence and ledger tracking
- GoatRewards.com – Twitch leaderboard platform combining multiple APIs, with automated raffles and real-time updates
- RainbetVIP.com – Promotional website with Telegram bot automation
- Washington Archives – Historical research site with 52 sources and over 10,000 words
- Portfolio – The website you are viewing (Next.js 15, React 19, Tailwind v4)
📊 GitHub Stats (Click to Expand)
Code Ninjas Corporate – Content Team Member (2025–Present)
- Collaborate with teams across the USA and Canada
- Translate Unity C# curriculum into Godot GDScript for multi-platform educational games
- Perform QA on curriculum updates
- Contribute to curriculum development using Git workflows
- Co-design the new Unreal Engine learning pathway from the ground up
Code Ninjas – Sensei (2025–Present)
- Teach JavaScript fundamentals and programming logic to students aged 7–14
- Debug C# projects for advanced Black Belt students
- Lead project-based learning sessions
- Mentor students in computational thinking
- Building a dojo-wide reward and progression system for students
Tennis Warehouse – Lead Stringer & Checker (2023–2025)
- Led QA for racquet stringing operations
- Managed training programs for new staff
- Improved efficiency and accuracy in a high-volume environment
University of North Georgia – Dahlonega
Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity & Computer Science
Minor in FinTech
Expected Graduation: May 2028
GPA: 3.53
Relevant Coursework: CS II (Java), Applied Cybersecurity, Script Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms
- Email: jacobsmith@jsmitty.com
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jacobsmxth
- Portfolio: https://jsmitty.com
- Location: Atlanta, Georgia area
Backend-Focused · Security-Minded · Building Real Solutions · Internship Ready