About

Thanks for stopping by. Read below to learn more about myself and my background.

Sam Watts

Background

I'm an aspiring web developer based in Halifax, NS, transitioning from a fast-paced career in hospitality. I'm looking forward to moving into a new industry where my creativity and people skills transfer. Beyond programming, I spend my time playing hockey, golfing in the summer, and diving into video games. One day, I’d love to develop my own game—combining my passion for tech and creativity. Check out my Projects tab or my GitHub to see what I’ve been working on!

Education

NSCC, Halifax NS – IT Web Programming (2023 - 2025)

  • Focused on web and simple full-stack development, databases, and UI/UX design.
  • Developed applications using React, Laravel, MongoDB, SQL, as well as basic static HTML
  • Used tools such as Jira and Trello for project management, collaborative tools such as Github

NSCC, Kentville NS – Academic Career Connections (2015 - 2016)

  • Completed courses that I opted out of in High School such as College Mathematics I and Physics I

Acadia University, Wolfville NS – Environmental Sustainability Studies (2014 - 2015)

Skills

Technical Skills
  • Programming Languages: JavaScript, PHP, HTML, CSS, C#, Python, SQL
  • Frameworks & Tools: React, Laravel, Vite, Git/GitHub, Node.js, .NET, MongoDB
  • Development Practices: API development, authentication, database design, Agile methodologies

Soft Skills
  • Leadership & Teamwork: Led teams in high-pressure environments, training and mentoring staff.
  • Problem-Solving: Experience debugging applications, troubleshooting databases, and optimizing workflows.
  • Adaptability: Transitioned from restaurant management to web development, embracing new challenges.
  • Communication: Strong ability to teach and explain concepts, and collaborate in team projects.

Projects

Throughout my time in NSCC’s Web Programming program, I’ve worked on various full-stack and frontend projects, honing my skills in web development, database management, and UI/UX design.


Full-Stack & Web Development
  • Workout Roulette App – A fitness app that generates random workouts, featuring user accounts, an XP system, and a spinning wheel animation.
  • Fairway Finder – A golf course mapping app using Leaflet.js, MongoDB Atlas, and Node.js to help users explore golf courses.
  • Timesheet Portal – A React & Vite-based timesheet tracking system for NSCC’s payroll department, managing biweekly payroll cycles.
Backend & Database Development
  • Car Maintenance Tracker – A MongoDB-based project for tracking vehicle maintenance records with an ERD and mock data.
  • Express.js API with People.json – REST API with GET, POST, PUT, DELETE endpoints, using UUID, Joi validation, and middleware.
  • PHP & MySQL City Database – CRUD-based app interacting with the ‘world’ database, featuring authentication and validation.
Frontend & UI/UX Projects
  • Astro Portfolio Website – A personal developer portfolio built using Astro.js to showcase projects and experience.
  • NSCC Homepage Clone – A PHP & Tailwind CSS project replicating the NSCC homepage using an MVC structure.
Software Development & Programming
  • Shape Area Calculator – A PHP OOP project using inheritance, implementing Circle, Rectangle, and Triangle classes.
  • Toonie Flip (React Component) – A JSX & React project creating a `Toonie` function component that randomly displays a coin side.
  • JavaScript Date & Time Display – A React component displaying the current date and time in a readable format.
Security & DevOps
  • OWASP Juice Shop Challenges – Web app security challenges using Requestly for security testing.
  • Cloud Migration Strategy – A group project outlining a migration strategy for a mid-sized company transitioning to the cloud.
Project Management & Research
  • Employee Onboarding Portal – Created a Work Breakdown Structure (WBS) and project charter for an onboarding portal.
  • Stakeholder Analysis for Shopify – Research project identifying key stakeholders and their roles in Shopify’s business model.
  • Agile vs. Waterfall Research Paper – A comparative analysis of Agile and Waterfall methodologies in IT project management.
Hackathons & Competitions
  • NSCC Hackathon – Designed and built a Timesheet Portal for NSCC’s payroll department in a 24-hour challenge.
  • NSCC Challenge NS – Collaborated with peers to design a system change for retaining skilled labor in the province.
Future Goals
  • Interested in game development and hopes to create a game one day.