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Tamara Dowis Resume
Tamara Dowis
Backend Software Engineer tamara.dowis@gmail.com |
LinkedIn |
GitHub
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About
I’m the kind of person who carries logic puzzles in my bag and gets
excited when something breaks, because it means I get to fix it. Before I
started coding, I worked around the world in roles that taught me to
listen closely, adapt quickly, and think in systems. I managed finance at
Merrill Lynch, supported leprosy-affected communities in India, and taught
science in Mexico and China. Now I build backend systems in Python,
TypeScript, and Ruby, contribute to civic tech projects, and create APIs
and pipelines that turn messy data into clean, usable formats. I’m
currently growing my cloud and DevOps skills while preparing for the AWS
Developer Associate exam.
Technical Skills
Languages: Python, TypeScript, JavaScript, Ruby, SQL
Frameworks: Node.js, Express, Ruby on Rails
Tools: GitHub Actions, Redis, Docker (basic), Postman,
Swagger
Testing: Jest, RSpec, Capybara, SimpleCov
Database: PostgreSQL, Knex, Objection.js, Active Record
Other: REST APIs, CI/CD, OOP, Agile Tools (Jira,
Confluence)
Highlighted Projects
SciScope
Node.js | Express | PostgreSQL | Redis | JWT | Caching | Jest |
CI/CD
Built modular API with external news integration and layered caching.
Designed PostgreSQL schema and wrote advanced queries for pagination and
analytics.
Automated testing and deployments using GitHub Actions and Jest.
Adventure Life REST API
Node.js | TypeScript | Express | PostgreSQL | Knex | Objection.js |
Swagger
Modeled complex data with Objection.js and PostgreSQL.
Built clean async workflows and documented endpoints with Swagger.
Wrote full test suite with Jest to support long-term maintainability.
Artisan Marketplace
Ruby on Rails | PostgreSQL | RSpec | Capybara
Built admin and artisan flows using namespaced routes and modular
services.
Added secure login, business logic for discounts, and thorough test
coverage.
Experience
Software Engineer – Windy Civi
Chi Hack Night · Remote · Jul 2023 – Present
Build and maintain data pipelines to make legislative data more
accessible.
Script workflows to process and version scraped data in blockchain-style
folders.
Standardize ETL pipelines and automate validation for multiple
jurisdictions.
Maintain GitHub repos with CI/CD and submodules.
Work remotely with civic technologists and meet monthly in person.
Proficient in agile project coordination across multidisciplinary teams.
Science Educator
International & U.S. Schools · Jul 2016 – Present
Communicate complex ideas to diverse audiences and learning styles.
Use data to refine instruction and support student growth.
Learn and teach new tools to improve educational outcomes.
Education & Certifications
AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner , Amazon Web Services —
Jul 2025
Back End Engineering Certificate , Turing School — Jun
2022
B.S. Biology Education , Kennesaw State University — May
2015
Project Links