Phoenix Ocean Richards

Security Analyst | Automation Engineer
Security-Focused Software Developer

I build practical tools and solve real problems. My focus is on Automation, Web Development, Security, and Linux-based systems, with an emphasis on understanding how things work under the hood. I enjoy breaking down complex systems, identifying weaknesses, and building simple, effective solutions.

work experience personal projects contact me

about

I’m Phoenix, a developer and security enthusiast driven by a lifelong obsession with how systems work—and more importantly, how they break. From assembling my first PC at age 12 to later teaching myself to rebuild engines and transmissions, I’ve spent my life deconstructing complex machines to understand their inner logic.

My technical journey spans over eight years of hands-on experience with Linux, Networking, and Programming. While my professional background is diverse, my focus has remained constant: solving problems through code and curiosity. Whether I'm developing custom automation tools, building websites from scratch, or hardening systems, I thrive at the intersection of hardware and software. I am now dedicated to applying this mechanical mindset and technical foundation to a full-time career in cybersecurity and software engineering.

work experience

Full-Stack Web Developer

Confidential · Remote · 2023
  • Strengthened website security by enforcing HTTPS, implementing input validation and developing custom anti-bot protections for the Gmail API form.
  • Implemented SEO strategies that significantly boosted Google search rankings, increasing visibility and user traffic.
  • Lowered hosting and upkeep costs by 75% by optimizing computing resources and selecting more cost-effective service providers, directly improving company profitability.
  • Improved website load time by over 100% through optimized code.
  • Improved website accessibility and UX, making sites readable, navigable, and fully usable across all devices for all users, including those with disabilities.
Python Django JavaScript HTML5 & CSS GitHub Heroku Gunicorn Security SEO

Python Automation Developer | Healthcare Data Migration

Confidential · Remote · 2025
  • Engineered a custom end-to-end data migration pipeline in Python to transfer sensitive patient health information (PHI) between two incompatible systems.
  • Architected an automated web-based data extraction system using Selenium to retrieve data from a platform lacking API support or export functionality.
  • Implemented robust data normalization and validation scripts to transform unstructured source data into a standardized format, ensuring 100% data integrity across 1000's of records.
  • Automated the upload process, simulating manual entry at scale to overcome system limitations while maintaining strict adherence to HIPAA.
  • Reduced migration timeline significantly compared to manual entry projections, eliminating human error and ensuring a seamless transition for clinical staff.
Python Automation Data Integrity HIPAA Data Normalization ETL Selenium

Certificates

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Google Cybersecurity
Professional Certificate

Issuer: Google | Completed: 2025

Gained foundational knowledge in network security, cryptography, risk management, and incident response.

Verify Certificate
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CompTIA Security+
IN PROGRESS

Expected Completion 2026

CompTIA Security+ validates technical proficiency in securing hybrid networks, managing identities, and implementing proactive threat mitigation.

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CompTIA PenTest+
IN PROGRESS

Expected Completion 2026

CompTIA PenTest+ validates technical proficiency in vulnerability management and offensive security through hands-on penetration testing and risk assessment.

skills

Programming & Automation

  • JavaScript (DOM manipulation, Canvas)
  • Python (scripting, automation)
  • Django (backend development)
  • Selenium (browser automation)
  • API & data handling (JSON, HTTP)

Systems & Linux

  • Linux fundamentals (CLI, permissions)
  • Bash scripting
  • Virtualization (VirtualBox / VMware)
  • Lab environment setup
  • Basic system hardening

Networking & Web

  • Networking fundamentals (TCP/IP, DNS)
  • HTTP / HTTPS
  • Client–server architecture
  • Web application structure
  • Common attack surfaces

Security Mindset

  • Web security concepts
  • Operational Security (OPSEC)
  • Threat awareness & risk reduction
  • Ethical hacking principles
  • Responsible disclosure awareness

personal projects

Wiki project interface preview

Self-Hosted Wiki Platform

A lightweight, self-hosted wiki designed for organizing technical notes, documentation, and research. Built with a focus on simplicity, extensibility, and full control over data.

Python Security Automation
GitHub
Wiki project interface preview

Google Frontend Clone

A frontend recreation of the Google search interface completed as part of Harvard’s CS50 course. Built with HTML5 and CSS3, emphasizing layout accuracy, responsive design, and modern CSS practices.

HTML5 CSS3 UI
GitHub Live Demo
Wiki project interface preview

AutoBotLobby — Screen-State UI Automation

A Python-based automation tool utilizing computer vision for real-time screen-state detection and event-driven workflows without direct memory or network access.

Python Automation Computer Vision
GitHub
Wiki project interface preview

Nike Purchase Automation

A Python automation script designed to monitor product availability and automatically complete the checkout process on Nike’s website as quickly as possible.

Python Human-emulation Automation
Wiki project interface preview

Chess Game with GUI (Python)

A full recreation of the game of chess built in Python, focusing on game logic, algorithms, state management, and rule enforcement.

Python GUI Algorithms
Wiki project interface preview

Coin Flip Simulator | Python, Pygame

Developed an interactive coin-flip simulation. Features robust input validation and real-time bankroll management. Tracks user statistics, including win/loss ratios and dynamic balance updates.

Python GUI Input Validation
GitHub
Wiki project interface preview

Email App for CS50

Developed a full-stack email client featuring a responsive interface for drafting, replying to, and archiving messages via an API.

Python Django Authentication SQL JavaScript
GitHub

contact

Want to get in touch? Send me a message below.