# Kelsi Flatland > Software Engineer · Astronomy Nerd · Climate-Concerned Human Location: San Mateo, California, United States Profile: https://flows.cv/kelsi I am a former astronomer and educator turned software engineer with the ultimate career goal of tackling climate solutions. As a backend software engineer, I advocate for clean, well-documented code, thrive in a collaborative engineering environment, and prioritize a focus on equity and accessibility within my company. I am actively looking for an individual contributor role where I can apply my creative problem-solving abilities to interesting data puzzles with an eye for code maintainability. Let's work together! ## Work Experience ### Software Engineer @ Alembic Technologies Jan 2026 – Present ### Senior Backend Software Engineer @ Lumen Learning Jan 2021 – Jan 2024 - Designed and built a new data pipeline and service (Rails, PostgreSQL with partitioning, AWS SNS/SQS) during the move from monolith to microservices architecture, focusing on scalability of the extracted features; led data service migration and ensured data integrity with no downtime; established the data access API, supporting existing data dashboards for the revised data structures - Built the Rails backend for a new courseware platform, exceeding MVP deadlines and features; collaborated with frontend engineers (TypeScript, React) to deliver necessary data and optimize the API; performed code reviews across the full stack - Maintained, documented, and extended internal APIs using Rails, Swagger, and Postman - Tackled tech debt and fixed bugs across 8+ repositories; owned dependency updates/maintenance of the core Rails app - Culture impact: advocated for and helped organize engineering professional development and peer mentoring rotations; actively participated in equity book clubs and discussions; promoted and extended engineering process documentation and knowledge sharing ### Software Engineering Intern @ Lumen Learning Jan 2021 – Jan 2021 Fixed fullstack bugs, primarily in a Java-based web app (Hibernate, Spring Boot, etc.); investigated associations between Java/Hibernate entities. ### Physics and Astronomy Teacher @ Oakwood School (Morgan Hill, CA) Jan 2018 – Jan 2020 - High School Physics & Astronomy teacher: 9th grade Conceptual Physics, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Physics C: Electricity & Magnetism, and Astronomy. - Re-designed, developed, and delivered content for all physics and astronomy courses in the high school with a focus on an inclusive, accessible, and engaging classroom - Advisor to the Astronomy club and the Amateur Radio & Technology club. - 9th grade advisor. ### Physics Teacher @ Pacific Ridge School Jan 2016 – Jan 2018 - 8th grade Conceptual Physics and high school Honors Physics teacher. - Astronomy club advisor. - Middle school robotics coach (First Lego League). - Head Start service learning instructor (2017-18). - Conservation service learning instructor (2016-17). ### Astronomy Research Assistant @ SDSU Research Foundation Jan 2014 – Jan 2016 - As lead observer at Mount Laguna Observatory, participated in astronomy research regarding type II supernovae. - Performed optical image acquisition at the MLO 40-inch telescope. - Cleaned and calibrated optical image data; performed scientific image and data analysis. - Used tools such as PuTTY, WinSCP, IRAF, SAOimageDS9, IDL scripts, Python scripts, and LaTeX. ### Physics Teaching Associate @ San Diego State University Jan 2013 – Jan 2016 - Led introductory physics laboratory courses (both calculus- and trig-based). - Designed and provided a short lecture and quiz based on the concepts of each experiment. - Held regular office hours with extra tutoring sessions as needed. - Developed exam questions and iClicker questions for large lecture courses. - Coordinated credit for various assignments in said lecture courses via Blackboard.sdsu.edu. ### Astrocamp Instructor @ Guided Discoveries Jan 2013 – Jan 2013 | Astrocamp, Idyllwild, CA - Taught physical science and astronomy concepts to groups of young students in a camp environment. - Used hands-on, experiment-based classes and activities. - Classes included "Lights & Lasers", "Atmosphere & Gases", "Mars Landers", and "Rockets". - Activities included planetarium shows, telescope viewings, microgravity simulation, and ropes courses. - Worked as a technician covering setup, takedown, and safety of class equipment and ropes courses. - Obtained lifeguard and CPR/first aid certifications (now expired). ### Student Research Assistant @ Cal Poly State University Jan 2012 – Jan 2012 - Participated in astronomy research involving active galactic nuclei. - Modified a Python code to fit [OIII] emission lines in spectra of type I Seyfert galaxies. - Studied the viability of using [OIII] emission as a surrogate for stellar velocity dispersion. ### Student Research Assistant @ Cal Poly State University Jan 2011 – Jan 2011 | Laboratori Nazionali del Gran Sasso, Italy - Worked with the CUORE collaboration at Gran Sasso National Lab. - Created a draft of a manual for an integral process in the experiment. - Cleaned equipment in the clean room and aided in the lab in various other ways. ### Student Research Assistant @ Cal Poly State University Jan 2009 – Jan 2009 - Learned the use of a telescope and CCD camera to measure the period of RR Lyrae variable stars. - Cross-referenced online catalogs for information on the sources during poor weather. ### Tutor @ Epiphany Educational Services Jan 2007 – Jan 2008 | Foster City, CA Encouraged young students in their studies, reinforcing math and science concepts. ## Education ### Software for Climate Fellowship Terra.do ### Software Engineering Fellowship in Computer Software Engineering Hackbright Academy ### Master of Science (MS) in Astronomy San Diego State University ### Bachelor of Science (BS) in Physics California Polytechnic State University-San Luis Obispo ## Contact & Social - LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/flatland - Website: https://github.com/vega28 --- Source: https://flows.cv/kelsi JSON Resume: https://flows.cv/kelsi/resume.json Last updated: 2026-04-01