Computer Science · Cybersecurity Concentration

Brian “BJ” Saunders Jr

Computer Science student at UNC Charlotte with a cybersecurity concentration, building practical software through internship work, technical projects, and hands-on security labs. I care about understanding systems deeply, writing useful code, and keeping security in mind from the start.

Current Focus

The areas I am actively developing through internship work, independent projects, and certification study.

Shipping Full-Stack Features

Contributing to BittDesk HRMS as an Application Development Intern, working across React interfaces, API integration, workflow logic, and production-style team practices.

Building OptionScope

Developing a general-purpose options analytics platform with FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Docker, and market-data integrations to deepen my understanding of financial systems and backend architecture.

Growing Cloud Fundamentals

Preparing for the AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner exam while strengthening my understanding of cloud concepts, core services, security, pricing, and architecture.

Learning & Certifications

Cloud fundamentals and technical credentials I am actively building toward.

In Progress

AWS Certified Cloud Practitioner

Foundational • CLF-C02

Studying AWS cloud concepts, core services, security, architecture, pricing, and support to better understand how cloud-based systems are designed, deployed, and discussed in technical teams.

Learn More

Selected Projects

Projects and labs that show how I apply software development, security, and systems thinking outside the classroom.

OptionScope

FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Docker, Python, Alpaca API

Building a backend-first options analytics platform for exploring stock quotes, option expirations, option chains, and future strategy analysis.

  • Implemented market-data endpoints with validation and provider integration.
  • Structured the backend with FastAPI, PostgreSQL, Docker, and tests.
  • Designed the project as a portfolio-grade tool rather than a one-off script.
IN PROGRESS · PERSONAL PROJECT

Vulnerable Web Application Penetration Test

Kali Linux, DVWA, OWASP Juice Shop, Nmap, Nikto, Burp Suite

Built and tested a controlled security lab using intentionally vulnerable web applications to practice reconnaissance, exploitation, documentation, and remediation thinking.

  • Conducted reconnaissance and exploitation using Nmap, Nikto, and Burp Suite.
  • Identified SQL Injection, XSS, and Command Injection vulnerabilities.
  • Documented findings, risk, and remediation steps in a structured penetration test report.
COMPLETED · SECURITY LAB

Hash Table Library

Java

Implemented a generic Java hash table with linear probing, resizing, collision handling, and key-value operations.

  • Explored collision handling and load-factor tradeoffs.
  • Practiced writing and testing core data-structure logic.
COMPLETED · ACADEMIC IMPLEMENTATION

Experience

Application Development Intern

Jan 2026 - Present

Contribute to full-stack HRMS features in a production-style team environment, working with React interfaces, API integration, workflow logic, Git branching, pull requests, and debugging across the stack.

  • Collaborate using Git branching, pull requests, and merge-conflict resolution in an agile team.
  • Debug issues, integrate backend endpoints, and ensure code meets deployment standards.

Technology Coach, YouCanTech

Dec 2025 - Present

Coach middle and high school students through hands-on coding and robotics activities, helping them practice programming logic, debugging, problem-solving, and iterative development.

  • Teach programming logic, problem-solving, and computational thinking.
  • Mentor students through debugging and iterative development.

Member, 49th Security Division

Sep 2025 - Present

Participate in a cybersecurity-focused student organization at UNC Charlotte, building exposure to security concepts, technical discussion, professional development, and hands-on learning outside the classroom.

Skills

Tools, languages, and concepts I have used through coursework, internship work, labs, and independent projects.

Languages

Java, Python, JavaScript, C, C++, HTML, CSS

Frontend

React, React Native, Expo, Tailwind CSS, Responsive Design

Backend & APIs

FastAPI, Spring Boot, REST APIs, Spotify Web API, Alpaca API

Databases & Cloud

PostgreSQL, MySQL, Docker, Docker Compose, Vercel, GitHub Pages, AWS Cloud Fundamentals

Developer Tools

Git, GitHub, Visual Studio Code, Xcode Simulator

Security Tools & Concepts

Kali Linux, Burp Suite, Nmap, Nikto, OWASP Juice Shop, DVWA, Penetration Testing, Secure Software Development

Core Concepts

Object-Oriented Programming, Data Structures, Algorithms, Testing, Debugging, API Integration

Contact

Interested in internships, software projects, cybersecurity, or early-career engineering conversations? I would be glad to connect.