Résumé

Kelsi Davis

Versatile Software Engineer · Operating Systems · Embedded · Scientific Computing

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Contact

Pacific Northwest
Reveal email
Phone available on the downloaded PDF resume, or by request.

Online

geekastro.dev
github.com/Kelsidavis
ORCID: 0009-0003-8930-8246

Professional Summary

Software engineer and independent researcher with 10+ years building systems software where it meets hardware. Track record of shipping open-source operating systems, custom firmware ports, reverse-engineered ports of legacy hardware/software, and image-processing pipelines for scientific work. Two peer-archived publications in AI-assisted reverse engineering and signal-processing methodology. Comfortable owning projects end-to-end — board, kernel, application, docs, and release.

Selected Projects

  • WoWee — open-source World of Warcraft engine experiment

    C++20 · Vulkan · 418★ · Hackaday-featured (Feb 2026)

    From-scratch open-source client for World of Warcraft (Vanilla, TBC, WotLK protocol-compatible), native C++20 with a custom Vulkan renderer. 80+ releases, modular architecture, comprehensive docs for asset pipelines, authentication, and server setup. Independently maintained, community-driven. Covered by Hackaday and TechEblog in Feb 2026.

  • System7 — Apple Macintosh System 7 reimplementation

    C · 290★ · GRUB2/Multiboot2 · Hackaday-featured

    Open-source reimplementation of Mac System 7 for modern x86 hardware, reconstructed from binary analysis using AI agent orchestration and QEMU verification (3 days, documented in Zenodo paper).

  • Futura — capability-based nanokernel OS

    C

    Modern nanokernel emphasizing minimalism and clean separation between kernel and userland through Fast Inter-Process Communication (FIPC).

  • Anycubic Kobra Neo firmware ports — Marlin & Klipper

    C / C++ · HC32F460 · ST7789V

    Marlin 2.1.x firmware port (full TFT UI, bed leveling, input shaping, linear advance) plus a Klipper build with a custom ST7789V display driver.

  • planet-deconv — single-frame planetary deconvolution (research code)

    Python · U-Net · WIP

    U-Net experiment trained on PIPP / AutoStakkert!3 outputs to explore whether single-frame deconvolution can approach lucky-imaging stack quality. Early-stage research, not yet a finished tool.

  • Astrocalibrator — FITS calibration pipeline

    Python · GUI

    GUI-driven tool that automates dark/flat/bias correction, multi-filter handling, WCS alignment, stacking, and plate solving for astrophotography workflows.

  • cache-goblin — Power Mac L2 cache reverse engineering

    Python · PowerPC

    Reverse-engineered the L2 cache card for the Power Macintosh 6400/6500: schematics, protocol notes, and Python tooling.

  • pioneer-doppler-reanalysis — reproducibility study

    Python · Astrophysics

    Independent verification pipeline reproducing Doppler-anomaly analyses for Pioneer 10/11 from public data.

  • Custom telescope mount control & photometry

    ESP32 · Teensy · AVR · Python

    Designed and programmed embedded systems for robotic telescopes — tracking mounts, stepper-motor focusers, and autonomous control boards. Built a high-speed mount that locks on to the ISS at >1°/sec from real-time TLEs. Captured a transit photometry light curve confirming exoplanet TOI-1853b.

Experience

Independent Software & Embedded Systems Engineer · Self-employed

2009 – Present · Remote · Kelso, WA
  • Designed and programmed embedded systems (Arduino, ESP32, AVR, ARM) for robotic telescopes, 3D printers, and precision imaging.
  • Built custom hardware: tracking mounts, stepper-motor focusers, autonomous control boards.
  • Developed software pipelines for real-time motion control and data acquisition in Linux environments.
  • Reverse-engineered Apple System 7 and ported it to C for x86 and ARM (System7 — 290★, featured on Hackaday).
  • Released Futura, a capability-based nanokernel OS emphasizing minimalism and FIPC.
  • Ported Marlin and Klipper firmware to the Anycubic Kobra Neo (HC32F460), including a custom ST7789V display driver.
  • Maintained 50+ open-source repositories on GitHub (github.com/Kelsidavis), including WoWee (418★) and System7 (290★).
  • Supported global users remotely; maintained servers and automated astrophotography workflows.

City Letter Carrier · United States Postal Service

Jul 2014 – May 2020 · Longview, WA
  • Managed multiple delivery routes while upholding strict reliability and security standards.
  • Demonstrated discipline and precision under high-accountability federal service.

Project Manager · America's First Choice / Topthenet.com

Jun 2009 – Jul 2011 · Kelso, WA
  • Oversaw web development and infrastructure support for online marketing operations.
  • Led a small team building SEO-driven websites and campaign automation tools.
  • Contributed to backend logic, graphic design, and cloud resource management.

Additional roles: Driveline Retail Merchandising (2008–2009) · Berry Plumbing (2007–2008) · Pacific States Investments (2006–2007) · U.S. Security Associates (2006).

Publications

Skills

Languages
C · C++ · Python · Kotlin · Rust · TypeScript · PowerShell
Systems & OS
Linux kernel & systems programming · Operating-system development · Reverse engineering · Multiboot2 / GRUB2 · QEMU
Embedded
AVR · ESP32 · ARM Cortex-M · Teensy · HC32F460 · KiCad PCB design · Marlin · Klipper
Domains
Image processing · Scientific computing · AI / ML · Telescope automation · Astrophotography · SDR / DSP
Tooling
Git · GitHub Actions · CI/CD · GitLab · Docker
Web
React · Node.js · Astro · TypeScript

Education

  • Engineering — Community College Coursework — Lower Columbia College, Longview, WA Apr 2003 – Dec 2005
  • High School Diploma — Kelso High School, Kelso, WA Jun 2004

Awards & Certifications

  • Fine Art America Billboard Contest (2021) — winning artwork featured nationwide.
  • IBM SkillsBuild: Artificial Intelligence Fundamentals
  • IBM Enterprise Design Thinking Practitioner
  • Google Digital Garage: Fundamentals of Digital Marketing
  • University of Arizona: Astronomy — Exploring Time and Space

Driver License: Valid · GMRS license