Michael McGrain
Software Engineer - MERN Instructor - AI Builder

Dare toDream

I build accessible full-stack applications, AI-assisted workflows, and secure web systems with the kind of visual polish clients remember.

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Selected Work

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Candidate Assessment Platform

Certification-style testing suite with randomized questions, timing, completion reporting, and attention monitoring.

JavaScriptHTML5CSS3GitHub Pages

Project Details

  • Built as a certification-style testing station for student practice and assessment.
  • Randomizes 100-question sessions across multiple learning pathways.
  • Supports new assessments by adding a structured JSON file of questions, answers, and scoring data.
  • Tracks progress, timing, completion state, and final scoring.
  • Records attention events such as tab or window changes during a session.
  • Uses Google Apps Script with Sheets integration to collect and review submitted results.
  • Hosted on GitHub Pages for easy access and live demonstration.
Project Details

AI Study Companion

AI-powered study assistant for explanations, summaries, and guided Q&A.

Next.jsOpenAI APITailwind CSS

Local Business Website Kit

Fast-launch website template for small businesses and service brands.

ReactViteSEO

Website Demo Hub

All mock websites and demo builds collected in one GitHub Pages hub for quick review and client-style walkthroughs.

GitHub PagesStatic DemosPortfolio
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About Me

I'm a Full-Stack Software Engineer and Technical Instructor with more than 17 years of experience across software development, systems engineering, networking, infrastructure, and secure technology operations.

I build modern, accessible web applications using the MERN stack, with a focus on clean architecture, responsive design, RESTful APIs, WCAG 2.2 accessibility, and secure development practices. My work includes authentication and authorization, input validation, API security, CI/CD workflows, and deployment in Linux-based environments.

I also use AI-assisted development tools to improve productivity, accelerate problem-solving, and build practical solutions. I'm a strong advocate that AI is not a crutch nor replacement for our code, but a peer programmer. As an instructor and mentor, I enjoy helping others grow their technical skills while creating technology that supports businesses, learners, and meaningful community impact.

Phoenix, Arizona</> JavaScript / MERN* AI-focused builder
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Skills

Languages

JavaScript ES6+TypeScriptPythonHTML5CSS3

Frontend

React.jsNext.jsTailwind CSSResponsive UIReduxContext API

Backend

Node.jsExpress.jsRESTful APIsJWT AuthenticationMongoDBPostgreSQLSocket.io

DevOps & Tools

GitGitHubDockerLinuxCI/CD Pipelines

Accessibility

WCAG 2.2 AATitle II ADA Compliance

AI & Automation

GitHub CopilotOpenAI CodexClaude CodeHermes Agent HarnessPrompt Engineering

Security & Infrastructure

Web SecuritySecure AuthenticationAuthorizationInput ValidationREST API SecurityNetwork SecurityLinux EnvironmentsSystems EngineeringNetworking
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Let's turn your dreams into a reality

Have a project in mind, a role to discuss, or a system that needs a stronger shape?

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