Available for opportunities

Derik
Marshall

Software developer specializing in backend systems, web applications, and open-source collaboration. I build things that work — from game engine internals to full-stack web apps.

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About

Builder at
heart.

I'm a software developer with hands-on experience in backend development, systems programming, and full-stack web applications. My work ranges from contributing to large open-source C++ projects to architecting web apps from scratch.

I'm currently pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science at Western Governors University while actively looking for software engineering roles where I can contribute immediately and grow fast.

I care about writing code that's clear, maintainable, and actually solves the problem — not just code that ships.

Contact

Skills

What I work with.

Languages

JavaScript (ES6+) TypeScript Python C C++ SQL

Frontend

React Redux HTML5 CSS3 TailwindCSS

Backend

Node.js Express PostgreSQL MongoDB Knex REST APIs

Tools & Practices

Git GitHub JWT Auth Agile Code Review Systems Programming

Projects

Things I've built.

Ship of Harkinian

GitHub →

Open-Source · Python · Systems

Contributed to a large-scale open-source game port, implementing Archipelago multiworld randomizer support to enable synchronized multiplayer gameplay.

  • Implemented server-based connectivity for synchronized multiplayer randomizer gameplay
  • Defined logic rules for item and location checks across multiple connected game worlds
  • Added user configuration options for customizing randomizer and multiplayer behavior
  • Participated in code reviews and collaborative debugging with distributed contributors
Python Git GitHub Systems Programming

WebGPU Path Tracer

Live demo → GitHub →

Graphics · TypeScript · WGSL

A from-scratch Monte Carlo path tracer running on the GPU via WebGPU, with physically based shading and real-time progressive rendering in the browser.

  • Implemented Cook-Torrance PBR shading and next event estimation for realistic light transport
  • Built progressive accumulation using ping-pong float32 textures for noise-free convergence over time
  • Wrote custom WGSL compute and render shaders, working through GPU-specific constraints around type coercion and buffer alignment
TypeScript WebGPU WGSL Vite

Loot Tables

GitHub →

Full-Stack Web Application

Dynamic web application for creating and managing variable-length data tables, with full authentication and persistent storage.

  • Designed MongoDB schemas for persistent data storage and efficient querying
  • Implemented JWT-based authentication and secured RESTful API endpoints
  • Built scalable frontend and backend components using React and Node.js
TypeScript React Node.js MongoDB TailwindCSS

Custom Memory Allocator

GitHub →

Systems · C

A heap allocator built from the ground up in C, progressing from a simple bump allocator to a full free-list implementation with block splitting and coalescing.

  • Implemented free-list management with block splitting to reduce internal fragmentation
  • Added coalescing of adjacent free blocks to combat external fragmentation over time
  • Verified correctness and memory safety with targeted tests, GDB, and Valgrind
C Pointer Arithmetic GDB Valgrind

Experience

Where I've been.

Warehouse Associate

Gap Inc. · Longview, TX

  • Managed inventory organization, tracking, and logistics operations
  • Maintained compliance with safety standards and warehouse procedures

Field Enumerator

U.S. Census Bureau · Longview, TX

  • Collected and validated demographic data in compliance with U.S. Code Title 13
  • Utilized GPS tools and mobile applications to document accurate field data
  • Ensured data accuracy for historically underserved communities

Cafe Lead

Barnes & Noble · Aurora, CO

  • Trained and supervised new employees, setting performance and customer service standards
  • Exceeded daily sales targets through customer engagement strategies

Education

Currently studying.

B.S. in Computer Science

Western Governors University

2024 – Present · In Progress