Hey Berardinux here!

    From a young age, I developed a passion for building computers, modding games, and exploring the intricacies of electronics. This early interest led me to pursue technical education in high school, where I focused on Mechatronics and Powerline. After graduating, I enrolled at Westmoreland County Community College, earning an Associate's Degree in Electrical Utility Technology (EUT) through a program offered by FirstEnergy from 2017 to 2019. Upon completing my degree, I began my career as a Lineman with West Penn Power.

    During my time as a Lineman, from 2019 to 2023, I gained valuable experience working with high-voltage electricity, regularly handling voltages of 12 kV. I honed my skills in building and maintaining the distribution infrastructure of the electrical grid. Simultaneously, I pursued my passion for Linux administration, earning my CompTIA Linux+ certification in 2023. I also expanded my programming knowledge, learning languages like Java, Python, Batch, Bash, PowerShell, HTML, and CSS. My projects included building a Raspberry Pi-controlled RC car using an Xbox controller and developing a robotic arm controlled by a Raspberry Pi and programmed in Python. Additionally, I created an open-source GUI application for connecting to VPNs using OpenVPN .ovpn files.

    In 2023, I transitioned into a Controls Technician role at West Penn Power, where I found a perfect blend of my interests in electricity and computing. In this role, I've deepened my understanding of the transmission electrical grid, learned to set up and program SCADA SEL RTACs, and gained experience with DNP3 networking, Landis&Gyr networking, working with products from dynamic rating systems, Powerline Carrier systems (RFL, PowerComms, UPLCs), and programming SEL relays. I've also developed skills in testing and repairing electromechanical relays and using Dobles with software like RTS to test these relays. To further advance my career, I made a dedicated decision to return to college in the fall of 2023 to pursue a Bachelor's Degree in Computer Information Systems. This program equips me with the skills to build, maintain, and secure IT infrastructure in business environments.

    In summary, my life is deeply intertwined with a passion for computers, networking, programming, and electronics. This passion fuels my work, and I am always eager to learn and continuously seek to expand my knowledge and understanding of technology.