Nikko Stevens

Background

About Nikko Stevens

I'm a software engineer (see the details below), and a critical technology researcher, currently working at MIT. In my research, I study how database design is controlled by and upholds white supremacy and transphobia. I also do work in and with open source communities on community health and community control. When I worked as a full-time software engineer and engineering manager, I used the text below to describe my skills. I'm leaving it here because it informs and underpins how I study technology. In the best of times, my work involves- helping junior and senior developers make good architectural choices - writing code alongside those developers - creating software architecture plans - troubleshooting pipeline/delivery issues - contributing as much code as possible back to open-source communities - changing dysfunctional practices - changing/migrating organizational culture to be inclusive and diverse - modeling best practices across modalities (cultural, coding, communication)- leading teams through the software development life cycle - influencing fellow department leaders in how they work with technology - encouraging developers to write code they're proud of and reach the next level in their careers. In the worst of times- delivering under tight budgets and imposing deadlines - working with uncooperative offshore development teams - negotiating deliverables with grumpy product departments - managing unrealistic expectations - attending a lot of meetings - making unpopular choices As a freelance engineer, I've worked with big brands like RedHat, Dove, LinkedIn, San Diego Airport Authority, National Foundation for Autism Research, and Viejas Casino. As much as I love leading teams and influencing company culture, I'll never stop loving writing code to solve problems. Specialties: technology leadership, Drupal development, architecting *really big* sites, database design, being awesome.