--- title: "Team Q&A: Nick Swinford – Software Developer Intern" id: "5061" type: "post" slug: "team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern" published_at: "2024-11-22T14:00:25+00:00" modified_at: "2025-03-06T15:20:42+00:00" url: "https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern/" markdown_url: "https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern.md" excerpt: "From his love of Star Trek to his recycling efforts to learning coding, our new Software Developer Intern is here […]" taxonomy_category: - "Culture" --- Culture # Team Q&A: Nick Swinford – Software Developer Intern [Bill Burke Published Nov 22, 2024](https://virtual-peaker.com/author/bill-burke/) Share[https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern/](https://www.facebook.com/sharer/sharer.php?u=https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern/) [http://twitter.com/share?url=https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern/](http://twitter.com/share?url=https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern/) [https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern/&source=LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/shareArticle?mini=true&url=https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern/&source=LinkedIn) [mailto:?&subject=Team%20Q&A:%20Nick%20Swinford%20%E2%80%93%20Software%20Developer%20Intern&body=https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern/](mailto:?&subject=Team%20Q&A:%20Nick%20Swinford%20%E2%80%93%20Software%20Developer%20Intern&body=https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern/) From his love of Star Trek to his [recycling efforts](https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/the-crucial-role-of-global-recycling-day-in-combatting-climate-change/) to learning coding, our new Software Developer Intern is here to help build the grid of tomorrow today. Join us in welcoming Nick to the Virtual Peaker team! ## How did your previous life prepare you for Virtual Peaker? I’ve been doing freelance web development for a few years now and my experience with javascript and debugging skills should help me greatly. Earlier this year, I completed [Code: You](https://code-you.org/) , which is a coding boot camp that’s been a great asset and helped prepare me for this internship. Before that, I received a Bachelors in Biology from EKU. The critical thinking and research skills that I was taught at EKU have always helped my interest in web development. I’m excited to be applying those skills here at Virtual Peaker. ## Tell us about your role at Virtual Peaker. I’m a Software Developer Intern. My focus will be learning the [platform](https://virtual-peaker.com/platform/) and working on the admin app. I’m excited to be working here and learning from so many great people! This is my first time working in a collaborative environment with other developers and I’m excited to learn more about development and grow as a developer. ## How do you personally engage in sustainability efforts? I take recycling very seriously. A few years ago, I set up a recycling station in my garage and recycle all plastic, aluminum, steel, and paper or cardboard products that I use. Doing this has helped reduce the amount of garbage my household produces by almost 50%. On top of that, I’m passionate about having a zero-waste kitchen to prevent food waste and eliminate single-use plastics. (In the US, it’s estimated that 30-40% of food is wasted.) This includes finding alternatives for plastic bags, plastic wraps, or other single-use products. These simple things help reduce my carbon footprint. ## What can you tell us about yourself? I’m originally from Chicago but moved to Kentucky as a kid with my family and I’ve lived here ever since. I’m a huge nerd at heart and a big fan of science fiction. (I’ve been to 4 Star Trek Conventions.) I also love to work out and bake! In my spare time, you can usually find me gaming. ### Come work with us to help change the world! [Join Our Team](https://virtual-peaker.com/company/careers/) About The Author [https://virtual-peaker.com/author/bill-burke/](https://virtual-peaker.com/author/bill-burke/) Bill is a serial entrepreneur with a PhD from UC Berkeley in Controls and Artificial Intelligence and 10 years of experience with high performance residential energy management and connected appliances. He was previously at GE as an Advanced Systems Engineer in the Connected Home Software Group, but left that role in May 2014 to pursue entrepreneurship full time. Bill grew up in Louisville and returned with his family in 2010 after a long stint in the San Francisco Bay Area. He loves Louisville and is working to make it a better and more attractive city for high tech startups. [More About Bill](https://virtual-peaker.com/author/bill-burke/) Related Stories [Blog Post Mar 13, 2026 Team Q&A: Tom Agger – Junior Product Manager – Content & Enablement From helping foster renewable energy and conservation connections at the state level, traveling, or practicing their sustainability habits, our new […] Bill Burke Founder & CEO](https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-tom-agger-junior-product-manager-content-enablement/) [Blog Post Feb 27, 2026 Team Q&A: Reuben Macapinlac – Senior Client Success Manager From his love of nature to his sustainability efforts connecting utilities with the demand flexibility solutions they need to enhance […] Bill Burke Founder & CEO](https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-reuben-macapinlac-senior-client-success-manager/) [Blog Post Feb 20, 2026 Team Q&A: Valerie Eacret – Senior Client Account Manager With so many competing pressures causing market uncertainty in the electric utility industry, finding the right DERMS solutions has never […] Bill Burke Founder & CEO](https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-valerie-eacret-senior-client-account-manager/) Subscribe to our blog ## Get the latest DER thought leadership, tips, and best practices in your inbox! 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