Markdown Content - Team Q&A: Nick Swinford – Software Developer Intern

---
# Team Q&A: Nick Swinford - Software Developer Intern

**URL:** https://virtual-peaker.com/blog/team-qa-nick-swinford-software-developer-intern/
Date: 2024-11-22
Author: Bill Burke
Post Type: post
Summary: From his love of Star Trek to his recycling efforts to learning coding, our new Software Developer Intern is here […]
Categories: Culture
Featured Image: https://virtual-peaker.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/11/2024_blg-header_Nick-1.jpg
---

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.

---

## Categories

- Culture

---

## Navigation

- [Platform](https://virtual-peaker.com/platform/)
- [Grid-Edge DERMS](https://virtual-peaker.com/platform/derms-suite/)
- [Customer Engagement](https://virtual-peaker.com/platform/customer-engagement-suite/)
- [Forecasting](https://virtual-peaker.com/platform/forecasting-suite/)
- [Investor-Owned Utilities](https://virtual-peaker.com/investor-owned-utilities/)
- [Municipal Utilities](https://virtual-peaker.com/municipal-utilities/)
- [Cooperatives](https://virtual-peaker.com/cooperatives/)
- [Bring Your Own Device](https://virtual-peaker.com/solutions/bring-your-own-device/)
- [Customer Engagement](https://virtual-peaker.com/customer-engagement/)
- [Demand Response](https://virtual-peaker.com/demand-response/)
- [EV Charging](https://virtual-peaker.com/ev-charging/)
- [Incentive Processing](https://virtual-peaker.com/incentive-processing/)
- [Program Design](https://virtual-peaker.com/program-design/)
- [Program Management Automation](https://virtual-peaker.com/program-management-automation/)
- [Localized Dispatch](https://virtual-peaker.com/localized-dispatch/)
- [Virtual Power Plants](https://virtual-peaker.com/topline-demand-control/)
- [APIs](https://virtual-peaker.com/solutions/apis/)
- [Device Partners](https://virtual-peaker.com/partners/device-partners/)
- [Utility Partners](https://virtual-peaker.com/partners/utility-partners/)
- [Resources](/resource-center/)
- [Blog](/resources/?post_types=post)
- [US Customers](https://utility.virtualpeaker.io/#/logon)
- [CA Customers](https://utility.ca.virtualpeaker.io/#/)
- [LET’S CHAT](/demo-request/)
- [Resources](https://virtual-peaker.com/resource-center/)
- [Careers at Virtual Peaker](https://virtual-peaker.com/company/careers/)
- [Do you need support?](https://virtual-peaker.com/company/contact/)

---

## Footer Links

- [info@virtual-peaker.com](mailto:info@virtual-peaker.com)
- [Device Partners](https://virtual-peaker.com/partners/device-partners/)
- [Utility Partners](https://virtual-peaker.com/partners/utility-partners/)
- [Investor-Owned Utilities](https://virtual-peaker.com/investor-owned-utilities/)
- [Municipal Utilities](https://virtual-peaker.com/municipal-utilities/)
- [Cooperatives](https://virtual-peaker.com/cooperatives/)
- [About](https://virtual-peaker.com/company/)
- [Our Team](https://virtual-peaker.com/team/)
- [Diversity](https://virtual-peaker.com/diversity-equity-inclusion/)
- [Careers](https://virtual-peaker.com/company/careers/)
- [Contact Us](https://virtual-peaker.com/company/contact/)
- [Newsroom](/resources/?post_types=news)
- [Sustainability](https://virtual-peaker.com/company/sustainability/)
- [Privacy Policy](/privacy-policy/)
- [Terms of Use](/terms-of-use/)