I am an

IT Professional

Andrew McDonald

Hey, I’m Andrew — a hands-on IT pro, Marine Corps veteran, and tech instructor based in Tacoma. I love solving real-world problems with code, cloud, and cybersecurity, and I’m passionate about teaching and building tools that actually make life easier. Take a look around and check out what I’ve been up to!

Download CV

About Me

Hi, I’m Andrew McDonald — an Information Technology specialist, Marine Corps veteran, and current technical instructor based in Tacoma, WA. My journey began with aircraft mechanics in the military and evolved into a passion for cybersecurity, networking, and teaching.
Today, I blend hands-on technical skills with real-world experience to solve complex IT challenges. From building secure network labs and creating AI-driven compliance tools, to mentoring students in system administration and programming — I thrive on using technology to empower others.
I’m currently completing my Bachelor of Science in Information Technology at the University of Washington Tacoma while actively working on projects that integrate cloud infrastructure, cybersecurity frameworks, and automation. I believe in continuous learning, sharing knowledge, and building tech that makes a difference.
When I’m not working or teaching, you’ll find me spending time with my kids, exploring the outdoors, or developing new tools to make IT more accessible and secure.

Skills

Key areas of expertise.

Cybersecurity: Experienced with threat modeling (MITRE ATT&CK, STRIDE), security tools like Snort and SELinux, and SOC operations.
System Administration: Skilled in both Windows and Linux environments, including Active Directory, Group Policy, DHCP/DNS, and server management.
Programming: Proficient in C#, ASP.NET, Python, SQL, JavaScript, Java, HTML, and Bash scripting for automation and web development.
Cloud Platforms: Hands-on with Azure, AWS, and Microsoft 365; used for deployments, security, and cloud-based compliance.
Networking: Deep knowledge of VLANs, VPNs, VoIP, pfSense, IP routing, and wireless optimization for secure and scalable networks.
IT Support: Strong end-user support background, including Microsoft 365, disaster recovery, and hardware/software troubleshooting.
Data & APIs: Skilled in SQL Server, MySQL, REST APIs, and Tableau for data analysis, reporting, and backend integration.
Compliance & Documentation: Developed AI-powered compliance tools aligned with NIST, HIPAA, and CIS frameworks.
Instruction & Mentoring: Teaching IT fundamentals at UW Tacoma; focus on networking, programming, and systems administration.
Virtualization: Built and deployed labs using Proxmox, VMware, and nested virtualization for enterprise simulation.

Portfolio

Green River Coalition .NET MVC Application

Full-stack C# .NET Core app for environmental data management. Click to expand.

Green River Coalition .NET MVC Application - Full Details

Designed and developed a full-stack MVC .NET Core web application hosted on Azure Cloud. The application supports the Green River Coalition in monitoring and recording restoration site data.

Skills Used: C#, ASP.NET Core MVC, Azure Cloud Hosting, SQL, Entity Framework Core, GitHub, and software testing practices.
Team: Led the development process using GitHub for version control and collaboration. Worked on both backend logic and UI design.
Outcome: Successfully deployed the application to a live production environment with robust testing and performance optimization.

TikTakToe Game

Classic game implemented using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Click to expand.

TikTakToe Game - Full Details

A simple but fun implementation of Tic Tac Toe using JavaScript. Focused on game logic, DOM manipulation, and user interaction handling.

Student Database Script

Text-based student management system written in Python.

Student Database Script - Full Details

This project manages student records via a .txt database. Supports add/update/search features using simple CLI Python scripting. Ideal for learning file handling.

AI Compliance Checklist Generator

Python + AI project for automating security checklists. Click to expand.

AI Compliance Checklist Generator - Full Details

Developed a Python tool that processes regulatory text (NIST/HIPAA) into actionable compliance checklists using NLP. Used in U.S. Air Force AI research to save ~10 hours/week.

Moon Website

Responsive website for a boutique business client. Click to expand.

Moon Website - Full Details

Created a responsive website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for a small boutique business. Focused on clean UI, mobile responsiveness, and SEO optimization.

Website312 - Movie Synopsis

A movie data project using HTML/CSS/JavaScript. Click to expand.

Website312 - Full Details

This project displays movie information and synopses pulled from a JSON file or API. Focused on front-end layout and JavaScript interactivity.

Anki Web Scraper Maker

Automated tool to create Anki flashcards from website data.

Anki Web Scraper Maker - Full Details

Used Python and BeautifulSoup to scrape content and generate Anki-compatible files. Helps automate flashcard creation for study material.

Calculator

A basic calculator built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.

Calculator App - Full Details

This simple app includes functions for addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division. Built for practicing DOM manipulation and JavaScript logic.

Simple JavaScript Programs

Collection of small JavaScript coding exercises. Click to expand.

Simple JavaScript Programs - Full Details

Various JavaScript snippets and mini-apps exploring loops, conditionals, DOM interaction, and simple games. Great for learning and experimentation.

Simply Python Programs

Various Python utility scripts and experiments. Click to expand.

Simply Python Programs - Full Details

Includes tools like password generators, converters, CLI games, and automation scripts. Great for hands-on Python learning and logic practice.

CISCO Command Script

Automation of repetitive Cisco CLI tasks using script files.

CISCO Command Script - Full Details

Developed automation scripts to configure Cisco routers and switches, reducing setup time. Focused on batch CLI entry and config management.

Game of Life

Cellular automaton simulation using JavaScript. Click to expand.

Game of Life - Full Details

A JavaScript-based implementation of Conway's Game of Life. Visualizes cellular evolution in a grid using animation and logic-based rules.

Contact Me

Feel free to reach out! Email me directly, or connect with me on social media.

Email: atmcdon@hotmail.com