About

Hello! I'm Diego Jurado, a full-stack software engineer at BNY, based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Over the past few years, I’ve grown as a technologist, scholar, and lifelong learner, exploring how my professional work, personal passions, and faith intersect.

In my career, I focus on building systems that are secure, scalable, and reliable. I’ve gained experience in enterprise software engineering, full-stack development, and mentoring peers, and I continue to seek ways to make technology ethical, sustainable, and meaningful.

Beyond work, I prioritize personal growth through athletics, arts, and community engagement. I train regularly in running and weightlifting, finding discipline and joy in movement. Music is central to my life — I enjoy attending the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra and exploring the arts in general. I am actively engaged in my Episcopal community, volunteer in meaningful ways, and participate in the Jack Heinz Next Gen program at the Pittsburgh Symphony Orchestra. I also continue theological studies through the Church Divinity School of the Pacific’s online program, integrating faith, reflection, and service into daily life.

Recently, I got engaged to my long-time girlfriend Bea, and we are thrilled to be planning our wedding. This exciting time has been full of joy, reflection, and shared anticipation for the life we will build together.

I enjoy reading widely, with favorites ranging from Murakami’s Colorless Tsukuru Tazaki and His Years of Pilgrimage to Weir's The Martian, Herbert's Dune, and Camus' The Stranger, which fuel curiosity and perspective in both my work and personal life.

At my core, I am guided by my values of growth, family, and making the world a better place for all. I strive to live intentionally, contributing positively to my community while growing in knowledge, faith, and experience.

Career

Education


University of Pittsburgh

Bachelor of Science, Computer Science
Aug 2020 – May 2024

Computer Science Coursework:
Systems & Architecture
  • Algorithms & Data Structures
  • Computer Organization and Assembly Language
  • Systems Software
  • Operating Systems
Software Engineering
  • Software Engineering
  • Database Management Systems
  • Interface Design Methodology
Programming Languages
  • Functional Programming
  • Structure of Programming Languages
  • Programming Languages for Web Applications
Ethics & Society
  • Big Ideas in Computing and Information
  • Social Implications of Computing Technology
  • Bias and Ethical Implications of AI
  • Digital Humanity
Honors & Awards:
  • Magna Cum Laude
  • “Judge's Choice” Award, 2023 Games 4 Social Impact

Church Divinity School of the Pacific (CDSP)

Continuing Theological Studies (CALL)
Jan 2026 – Present

Theological Coursework:
  • Constitution & Canons
  • History of the Episcopal Church

Professional Work


Bank of New York Mellon (BNY)

Full-Stack Software Engineer
Aug 2024 – Present

I currently work within the Enterprise Onboarding Platform on the Account Activation team, designing and delivering systems that support high-volume, mission-critical client onboarding. I contribute to full-stack development, enterprise architecture, shared libraries, mentoring, and collaboration across security, infrastructure, and product teams to build scalable, resilient software.

Software Development Intern
Jun 2023 – Aug 2023

Worked on the Shared Services and Technology (SS&T) team, involved in full-stack microservices development using Angular and Spring Boot. Designed and implemented microservices for internal and external applications, leveraging DMN and BPMN modeling notations.

Software Development Intern
Jun 2022 – Aug 2022

Developed a full-stack user-preference microservice for Asset Servicing Operations and Technology, enhancing an account transaction monitoring application for efficiency and responsiveness.


University of Pittsburgh

Research Assistant, HPC
May 2024 – Aug 2024

Conducted research in computer architecture and secure memory systems, focusing on performance modeling and optimization. Implemented simulation code in C to evaluate memory hierarchy behavior and novel ORAM optimizations under Dr. Youtao Zhang.

Peer Tutor, Operating Systems
Jan 2024 – May 2024

Provided one-on-one and small-group tutoring in process scheduling, virtual memory, synchronization, and file systems, helping students build debugging skills and understanding of low-level system behavior.

Teaching Assistant, Algorithms
Jan 2024 – May 2024

Led recitations and office hours on asymptotic analysis, trees, graphs, dynamic programming, and algorithm design.

Peer Tutor, Algorithms
Aug 2023 – Dec 2023

Supported students in mastering core data structures and algorithmic thinking through individualized instruction.

Peer Tutor, Algorithms
Jan 2023 – May 2023

Assisted early-stage CS majors with recursion, sorting, searching, and basic graph algorithms.

Teaching Assistant, Discrete Structures
Aug 2022 – Dec 2022

Assisted in teaching logic, proofs, combinatorics, and graph theory. Held office hours and graded assignments.

Teaching Assistant, Big Ideas in Computing
Aug 2021 – May 2022

Supported an introductory course on computing, ethics, data, and societal impact. Facilitated discussions, graded projects, and mentored students.

Research Assistant, NLP
May 2021 – May 2022

Contributed to applied NLP research involving data preprocessing, model evaluation, and experimentation in Python.

Projects

Web Applications

Personal Budgeting Web Application
April 2023

Key Skills: REST APIs, React, Flask, Python

A very simple budget application for a single user. The application supports several budget categories, and a set monthly limit for each category (e.g., $825 for rent, $400 for groceries, $130 for gas, etc.). The application allows the user to enter new categories and purchases and present up to date lists of the user's current categories and past purchases. Any purchases that were over budget for that month will be highlighted red in the list. The purpose of the project was to gain expeirence building RESTful APIs, and using two web-based frameworks cohesively. I gained experience using React, Flask, Python, ORMs, and REST APIs.

Due to the academic integrity policies of CS 1520 (Programming Languages for Web Apps) and the University of Pittsburgh I am unable to share this code publicly. However, upon request, I will be more than happy to demo the project, explain how it works and how I implemented it.

BeSocial: A Social Networking System
March 2023 - April 2023

Key Skills: Java, JDBC, PostgreSQL, Project Management

The primary goal of this project is to implement a single Java application program that will operate BeSocial, a Social Networking System. The core of such a system is a database system. The secondary goal is to learn how to work as a member of a team which designs and develops a relatively large, real database application. I am implementing an application program using Java, PostgreSQL, and JDBC. The focus is on the actual service and not the UI elements. One of the more fun aspects of the project was using Python to write a script that would generate SQL `Insert` statements to be used as sample data.

Due to the academic integrity policies of CS 1555 (Database Management Systems) and the University of Pittsburgh I am unable to share this code publicly. However, upon request, I will be more than happy to demo the project, explain how it works and how I implemented it.

PyChat: Chatroom Web Application
March 2023 - April 2023

Key Skills: Python, Flask, JavaScript, AJAX, JSON

A web application that hosts and manages chat rooms. The purpose of this project was to gain experience using AJAX and JSON by building a website to host and manage multiple chat rooms. I also gained experience with HTML, JavaScript, Python, and Flask while implementing this project.

Due to the academic integrity policies of CS 1520 (Programming Languages for Web Apps) and the University of Pittsburgh I am unable to share this code publicly. However, upon request, I will be more than happy to demo the project, explain how it works and how I implemented it.

Catering Company Scheduling Web Application
February 2023 - March 2023

Key Skills: Python, Flask, JavaScript, HTML

A web application for a catering company. This website functions as an event scheduler, where customers can request events, and staff can sign up to work events. The goal of this project was to gain experience using Flask and building data models via an Object Relational Mapper (ORM) by developing a website to help manage a catering company. I gained experience using HTML, CSS, Python, Flask, and SQLAlchemy.

Due to the academic integrity policies of CS 1520 (Programming Languages for Web Apps) and the University of Pittsburgh I am unable to share this code publicly. However, upon request, I will be more than happy to demo the project, explain how it works and how I implemented it.

Food Dude Cookbook
August 2022 - Decemeber 2022

Key Skills: Java, Spring Boot, Unit Testing, Project Management

The Cookbook Web App, crafted with React and Spring Boot, was born out of frustration with lengthy preambles in recipe sources. Its aim? To provide users with quick, straight-to-the-point cooking instructions. React ensures a responsive interface, while Spring Boot handles backend functionalities like data processing and user authentication. With this streamlined approach, users can swiftly access concise recipes without unnecessary narratives, simplifying their culinary experience.

As part of the project, I advocated for and strategically selected cutting-edge technologies in line with prevailing industry trends, including React for the frontend, Spring Boot for the backend, and MySQL for the database. Utilizing Java within the Spring Boot framework, I spearheaded the development of a robust backend service and API controller, implementing a variety of software design patterns to ensure scalability and maintainability. Rigorous testing was integral to our process, and I orchestrated comprehensive testing protocols, achieving a remarkable 100% code coverage using JUnit, thus adhering to stringent quality standards. Over a span of four months, I assumed leadership of a team comprising four members, guiding and coordinating efforts to successfully implement and thoroughly test the full-stack application.

Panther Central iOS Application
August 2022 - Decemeber 2022

Key Skills: Dart, Flutter, UX Design, Mobile Development

The application was designed as a part of the Interface Design Course I took and it's purpose was brought upon by a frustration that when doing laundry at the University of Pittsburgh I had to pull out my phone, go to a website that could only be accessed through 4 clicks, and then fill in all my credit card information just to have money on my card to do laundry. It wa frustrating, so I took inspriation from a variety of sources that have facilitated loading currency onto company currency like Starbucks, Dave and Busters, and Dunkin.

The application was constructed utilizing the Flutter programming framework. Our primary objective was to conceptualize an app idea, sketch its design using Balsamiq Wireframes, and then bring it to life through implementation with Flutter. The project unfolded across five distinct phases, each intricately connected to the design life cycle, ensuring a comprehensive approach to development.

Games

Immorticulture
October 2023

Key Skills: Godot Engine, Rhythm Game, Project Management

It's a captivating game featuring an immortal horticulturist dedicated to nurturing their community. With a core focus on environmental advocacy and community involvement, it earned the prestigious "Judge's Choice" Award at Pitt Games 4 Social Impact Game Jam 2023, and can be played on itch.io.

In my role, I spearheaded the design and implementation of key game elements, including the central gameplay loop and an engaging rhythm mini-game. Guiding a talented team of five, we collaborated intensively over a two-day period to bring this vision to life using the powerful Godot Game Engine.

Rossum Corp.
April 2023

Key Skills: Twine Engine, Story Writing

An immersive narrative game developed within the Twine engine, drawing inspiration from Karel Čapek's seminal work, "R.U.R.," and the perennial question: "What does it mean to be human?" Set in the evocative backdrop of the 23rd century, players step into the shoes of an engineer employed at Rossum Corp., a cutting-edge technological conglomerate pioneering advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics.

players navigate through the game, they are confronted with a myriad of choices that shape the destiny of their character and the unfolding narrative. From navigating ethical dilemmas in the development of sentient AI to grappling with the complexities of human-machine interaction, each decision resonates deeply within the game's richly textured world.

Rossum's Apartment
March 2023

Key Skills: Twine Engine, Story Writing

A game that invites players to embark on an enigmatic journey within the confines of a mysterious apartment building, drawing inspiration from Karel Čapek's seminal work, "R.U.R." Set against the backdrop of a sprawling metropolis, players assume the role of a curious inhabitant navigating through the labyrinthine corridors and interconnected lives of the building's residents.

As players progress through the game, they unravel the complex tapestry of secrets, hidden agendas, and intertwined fates that lie concealed within the building's walls. Each choice made by the player peels back another layer of the narrative, revealing startling truths and unforeseen consequences.

Hot Seat Battleship
February 2023

Key Skills: JavaScript, HTML, CSS

A web-based implementation of the classic game Battleship. This project was the first assignment in my Programming Languages for Web Applications course at Pitt. The goal was gain experience building interactive web applications through the use of JavaScript and the Document Object Model (DOM). I wrote all of the source code used in the project. I gained experience using HTML, CSS, and Javascript.

Due to the academic integrity policies of CS 1520 (Programming Languages for Web Apps) and the University of Pittsburgh I am unable to share this code publicly. However, upon request, I will be more than happy to demo the project, explain how it works and how I implemented it.

Blog

Book Reviews

Finished Reading Murder on the Orient Express

January 16, 2026
Murder on the Orient Express (Hercule Poirot, #10)

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

My rating: 5 of 5 stars

A wonderfully humorous story—the first Hercule Poirot novel I have read.

A charming investigation into the lives of several train passengers and conductors. The setting is thoroughly immersive: a murder inside a train stuck in a snowdrift, unable to contact the outside world. It is almost a miracle that an agent of truth was there to bear witness to such an extravagant and passionate scene.

The novel is particularly cozy. Reading it at the start of the New Year, still riding the warmth of the Christmas season, I found it to be a perfect wintertime book. While the author uses some dated and stereotyped phrases, I believe these only add to the atmosphere; a feeling I can best describe as the familiarity of a relative saying something slightly “incorrect.” Nevertheless, it is a must-read, with a twist that will leave you both satisfied and perplexed.

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