About Jonathan Branski

Professional Summary

I'm a software engineer with 6+ years of professional experience building accessible, scalable web applications and design systems. Currently working as an Application Developer at Moraine Park Technical College and Adjunct Instructor at Waukesha County Technical College, where I teach front-end development to aspiring developers.

My technical work spans modern JavaScript ecosystems (React, Next.js, TypeScript), accessible UI/UX design, institutional software modernization, and full-stack application development. I bring a unique blend of technical depth, design thinking, and educational insight to every project—always prioritizing maintainability, accessibility, and human impact.

Education & Research

I'm currently pursuing my M.S. in Computer Science at Georgia Institute of Technology through the Online Master of Science in Computer Science (OMSCS) program, specializing in Interactive Intelligence. My focus areas include:

• Artificial Intelligence — Machine learning, NLP, and AI-assisted creative tools
• Human-Computer Interaction — Usability research, interface design, and accessibility
• Game Development — Interactive systems, procedural generation, and narrative design
• Educational Technology — Learning platforms, instructional design, and knowledge representation

This academic foundation complements my professional work, enabling me to bridge the gap between cutting-edge research and real-world application. I'm particularly interested in how AI can enhance learning experiences, support creative workflows, and improve accessibility for diverse user populations.

Professional Experience

Creative & Research Projects

Beyond professional work, I maintain an active portfolio of creative and research projects that explore the boundaries of technology, design, and storytelling:

• Clickfluencer Idle — An incremental game satirizing social media culture, built with JavaScript and exploring procedural content generation and player progression systems.
• Keristar Universe — A long-term world-building project combining narrative design, interactive fiction, and game prototyping for a high fantasy and grimdark setting.
• HCI Research Prototypes — Exploring accessible interfaces, usability testing, and educational technology concepts informed by OMSCS coursework.
• Educational Tools — Building open-source learning resources and interactive tutorials for web development and design systems.

Skills & Technologies

Front-End Development: React, Next.js, TypeScript, JavaScript (ES6+), HTML5, CSS3, CSS Modules, Responsive Design, Progressive Web Apps

Tools & Platforms: Git, GitHub, VS Code, Figma, Node.js, npm/pnpm, Vercel, Netlify, Docker (basics)

Design & UX: Accessibility (WCAG 2.1 AA/AAA), Design Systems, Component Libraries, Figma, User Research, Prototyping, Information Architecture

Other: Python (growing proficiency), SQL, RESTful APIs, Markdown, Technical Writing, Instructional Design, Agile/Scrum

Beyond Code

When I'm not at a keyboard, I'm deepening my connection to the natural world through gardening. I'm currently completing the Master Gardener program, learning about horticulture, ecology, and sustainable cultivation practices. This work informs my systems thinking—plants, like software, thrive when their environments are thoughtfully designed and maintained.

I also volunteer as Attendee Services Manager at Anime Milwaukee, one of the Midwest's largest anime conventions. This role sharpens my project management, leadership, and community-building skills while connecting with diverse, creative communities.

I'm an honorably discharged veteran of the Wisconsin Army National Guard (2019), where I learned discipline, resilience, and the importance of clear communication under pressure.

What I'm Looking For

I'm passionate about building technology that empowers people, enhances creativity, and bridges cultural divides. I'm particularly drawn to opportunities that:

• Leverage AI and HCI to create more intuitive, accessible, and empathetic systems
• Support education, learning, and knowledge-sharing at scale
• Foster creativity through game development, interactive media, or design tools
• Embrace remote work, global collaboration, and cross-cultural teamwork
• Value systems thinking, long-term maintainability, and human-centered design

If you're working on projects that align with these values—whether in software engineering, game development, educational technology, or HCI research—I'd love to connect.

Let's Connect

I'm always open to conversations about software engineering, AI research, game development, educational technology, or global collaboration. Feel free to reach out via LinkedIn, GitHub, or email.