// Portfolio — Secure Computing & IT

John "Nico"
D'Amico

Information Technology student at Frostburg State University specializing in network security, database systems, and cybersecurity — graduating May 2026.

// 01 — About Me

Background

I'm an IT student focused on Secure Computing and Information Assurance, currently finishing my B.S. at Frostburg State University. I previously studied Business at Queens University of Charlotte before transferring to pursue my passion for technology and cybersecurity.

My technical experience spans network security, database engineering, and systems administration. I build real, functional systems — from Active Directory enterprise networks to full e-commerce database platforms.

Outside of tech, I'm a 16+ year competitive wrestler, a faith leader through FCA, and someone who brings that same discipline and team-first mindset to every project.

Network Security Database Systems Linux Active Directory Python MySQL VMware
16+
Years Wrestling
100
Career Varsity Wins
2026
Expected Graduation
5yr
Team Captain

// 02 — Technical Skills

What I Work With

🗄️ Database Systems

  • SQL & MySQL
  • ETL Operations
  • Indexing Optimization
  • Transaction Management
  • ACID Compliance
  • Backup & Recovery

🌐 Network & Security

  • VMware Workstation
  • Windows Server 2022
  • Active Directory
  • DNS & DHCP
  • Domain Controller Config
  • VPN & SSL/TLS

💻 Development & Tools

  • Linux (Ubuntu)
  • Python
  • HTML & CSS
  • Bash Scripting
  • Cron Automation
  • Group Policy (GPO)

// 03 — Technical Projects

What I've Built

FlashDeals — E-Commerce Database Platform

📍 Frostburg State University, 2024

A fully functional e-commerce database system built from the ground up using MySQL. Designed to handle real-world transactions with enterprise-grade reliability and security.

  • Designed and implemented a complete e-commerce database demonstrating ACID properties, concurrency control, and transaction management
  • Developed ETL pipelines, indexing strategies, and automated backup procedures to maximize system performance
  • Built role-based access control (RBAC) to restrict data access by user type
  • Automated database maintenance using Linux cron jobs and Bash scripting
  • Authored comprehensive technical documentation covering system architecture, security implementation, and performance analysis
MySQLETLLinuxACIDRBACBash
01

Simulated Enterprise Network — Pharmacy Security Project

📍 Frostburg State University, 2024

Built and secured a fully simulated enterprise network environment for a pharmacy company scenario, replicating a production-grade infrastructure using virtualization tools.

  • Built a simulated enterprise network using VMware Workstation with Windows Server 2022 and Windows 11 clients
  • Configured Active Directory, DNS, DHCP, and a domain controller to replicate real-world network environments
  • Set up IIS web server with SSL certificates, VPN access, and Group Policy Objects (GPO)
  • Identified and resolved complex VM networking issues, demonstrating strong troubleshooting and systems administration skills
VMwareWindows Server 2022Active DirectoryDNSVPNGPO
02

COVID Trend Map — Maryland ZIP Code Analysis

📍 Frostburg State University, 2022

Built an offline Android application that visualizes Maryland COVID-19 case trends by ZIP code during February 2022. The project involved real data collection, statistical analysis, and custom interactive map development.

  • Collected and analyzed Maryland COVID-19 case data across ZIP codes, tracking infection counts from February 1–28, 2022
  • Identified the top 10 ZIP codes with the highest case counts and calculated percent increases over the month
  • Pivoted from an original Wix-based plan to building a fully functional offline Android app using Android Studio after tooling constraints
  • Developed a custom interactive map with animated markers displaying ZIP code names and real case trend data
  • Designed a responsive, mobile-friendly UI focused on visual clarity and data accuracy
  • Collaborated with a 3-person team across data collection, system design, analysis, and final presentation
Android StudioJavaData AnalysisInteractive MappingUI/UX Design
03

// 04 — Athletics & Leadership

Beyond the Classroom

🏆

2021 Maryland State Champion

Won the 132 lb weight class at the Maryland State Wrestling Championship, the pinnacle of high school wrestling competition.

👑

5-Year Team Captain

Led team culture, mentored underclassmen, and coordinated pre-match preparation across five consecutive seasons of varsity wrestling.

💯

100 Career Varsity Wins

Achieved 100 career varsity wins at Stephen Decatur High School — an elite milestone in high school wrestling.

🎓

Collegiate Competitor

Competed at the collegiate level including NCAA DII Super Regional II, the 42nd Midwest Classic, and Interstate 64 High School Duals.

🤝

Wrestling Coach — Junior Seahawks

Coached youth athletes in technique, conditioning, and sportsmanship through the Junior Seahawks Wrestling Club (2021–2023).

✝️

FCA Campus Leader

Active leader in the Fellowship of Christian Athletes chapter at Frostburg State, combining faith and sport to mentor student-athletes.

// 05 — Contact

Let's Connect

I'm actively seeking internships and entry-level roles in IT, cybersecurity, and network security. Feel free to reach out — I'd love to connect.