Zachary Tunison

Database Administrator & Full Stack Developer

About Me

I'm a seasoned technology professional with over 15 years of experience spanning database administration, software development, and systems management. My career began during my co-op program at Kettering University, where I cut my teeth transitioning legacy WANG systems to modern digital applications—an experience that taught me the value of bridging old and new technologies.


Throughout my career, I've worn multiple hats simultaneously, serving as Lead Software Developer since 2012, Systems Administrator since 2016, and Senior Database Administrator since 2020. This diverse experience has given me a unique perspective on how different layers of technology interact and has made me particularly effective at solving complex, cross-functional problems.


My expertise centers on modernizing legacy systems, optimizing database performance, and creating efficiency improvements that have measurable business impact. I've successfully reduced deployment times from hours to minutes, implemented solutions that save users hundreds of hours collectively, and managed critical infrastructure transitions. I'm authorized to work in both the United States and Canada, and I'm currently expanding my knowledge through continued studies at Harvard Extension School.

Education

Master of Liberal Arts (ALM) in Extension Studies
Sep 2024 - Sep 2029
Harvard Extension School

Currently pursuing advanced studies at Harvard Extension School, expanding expertise in contemporary technologies and methodologies.

Bachelor of Science - Computer Science
2007 - 2012
Kettering University

Specialized in System and Data Security with comprehensive coursework in computer science fundamentals, database systems, and cybersecurity principles.

Full Stack Development Skills

Backend Development

  • C# / .NET Framework
  • .NET
  • Entity Framework
  • RESTful APIs

Database Technologies

  • SQL Server Administration
  • Database Design
  • Query Optimization
  • T-SQL Development
  • Redis Caching
  • Performance Tuning

DevOps & Tools

  • Git Version Control
  • CI/CD Pipelines
  • Docker Containerization
  • Claude AI Assistant with MCPs

Professional Experience

Senior Database Administrator
2020 - Present · 5+ years
  • Optimize worst-performing queries monthly, achieving 50-95% performance improvements on execution time and page reads
  • Manage 40GB production database environment including both OLTP and OLAP systems
  • Designed and implemented backup strategy with daily full backups and 15-minute transaction log backups to meet company RPO/RTO requirements
  • Built automated SQL Server maintenance routines to maintain optimal index and statistics health
Systems Administrator
2016 - Present · 9+ years
  • Purchased, installed, and configured 12 servers including 3 SQL Servers, Domain Controllers, Print Servers, Accounting Server, and 3 NetApp file servers
  • Led transition of 7 mechanical engineers from legacy ProE Version 20 to modern Creo/Windchill platform
  • Created custom integration tools between Creo/Windchill and ERP systems, reducing Design-to-Production time from hours to minutes
  • Maintain 99.9%+ uptime across all managed infrastructure
Lead Software Developer
2012 - Present · 13+ years
  • Migrated legacy Access application to modern C#/VB.NET stack, converting 125 forms and 250 reports across 2 million lines of code
  • Reduced code deployment time from 4 hours to 10 minutes through automated deployment processes
  • Implemented efficiency improvements saving 70 users an average of 20 minutes daily (1,400+ total minutes saved per day)
  • Completed transition off WANG computer onto .NET Framework accessed through existing Access front-end
Software Intern
Co-op Oct 2007 - Jun 2012 · 4 yrs 9 mos
  • Built 4 complete replacement systems in Visual Studio 2005 for Purchasing, Accounting, Spare Parts, and Sales departments, transitioning from legacy WANG computers
  • Impacted 16 users across 4 departments with modern digital paperless applications
  • Optimized hundreds of SQL queries achieving 30-90% improvements in execution time and reduced page reads
  • Integrated Distiller, Illustrator, Word, Excel, AutoCAD, and QuickBooks APIs to ensure compliance with company standards and improve user efficiency

Research Interests

Database Performance Optimization

Investigating advanced indexing strategies and query optimization techniques for large-scale database systems.

Distributed Caching Systems

Exploring the implementation of Redis and other caching solutions to improve application performance and scalability.

Large Language Models

Responsible use and careful integration of LLM technologies into business processes and development workflows.

Active Personal Projects

Collaborative Crossword Solver

crosswords.tunison.me

A collaborative crossword solver using Redis to store state, enabling multiple users to work together on crossword puzzles in real-time. Built with modern web technologies.