Database Administration · Security · Systems Thinking

Building practical solutions at the intersection of data, security, and engineering.

I’m Clay Hess, a Computer Science graduate of Ohio University with a strong interest in the systems behind reliable technology. I work across database administration, automation, secure access, and applied research, and I enjoy building tools that make complex work easier and more dependable.

Let’s Connect
Ohio University · Graduated May 2026

Focused on the parts of technology that make a real difference

  • Database administration and operational reliability in real-world environments
  • Security-minded systems work, access management, and process improvement
  • Automation and tooling that support teams beyond the obvious day-to-day tasks
  • Research and projects that span robotics, AI, and applied engineering

About

Professional profile

What I enjoy working on

My work tends to be practical and systems-oriented. I like improving how people interact with technology, whether that means strengthening reliability, making workflows simpler, or building something useful from a rough idea.

  • Database administration and systems support in mission-critical environments
  • Automation and reporting work that reduces repetitive tasks
  • Security practices that are thoughtful, measurable, and sustainable

Beyond the day-to-day

I also enjoy side projects that push me into adjacent areas of software and engineering. Those efforts have included robotics, AI experimentation, hardware security research, and practical cybersecurity work.

  • Built autonomous robotics systems using ROS and Gazebo
  • Explored AI-driven problem solving and game-based research
  • Developed security-focused projects and educational CTF-style material

Core strengths

Technical prowess

Database & Systems Administration

PeopleSoft, Oracle Enterprise Manager, Oracle systems administration, Microsoft SQL Server, SQL administration, backup strategy, Windows Server administration, and secure access management.

Security & Identity

Tenable, Splunk, password governance, Active Directory integration, Entra, and practical security operations.

Automation & Development

Python, Power Apps, Power Automate, Telerik Reporting, scripting, and workflow automation for operational efficiency.

Engineering & Research

C/C++, MATLAB, Simulink, VHDL, Verilog, ROS Humble, Gazebo, and embedded hardware security research.

Contact

Let’s connect

I’m always interested in connecting with people working on thoughtful technology, whether that means systems, data, automation, security, or experimental projects that sit at the edge of practical engineering.

Email: clay@jhlabs.net GitHub: claythess LinkedIn: claythess