Gabriel Pena

IT support specialist with expertise in troubleshooting and customer-support, well-known for resolving complex user issues via live chat and email. I have a proven track record of experience of customer satisfaction, operational efficiency and basic trading knowledge from the Topstep Discord.

Program Support Volunteer

Autism Society of NC | Dec 2019 - Present

• Adapted to different participant needs and barriers to create a welcoming, inclusive, and positive experience.
• Built strong client-facing communication skills through consistent support of individuals with different comfort levels, needs, and challenges.

Climate Risk Analysis Capstone Project

Database Manager / GIS Data Developer

• Managed the project’s database design and backend data structure using PostgreSQL and PostGIS to store yearly surface temperature records, country identifiers, spatial geometry, and GIS-ready climate data.
• Created and maintained SQL tables, spatial polygon layers, normalized database structures, and database views for integration with ArcGIS Pro.
• Built GIS-ready views that allowed climate data to connect with map layers, spatial joins, symbology, heatmap-style visuals, and time-slider animations.
• Cleaned, organized, and structured raw climate data using SQL, Python, and Pandas to make the data accurate, consistent, and usable for analysis.
• Supported the development of an interactive Streamlit dashboard with country filters, tables, and line charts to make the climate data easier to explore.
• Documented the database schema, GIS workflow, dashboard setup, project files, and security considerations using MkDocs and GitHub.
• Applied skills in database management, spatial data modeling, data cleaning, GIS mapping, data visualization, documentation, and data integrity.

Enterprise Network Security Lab

Cybersecurity Lab Developer

• Built and managed a virtualized cybersecurity lab using Proxmox to simulate enterprise-style network environments and practice hands-on security concepts.
• Deployed and configured an OPNsense firewall with custom firewall rules, segmented network controls, secure network protocols, and traffic filtering policies.
• Performed penetration testing in the virtual lab environment to identify vulnerabilities, test defensive configurations, and understand mitigation strategies.
• Configured identity and access management controls to practice secure authentication, authorization, and user access restrictions.
• Applied RSA encryption and decryption concepts to better understand cryptographic workflows, secure communication, and data protection.
• Managed system installation, configuration, troubleshooting, and GUI-based administration across multiple virtual machines.
• Strengthened skills in virtualization, firewall management, IDS/IPS monitoring, network segmentation, penetration testing, IAM, encryption, and cybersecurity troubleshooting.

• Introduction to Networks (CCNA) (Badge Received), Cisco, 2024
• Network Simulation & Configuration (Packet Tracer) (Badge Received), Cisco, 2024
• Computer Hacking Forensic Investigator (CHFI) Training (Badge Received), EC-Council, 2024
• Artificial Intelligence Foundations: Machine Learning, LinkedIn Learning, 2026
• CompTIA Security+ — In Progress
• Google IT Support Professional Certificate — In Progress

• Highest Achieving Student Award, Computer Technology and Information Systems
• 2nd Place, County Chess Tournament
• Regional Champion, Quiz Bowl
• Member, National Honor Society