Peter Johnstone | B.S. Computer Science

About Me

Hi, I’m Peter Johnstone, a Software Engineer from Hendersonville, Tennessee. I recently graduated from Stonehill College in Easton, Massachusetts with a Computer Science Major and a Mathematics Minor. I have a deep passion for programming, problem-solving, and the intersection of math and technology, which drives my personal and professional pursuits.

Beyond my technical interests, I'm an avid chess player. I also love spending time outdoors—whether it’s hiking, exploring new places, or simply enjoying nature. I’m always eager to learn, solve complex problems, and collaborate on projects that push the boundaries of innovation.

Work Experience

Cisco - Secure Network Analytics Detections Team | May 2025 - May 2026

Software Engineering Intern

• Collaborated on a sprint-based team to audit and document over 100 legacy network detections, translating proprietary analytics logic into clear technical documentation
• Reverse engineered detection logic into modern formats, including native JSON-based NDR rules and industry-standard Sigma rules, enabling migration to Cisco's next-gen detection platform
• Leveraged AI tools to trace logic across repositories, automating code testing and generation while maintaining internal wiki documentation and supporting cross-functional collaboration and onboarding

Stonehill College Digital Innovation Lab | Jan 2025 - May 2025

Web Developer

• Redesign and optimize an online platform to showcase student work in various media formats, ensuring scalability and ease of maintenance
• Collaborate with supervisor weekly to track progress, integrate feedback, and refine project objectives

Stonehill College Computer Science Department | Sept - Dec 2024

Data Structures Tutor

• Facilitated learning and understanding of complex data structures concepts for undergraduate students
• Collaborated with professors to develop supplementary teaching materials and assist students in mastering problem-solving techniques and coursework

Projects

Holocron Qualitative Coding | January 2026 - May 2026

• Led the Tools and Security teams for a 13-member capstone project, coordinating infrastructure, dev tooling, and security-related technical decisions
• Architected and deployed the project’s full-stack infrastructure on DigitalOcean using Jenkins ,Docker, Apache, PostgreSQL, React, and Django
• Built and maintained CI/CD pipelines using Jenkins and Poetry for Python dependency and environment management
• View Project Demo: Here

ASL Machine Learning Detection | May 2025

• Collaborated with a team of three to develop a computer vision model that detects and classifies American Sign Language (ASL) letters using Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs)
• Trained and tested the model on labeled datasets, enabling real-time ASL letter prediction with high precision and reliability

Recipe Manager Full Stack Web Application | April 2024

• Worked independently to create a recipe manager web application
• Designed and developed a responsive frontend using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
• Developed the backend with Python and Flask framework.
• Employed SQLite database on the backend of the application
• View GitHub Repo: Here

Leadership & Activities

Leadership Experience

Founder & President | Stonehill Chess Club | September 2023 - May 2026

• Founded and established the college's current Chess Club, growing membership to over 40 active participants within the first year by organizing engaging events, tournaments, and weekly strategy sessions
• Directed multiple 90+ attendee intercollegiate chess tournaments with prize pools ranging from $1500 to $5000 bringing in participants from 10+ states, ranging from prospective students to master players boosting campus visibility
• Managed and mentored a team of executive board members to organize campus-wide events, collaborating with other clubs and securing future success of club activities after my departure, enhancing the club's impact

Student Facilitator | IDEAS in Chess | Stonehill College | January 2026 - May 2026

• Personally mentored eight students in chess fundamentals and advanced concepts, progressing from basic lessons in piece movement to complex tactics used in competition-style gameplay
• Adapted lesson plans and activities to accommodate individual learning styles and differing skill levels, ensuring everyone learned something new every day

Resident Assistant | Stonehill College Resident Assistant | Stonehill College | August 2025 - May 2026

• Embodied servant leadership by directly supporting and organizing programs for approximately 280 residents
• Mediated conflict and facilitated conversations while maintaining discretion and providing relevant follow-up

Orientation Leader | Stonehill College | January 2023 - August 2024

• Guided and mentored over 40 incoming students during the orientation program, fostering a welcoming environment and providing support to help them transition smoothly into college life
• Collaborated with other leaders to execute interactive orientation activities