Peter Johnstone | B.S. Computer Science

Work Experience

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

Software Engineering Intern

• Created an internal Confluence for 100+ core network detections, tracing Python/Django logic and SQL queries across PostgreSQL, Vertica, 15 repositories and 300+ files, reducing detection analysis from hours of code and SQL tracing to 1-2 minutes
• Reverse-engineered 100+ Python/SQL-based legacy detections into scalable, self-contained JSON NDR rules andidentified 15+ platform gaps, partnering with a principal engineer to prioritize migration to Cisco’s newer SNA engine
• Automated detection QA with Wireshark, Claude Code, and MCP, cutting full-suite testing from 100–200 hours down to 1-2 hours and catching defects in 15 detections before production
• Trained 6 of 7 teammates, including 2 QA engineers, 3 software engineers, and the team lead, to use the Claude Code/MCP testing workflow, enabling continued adoption and handoff of the automation after the internship

Stonehill College Digital Innovation Lab | Jan 2025 - May 2025

Web Developer

• Re-architected a WordPress literary magazine by migrating 200+ submissions into a structured Posts system and custom PHP theme, cutting homepage average load time from 10+ seconds down to 1-2 seconds
• Replaced 3 outdated plugins with custom theme functionality, reducing dependencies to 1 free plugin and eliminating $200/year in licensing costs
• Streamlined content publishing with automated release tagging and ordering, reducing publishing time from around 20 minutes down to 5-10 minutes per submission; trained the site owner on the theme, which remains in production

Stonehill College Computer Science Department | Sept - Dec 2024

Data Structures Learning Assistant

• Served as the sole tutor for a 40-student Java Data Structures course, delivering 42 hours of instruction on trees, graphs, hash tables, recursion, backtracking, Big-O analysis, and other core concepts
• Developed midterm and final practice exams for all 40 students, drawing 25-30 students per review session; materials were retained by the professor for future semesters

Leadership & Activities

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 | 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