Biography
About Me
Hi! I’m Matias Peñaloza, a senior Computer Science & Engineering student at Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María (USM). I am passionate about the systematic, effective, and efficient construction of effective and efficient software. I firmly believe that modern software must be fast and resource-optimal.
My Approach & Experience
Throughout my education, I have explored various technologies to solve real-world problems and improve daily processes. My experience includes:
- Specialization: I focus on Software Engineering and Data Analysis, constantly exploring the intersection between systems, web, and performance optimization.
- Community & Open Source: I am a strong believer in the power of open source to democratize technology. I currently help drive the Open Source Initiative at my university through @LyossUSM (USM Linux and Open Source Community).
- Full Software Lifecycle: I have managed all project stages, from initial planning to implementation, deployment, continuous integration, testing, monitoring, and maintenance.
- Project Management & Leadership: My role as Project Coordinator at @LyossUSM has taught me that software isn’t built with code alone, but with people. I have developed skills in team orchestration, stakeholder management, and applying methodologies that optimize human collaboration toward a common technical goal.
- Software Engineering & Architecture: My 1st internship experience allowed me to lead the development of large-scale platforms from scratch. I have designed robust architectures featuring complex data models (25+ tables), multiple endpoint integrations, automation via cronjobs, and audit logs, ensuring scalability and order at every stage.
Beyond the Code
When I’m not at the terminal, I find balance through my other passions:
- DJing
- Playing guitar
- Table Tennis
- Board sports
Academics
My journey at Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María has been the foundation of my technical rigor and analytical mindset. Beyond simply fulfilling the curriculum, I have focused my learning on understanding the core principles required to build scalable and efficient software.
I have maintained a solid academic record, successfully completing every semester with no failed courses, which reflects my commitment and ability to manage complex workloads under pressure. I constantly seek to apply concepts from Data Structures, Algorithms & Complexity, Software Analysis & Design, and Software Engineering to practical, real-world solutions.
Academic Progress
OSS Initiative
LyOSS is a student-led initiative at Universidad Técnica Federico Santa María founded with the mission to share, collaborate, and create technology centered around Linux and Open Source. As part of the coordination team, my goal is to foster a digital culture where knowledge is free and accessible to everyone.
My Role & Contribution
Throughout my journey within the organization, I have learned that the success of an Open Source project depends as much on the quality of the code as it does on the strength of its community:
- Project Coordination: I oversee and participate in the development of useful tools for the university community —ranging from grade calculators to management platforms— ensuring they adhere to industry best practices.
- Community Management: I will soon be collaborating on the organization of workshops and mentorship programs, helping new students take their first steps in the world of open source and submit their first Pull Request.
Currently, we continue to expand the reach of LyOSS, building projects that directly impact the daily lives of students in Valparaíso and beyond. Visit the LyOSS website.
1st Internship
During the second semester of 2025, I completed my industrial internship (1st internship) at IGR Construcciones y Montajes Ltda., where I led the development from scratch of SIGMAF (Fleet Maintenance Management System). This project consisted of a comprehensive solution (Web and Mobile) designed to optimize the control and statistical evaluation of industrial maintenance.
Impact & Responsibilities
- Stakeholder Management: I led direct meetings with clients and stakeholders to conduct requirement gathering, transforming their needs and concerns into concrete technical solutions.
- Full-Stack Development: I implemented the platform using a modern stack based on Node.js and ExpressJS for the backend, with PostgreSQL as the database and Prisma as the ORM.
- Mobile-First Solutions: I developed the mobile application using Flutter (Dart), integrating critical features such as camera usage for records and a “Critical Queue” to ensure offline functionality and subsequent data synchronization.
- Software Engineering: I designed a robust architecture that included a complex data model with over 25 tables, ensuring system scalability and data integrity through cronjobs and audit logs.
Performance Evaluation
My performance was awarded the maximum grade (5.0) in key areas such as Capacity, Application, Adaptability, Knowledge, and Goal Achievement.
“He demonstrates analytical thinking, adherence to the program, and business understanding from the start. He is a person who adapts and understands very well the changes required during development.” — Supervisor Feedback.
Contact
Do you have a technical challenge or are you looking to collaborate on a high-performance project? Send a message or let’s talk through my official channels.
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Projects
Ramo Libre
Ramo Libre is a high-performance web application designed to help university students manage their schedules, grades, and academic goals in a centralized way. The project was born as an optimized remake of its previous version, now focused on providing a more intuitive interface and seamless synchronization across devices.
Key Features
- Calculation Engine: Integrates GradeSolver as a WASM module, enabling grade projections and approval rule evaluations without blocking the UI.
- Offline-First Philosophy: Implemented as an installable PWA, it allows data visualization and editing without an internet connection, automatically syncing once connectivity is restored.
- High-Performance Architecture: Developed with Svelte 5 and TypeScript, the app guarantees load times under 1s on 4G networks for immediate interactivity.
- Open Source: The project is open source and features a detailed Wiki documenting the entire creation process —including context diagrams, domain models, and functional requirements— to facilitate community contributions.
Upcoming Milestones
The next major milestone is user experience validation through LabUX testing, ensuring the tool’s evolution directly addresses the real needs of the student body.
CdRS Platform
Within the LyOSS initiative, I lead the development of the CdRS Platform, a centralized loan and inventory management system for the Club de Rol Sansano. Unlike other internal projects, this one is managed under a service provider-client model, where I work directly with the club’s leadership to solve critical issues in their current ecosystem.
Team Leadership
- Development Team: I am in charge of a team of 8 developers with varying levels of experience, ranging from 1st-year students to 6th-year engineering seniors.
- Mentorship & Standards: I establish development best practices and coordinate project progress using GitHub Projects, ensuring that each member contributes according to their technical level.
The Technical Challenge
The club relied on a fragmented ecosystem of Notion, Google Forms, and Excel spreadsheets, which resulted in slow performance, difficult-to-use interfaces, and data errors.
We are currently building a platform that unifies the game catalog, request forms, and inventory administration into a single, efficient solution. Developed with SvelteKit and Supabase, the project focuses on optimal performance and a superior user experience (UI/UX).
Senior Classes
Since March 2026, I have been teaching a comprehensive computer workshop for senior citizens in the community of Quilpue. My volunteer work focuses on bridging the digital divide and fostering technological inclusion through a supportive and patient learning environment.
Community Impact
- Digital Inclusion: I guide students from their first steps to the autonomous use of computing tools.
- Cybersecurity Focus: I prioritize teaching safe online practices to protect user integrity and privacy in the digital environment.
- Tailored Methodology: I design specific content that addresses the particular needs and concerns of seniors, ensuring effective and meaningful learning.
Blog
Personal Tracking
Working on it..