Meet Invision360 Full Stack Developer, Dan Sarracayo

In the first of our ‘meet the team’ blogs, we thought we’d introduce Invision360 Full Stack Developer, Dan Sarracayo.

Dan, who has been a key member of our Technology Team since December 2021, may have a strong scientific background, but he views writing code as an “art form”. His love for development is quite infectious, and so we thought we’d dig a bit deeper to discover more about his passions and motivations – both at work and at home.

Before we find out more about you Dan, could tell us what a Full Stack Developer does?

“Absolutely. As a Full Stack Developer, I build both the front end (what you can see) and the back end (the things you can’t see – e.g. code, data storage and processing) of the Invision360 platform.

“I get involved in all aspects of the ongoing development and maintenance of Invision360. I help to build new features, perform tests, troubleshoot software, fix any issues, and identify ways to improve the user-experience of Invision360 with Phil and the team .”  

Growing up, what did you want to do for a job?

“Like most young people, I had different ideas at different times. For a long time, I wanted to join the Police or the RAF and so I became a member of the Air Cadets (ATC), which took up a big chunk of my youth!

“It was only when I was 15 years old that I really settled on science, in particular, biology. I planned to become a lab technician in microbiology, and I studied double applied science at A-Level, so was well on my way. How I ended up as a software engineer is still somewhat of a mystery to me, but I love what I do!”

What is it that you love so much about your job?

“Firstly, I love the art form that is writing code. I enjoy the nuance of laying each letter and symbol out into a wonderful collage that computers perfectly interpret into something that people can use and interactive with.  

“Secondly, I also love the feeling you get when someone uses something you’ve made, especially if it improves their life or just makes their day a little better.

“Finally, as a self-proclaimed puzzle enthusiast, it’s the problem solving for me. There’s no better feeling than finally cracking a bug or puzzle in some cases!”

How would your friends/colleagues describe you?

“I guess they would say that I’m passionate and always willing to listen or help. I also think that they would say that I’m quite opinionated and love a good debate, but also open minded. I like to think that I can be swayed by sound and valid arguments as I am a scientist at heart – if the facts are there, I can be convinced.”

Tell us something that no-one else knows about you?

“This was a tricky question as I am quite an open book. I suppose one less-known thing about me is my love and affinity for finances, for it being such an unspoken or taboo subject. I could literally talk about it for hours. I also just really like the process of accounting; as such I have a tonne of spreadsheets and use multiple modern bank and investment accounts too. There’s just something about neatly budgeting your money into categories, reviewing expenses or just squirrelling away money and watching it grow from interest or gains. Also, you feel less bad when you treat yourself!”

What are your favourite things to do outside of work?

“I’m a bit of serial hobbyist. I like to pick up new skills or just simply learn about new things as often as I can. However, my go-to pastimes are a bit of gaming, DIY, reading, cooking and binge-watching the latest thing on Netflix.”

What’s on your bucket list?

“From a young age, I have always wanted to watch a space vehicle launch. I can’t imagine how it would feel to experience an Artemis or SpaceX Falcon launch in person (from launchpad 39A, of course). I plan to one day! Another crazy but perfectly natural goal - considering what my Portuguese ancestors got up to - is to sail around the world. I would love to spend a year or so circumnavigating the seas and experiencing all the places and cultures that I can.”

Where is the most amazing place you’ve ever been?

“The most amazing place (so far) is Cornwall. I’ll never forget eloping with my wife in St Just, near Lands’ End, where we explored the most south westerly tip of England during height of spring in late May. From the beautiful hedgerows to the rolling hills and steep cliffs dotted with ancient towns and mines, it was just so picturesque.”

Your favourite fictional character and why?

“Now, I know that this one will make people laugh, but it has to be Pingu! He’s so playful and curious about everything.”

What’s the best piece of advice you ever received?

“I use this saying, not just in my personal life but in work also. Failing, and learning from it, is the only path to success - so never be afraid to fail. After all, as people, quite often the best way to learn is by making mistakes. That’s why scientists test things many times over, each time learning, adapting and trying again.”