Larna
Campbell

Full-stack software engineer

I build accessible, reliable software systems that work well for people.

Illustrated portrait of Larna Campbell, smiling, wearing glasses and a blue shirt

From education to software engineering

Hi, I’m Larna,

A full-stack software engineer based in the UK.

My earlier career covered education leadership and digital learning design. That work strengthened my interest in systems, communication and clear information.

During my MA in Digital Education, I especially enjoyed designing digital products. I wanted to build systems from scratch, without the limits of fixed platforms.

Learning software engineering gave me that opportunity. I loved the creativity and challenge of building, testing and debugging software.

I now build applications with JavaScript, TypeScript, React, Node.js, Python and SQL. I focus on accessible software that works under real-world pressure and cognitive load.

Core principles

  • Systems thinking
  • Clear communication
  • Collaborative problem-solving
  • Inclusion by design
  • Reducing friction
  • Clear, maintainable code
  • Tech stack flexibility

Featured project

A full-stack application designed and implemented with accessibility, usability and maintainability as priorities.

  • Culture Finder

    An event discovery and wishlist application for finding events and planning future outings.

    The problem

    Finding and tracking events across dates, categories and venues can require repeated searches.

    The project

    Culture Finder began as a six-person project during an intensive Python and SQL course. We built a Flask REST API, MySQL database and console client. The application used the Ticketmaster Discovery API.

    During development, I designed and built the console client and user workflows using placeholder functions so work could progress in parallel. I then integrated the Flask API routes as team members completed them. Later, I led a client refactor after agreeing the change with the team. The refactor separated the interface, workflows and API calls into clear modules.

    My work included testing, error handling, documentation and system integration. I also supported team delivery through pull requests and code review.

    After the course, I independently built an accessible Next.js frontend. The frontend consumes the Flask API. Together, the projects show Culture Finder’s evolution from a console interface to an accessible web frontend.

    Engineering focus

    • Layered separation between interfaces, API clients and the Flask backend
    • Full-stack integration from the Next.js frontend through the Flask REST API to MySQL
    • Accessible search and wishlist user journeys
    • Input validation, error handling and resilient empty states
    • Unit, integration, regression and accessibility testing
    • Incremental frontend development with production builds, ESLint checks and Prettier formatting after each feature
    • Collaborative delivery using feature branches, pull requests and code review

    Technologies

    • Next.js
    • React
    • JavaScript
    • Python
    • Flask
    • MySQL
    • REST APIs
    • Python unittest
    • Pytest
    • Jest
    • React Testing Library
    • ESLint
    • Prettier

Technical skills

  • Programming & web Technologies

    • JavaScript
    • TypeScript
    • HTML
    • CSS
    • React
    • Next.js
    • Astro
    • Node.js
    • Express
    • Python
    • FastAPI
    • Flask

  • Data and APIs

    • SQL
    • MySQL
    • Database design
    • Data security
    • Password hashing
    • Parameterised queries
    • REST APIs
    • API integration
    • API design
    • Input validation
    • Error handling

  • Testing & quality

    • Unit testing
    • Integration testing
    • End-to-end testing
    • Regression testing
    • Accessibility testing
    • React Testing Library
    • Jest
    • Pytest
    • Python unittest
    • ESLint
    • Prettier

  • DevOps & Cloud

    • AWS: S3, EC2, ECR and ECS
    • Azure fundamentals
    • Docker Containerisation
    • Kubernetes
    • Terraform
    • CI/CD
    • GitHub Actions
    • Vercel
    • Infrastructure fundamentals

  • Accessibility & design

    • WCAG 2.2
    • WCAG 3 draft awareness
    • Semantic HTML
    • ARIA
    • Keyboard navigation
    • Screen reader testing
    • Cognitive accessibility
    • Lighthouse
    • GOV.UK Design System
    • User research with disabled users

  • Tools & delivery

    • Git
    • GitHub
    • Postman
    • Agile
    • Jira
    • ClickUp
    • VS Code
    • Pair and group programming
    • Pull requests
    • Code review
    • Technical documentation

Experience

  1. Software Engineering to Present

    Software Engineer

    Independent Software Engineering Projects

    • Designed and built full-stack applications using JavaScript, React, Node.js, Python and SQL
    • Created REST APIs and structured data flows with validation and error handling
    • Applied accessibility testing, automated testing, secure coding and maintainable architecture
    • Used Git, feature branches, pull requests and iterative delivery across individual and team projects
    • Designed systems focused on usability, clarity, reducing friction and real-world workflows
  2. Education Leadership to Present

    Modern Foreign Languages Teacher and Head of Department

    Leeds City Council

    • Led department-wide improvement initiatives using structured analysis and iterative problem solving
    • Designed systems and workflows to improve consistency, communication, and operational efficiency
    • Analysed performance and behavioural data to inform strategic decision-making
    • Achieved a substantial reduction in serious behaviour incidents through data-informed process improvements
    • Collaborated with multidisciplinary stakeholders and communicated complex information clearly

Technical education & professional development

  1. Code First Girls

    CFGdegree Data and Software Engineering

    Developed software with Python, SQL and REST APIs, backend development, data structures, debugging and algorithmic thinking.

    • APIs and microservices
    • Object-oriented programming
    • Data structures and libraries
    • Recursion and linked lists
    • Debugging and algorithm design
  2. Code First Girls

    +Masters in DevOps & Cloud Engineering

    Training in cloud platforms, deployment workflows, infrastructure, containers, orchestration and security fundamentals.

    • Built and deployed containerised applications with Docker, Kubernetes and AWS.
    • Applied CI/CD concepts to deployment, scaling and rollback.
    • Updated YAML manifests in Kubernetes with new observability rules.
    • Learned Terraform foundations for infrastructure as code.
  3. AI Workshop

    SQL Bootcamp

    14-week hands-on SQL programme covering production-grade querying, joins, CTEs, window functions, AI-assisted workflows and GitHub Codespaces.

    • Developed advanced SQL knowledge.
    • Wrote production-grade queries using joins, common table expressions and window functions.
    • Used AI-assisted workflows and GitHub Codespaces.
  4. The Coders' Guild

    Project Management with Digital Tools & AI

    Trained in delivery workflows, Agile and Waterfall methods, and digital collaboration tools.

    • Scrum, Kanban and Scrumban
    • Jira, ClickUp and Trello
    • Agile ceremonies and delivery practices
  5. CFG / Codecademy

    Earlier technical learning

    Completed foundational technical learning through Code First Girls and Codecademy.

    • Code First Girls Kickstarter courses in JavaScript, Python, data and SQL.
    • Codecademy’s Full-Stack Engineer path in HTML, CSS and JavaScript.
  6. University of Leeds

    MA Digital Education

    Completed research-informed postgraduate study in digital systems, accessibility, learning design and user-centred technology.

    • Explored how structured information, usability and interface design affect understanding, participation and decision-making.
    • Developed knowledge of digital pedagogy, learning theory, accessibility, digital literacy and education product development.

Tech communities and mentoring

I learn with communities that make technology more accessible, inclusive and supportive. I also take part in mentoring, shared learning and communities of practice.

  • A11y NorthAccessibility
  • Queer Tech LeedsLGBTQ+ in tech
  • Coding Black FemalesBlack women in tech
  • Women in Tech YorkWomen in tech
  • Cajigo Women in TechWomen in tech
  • NurtureMe MentoringDiversity in tech mentoring
  • AI WorkshopAI & data learning

Get in touch

I’m always happy to connect with people working on accessible, user-focused technology. I welcome conversations about inclusive design and development.