Fraser Connolly

About me

I am a software developer and educator that is seeking to transition into the games development sector. I have a wide variety of experience working with digital technology and software development, I have spent the last year upskilling in C++, Unity and Blender skills. During my career I have demonstrated a variety of transferable skills including running a production team, managing strict schedules, working with large budgets, and communicating effectively with colleagues, students, and the public. In the last few years, I published my first commercial desktop application, OCPE, an emulator for network lighting control protocols and launched the Architecture Showcase website for the University of Strathclyde in response to the pandemic.

I can be contacted via my LinkedIn profile.

Skills

C#

I have been developing in C# for Windows Desktop, Web and Games (Unity) since 2012. Most recently I have been developing a real time network protocol emulator with Electron for the GUI and WinPCap for network communications. I have also worked with WPF, and EF6.

C++

At GCU I have developed a retro style game using C++ for which I received the maximum possible mark. Previously I have used C++/C for microcontroller including Arduinos and PIC 18s & 32s. I am currently working on an OpenGL 3D game.

Unity Game Engine

I have used the Unity Game engine on a variety of different prototype projects including VR (OpenVR), AR (Niantic Lightship 3), 3D third and first person, and 2D games.

Website design

I have designed and developed websites using Bootstrap, ASP.net, Umbraco CMS, and the Proton Javascript library. The biggest website I've developed so far is the Architecture Showcase website for the University of Strathclyde.

Python and Java

I have taught Python, Java, and SQL at HND level at Glasgow Clyde College.

CV

Summary

Fraser Connolly MSc PGCert BA(hons) FHEA

Glasgow, Scotland
Software Developer, Support Technician, and Lecturer

Education Sector

Computing Lecturer

Glasgow Clyde College - 2022
As a Computing Lecturer I taught SQA modules at levels 5 through 8 covering subjects in Software Development and Cyber Security.

IT Support Technician

University of Strathclyde - 2020 - 2022
Technician to the department of architecture and the faculty of engineering operations team. Web developer of the Architecture Showcase website.

Production Technician, Digital

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama - 2017 - 2019
I taught technical theatre skills to BA and MA students. I supported learning by providing practical expertise whilst encouraging students to think creatively to solve problems. I completed a PGCert in teaching and learning during which I researched ways to improve the teaching practices for lighting control protocols.

Private Sector

Senior Software Developer
Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd - 2015 - 2016
I developed desktop software using Visual Studio C# and Borland C++ as well as PIC Microchip firmware using MPLAB X. As a senior manager, I supervised colleagues and collaborated on product design.

Production Coordinator
Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd - 2013 - 2015
I managed the company's product assemblies including the outsourcing of PCB assemblies and cases. I also supervised product testing and packaging.

Junior R&D Technician
Artistic Licence Engineering Ltd - 2012 - 2013
I tested the company's software products and redeveloped the web interface for Multi-Play to make it iOS compatible.

Freelance

Offstage Controls
2017 - Present
I founded Offstage Controls to develop and launch the Offstage Controls Protocol Emulator which supports the development of ethernet based lighting control products by emulating ethernet lighting hardware.

Embedded Website Design

I re-developed the embedded website on a popular Art-Net ethernet gateway utilising a PIC32 microcontroller.

Visiting Lecturer

I have run several classes on lighting control protocols and lighting control networks.

Electronic Theatre Props

I have worked on Arduino and electronic props for theatre and live entertainment events.

Education

BSc Games Development (Software Development)

Glasgow Caledonian University - 2023 - ongoing
Modules:

Music and Sound for Games
Academy of Music - 2022

MSc Software Engineering

University of Westminster - 2012 - 2013
Modules:
  • Algorithmics
  • Software Design
  • Database Languages
  • Enterprise Development
  • Object Orientated Programming
  • Dissertation: Theatre Control using Art-Net and Open Sound Control

PGCert Cyber Security - Graduate Apprenticeship

University of Strathclyde - 2020 - 2021

PGCert Teaching and Learning in Higher Education

Royal Central School of Speech and Drama - 2018 - 2019
Action Research - development of a protocol emulator to support the teaching of lighting control systems.

BA Theatre Practice – Production Lighting

Central School of Speech and Drama - 2009 - 2012
  • Chief electrician on Epsom Downs
  • Deputy chief electrician on Divine Words
  • Set electrician on Guys and Dolls
  • Venue chief electrician on Common Chorus and As I Lay Dying

Training Courses

GameDev.TV

2022-2023
Online courses:
  • Unity Multiplayer: Intermediate C# Coding & Networking
  • The Ultimate Guide to Cinematography with Unity
  • Low Poly Landscape - Blender
  • 3rd Person Combat Traversal - Unity

GameDev HQ

2023
Unity Tech Art: Realistic Lighting for Game Development

Rhino – Level 1

Simply Rhino Limited - 2019

First Aid at Work

Red Cross - 2017

Intermediate Electricity for Entertainment Technicians

Lamp and Pencil - 2017

Practical Pyrotechnics

Just FX - 2011

PAT Competency

Techno Serve - 2010

Voluntary Sector

Software Developer / Results Officer

Wiltshire Schools' Athletic Association - 2009 - 2017
In 2015 WSAA hosted the South West Cross Country Championship for which I developed a data entry and analysis solution. The solution included mobile and web applications to capture participant’s times and positions more effectively and accurately.

Production Officer
National Student Pride - 2016 - 2017
I was proud to support the work of NSP by arranging technical aspects of the 2016 and 2017 events.

Recent Blog Posts

Space Invaders and Paranoid

Two retro games implemented for Windows command prompt in C++ with no external libraires.

Fraser Connolly
5 min

Global Game Jam 2024

I participated in the 2024 Global Game Jam at Glasgow Caledonian University. The theme was 'Make me Laugh'.

Fraser Connolly
3 min

Identity Reset - Targeting

First implementation of the targeting system for selecting NPCs.

Fraser Connolly
2 min

Melee Combat Animation - Test 01

This is a recording of the first test of the melee animations for a new game that I'm developing.

Fraser Connolly
3 min
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