Nicolas Kennedy
Network Engineer | Computer Engineering Student at URI
Network Engineer with hands-on infrastructure experience across enterprise and campus environments — VLANs, switching, routing, and automation
IT Network Technician at the University of Rhode Island, deploying and maintaining campus networking infrastructure
Co-founded ServiceSurfer LLC — a startup that grew from a local services directory into an AI phone line connecting homeowners with the right provider
Currently: IT Network Technician at University of Rhode Island
Experience
IT Network Technician
University of Rhode Island
2025–Present
- •Deploy and maintain campus networking infrastructure (switches, access points, servers)
- •Troubleshoot connectivity and system issues for staff and students
- •Collaborate with engineers on VLANs, cabling, and monitoring across buildings
- •Document configurations and operational procedures
- •Develop and maintain network automation scripts to automate repetitive tasks
Related Projects
Cisco Switch Provisioning CLI
Zero-to-production switch provisioning tool with dry-run support and modular config sections
Co-Founder
ServiceSurfer LLC
2025 – 2026
- •Co-founded ServiceSurfer LLC, a startup connecting homeowners with local service providers, first through a web platform and then through an AI phone line
- •Came up with the idea and led product design from the first version through the pivot
- •Built most of the core logic behind the matching platform and the AI phone line that talks with callers and routes them to a local provider
- •Designed the business model: affordable featured listings as an alternative to traditional small business advertising
- •Led provider outreach, partnerships, and go-to-market strategy across both sides of the marketplace
- •Pitched at URI RISE-UP pitch night and presented at a business convention at Bryant University
Network Technician Intern
Newport City Hall
May 2022 – Aug 2022
- •Assisted with configuration and maintenance of routers, switches, and endpoints
- •Assisted with system recovery and repair following a major cybersecurity incident
- •Performed structured cabling and patch panel maintenance across network racks supporting city government operations — traced and terminated copper runs, managed cable pathways, and ensured proper connectivity across switches and distribution frames
- •Managed live broadcast systems for city court hearings and public council meetings, including real-time monitoring of audio/video feeds, camera switching, and on-the-fly troubleshooting to maintain uninterrupted streams
- •Responded to helpdesk tickets involving hardware and network troubleshooting
Projects
Featured
ServiceSurfer
From a local services directory to an AI phone line that connects homeowners with the right provider
ServiceSurfer started with two problems: people couldn't find local service providers in one place, and small businesses were overpaying for ads that didn't convert. I came up with the idea, led product design, and built most of the core logic: first a web platform that pulled every local provider into one search, with affordable featured listings for businesses. After feedback from our URI RISE-UP mentors, we pivoted to an AI phone line that talks with callers, understands their home issue, and routes them straight to a local provider. Along the way I led provider outreach and go-to-market, formed ServiceSurfer LLC, and pitched it at RISE-UP pitch night and a business convention at Bryant University.
NetTest
An open-source, build-it-yourself network tester inspired by the NetAlly LinkSprinter
NetTest is a pocket-sized ESP32 network tester you plug into any Ethernet port to see whether the drop works and how it's configured. Powered over PoE, it runs a full test sequence automatically (link, switch and port, VLAN, DHCP, gateway, DNS, and internet) and shows the results, IP details, and port info on a small built-in screen. The goal is everything the LinkSprinter can do for under $100 in parts, with open-source hardware, firmware, and a custom 3D-printed case so anyone can build their own.
n0conflict
AI-powered CLI that resolves Git merge conflicts by analyzing both sides and preserving intent
n0conflict is a published Python CLI tool that intelligently resolves Git merge conflicts using AI. Instead of forcing a manual pick between two versions, it analyzes the intent of each conflicting side and produces a merged result that preserves the logic of both. Supports resolve, scan, and explain commands across Python, TypeScript, Go, Rust, and more. Operates safely without writing to disk unless explicitly instructed. Available on PyPI.
Other Work
Cisco Switch Provisioning CLI
Zero-to-production switch provisioning tool with dry-run support and modular config sections
Open SourceA lightweight, dependency-free Python CLI that takes a Cisco switch from factory reset to fully production-ready in a single command. Supports granular section targeting — VLANs, interfaces, routing, and ACLs can each be applied independently or together. Features a built-in dry-run mode that previews every command before it touches the switch, making it safe to iterate on configurations in live environments. Leverages PuTTY's plink for SSH transport, keeping the tool portable with zero pip dependencies.
Personal Portfolio Website
Personal portfolio website built with Next.js, TypeScript, and Tailwind CSS
Open SourceTech Stack
23 technologies across 8 projects & roles
Protocols & Standards
Hardware & Platforms
Physical Infrastructure
Automation & Scripting
Operations
Other
Education
University of Rhode Island
B.S. Computer Engineering
Expected May 2028
- •GPA: 3.7
- •Division 1 Collegiate Athlete: Track and Field (2024-2025)
- •Organizations: URI Cybersecurity Club, Rhody Exchange, Rhody Christian Fellowship
Rogers High School (Newport, RI) / Busan Foreign School (Busan, South Korea)
High School Diploma
Graduated May 2024
- •GPA: 4.3 | Class Rank: 12/151
Certifications
State Champion — Web Design
SkillsUSA
2022
Python Programming
Certified
2021
IC3 Digital Literacy
Certified
2022
Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA)
Cisco
CompTIA Security+ (Network)
CompTIA