me
Brooks Mershon
SoCal based aerobatic pilot
software developer
🛩️ Aviation
1993 Sukhoi SU-26M
- 2023 Southwest Regional Champion (Intermediate, Pitts S-1 and Panzl)
- 🥇 Hammerhead Roundup (Borrego) Advanced 1st place 2024, SU-26M
- 🥈 NorCal Classic 2024 Advanced 2nd place, SU-26M
- 🥇 AKROFEST West Open Championship (Borrego) Advanced 1st place (all three flights) 2024, SU-26M
- 2,500+ hours
- 80+ makes and models
- EAA Flight Advisor, first flight testing of the Timber Tiger Aircraft ST-L, Ryan ST 95% replica
- IAC 440213
🎓 Education
Duke University
BS in Computer Science
| May 2016 | Durham, NC |
Duke Cycling Team Member
New York University
Writers in New York Summer 2014
🕔 Experience
EarthScope Consortium
Software Engineer III
| April 2021 - Present | Boulder, CO |
- Rapid prototyping of frontend data discovery and visualization tools on Observable featured in Yahoo News and Observable customer success stories.
- Pedagogical tools related to seismology and GNSS aspects of geoscience.
- Shake Alert earthquake early warning system design;research and development team.
Stealthmode Startup
Software Developer
| November 2023 - August 2024 | San Francisco, CA (Remote) |
Mile High Gliding
Chief Pilot and Brand Ambassador
| April 2021 - February, 2022 | Boulder, CO |
- Staff training in Piper Super Cub, Citabria, Schweizer 2-32 and 2-33 gliders.
- Curriculum development for instruction at MHG, interfacing with Wings Over the Rockies scholarship programs for students learning to fly gliders.
- Sponsored aerobatic pilot, Pitts S-1S, representing Journeys Aviation and Mile High Gliding.
Boulder Pilot, LLC
Co-Owner and Pilot
| March 2020 - Present | Boulder, CO |
- Started an aircraft ferry services and transition training LLC with an emphasis on experimental aircraft, biplanes, and other demanding tailwheel aircraft with a Fedex Express and Air National Guard Pilot.
- Developed the website, branding, merchandizing, and billing practices for the Boulder Pilot brand.
- Long term contract test pilot for an Experimental Ryan ST replica. All new, CAD from the ground up, kitplane design being brought to market.
- Formed long term relationship for flight test, design consultation, marketing, video production, and technical documentation with Timber Tiger Aircraft.
Mile High Gliding
Manager and Pilot
| January 2019 - April 2021 | Boulder, CO |
- Experienced commercial glider and tow pilot. Scenic glider rides, transition training, and primary flight instruction. Responsible for staff pilot training.
- Rebranding and implementing advertising and web presence under new ownership and merging with Journeys Aviation.
- Organizing restoration of existing gliders and acquisition of new aircraft.
- Overhauling facilities and modernizing scheduling and billing practices.
Trimble SketchUp
Software Developer
| July 2016 - January 2019 | Boulder, CO |
- Significant engineering and design involvement bringing SketchUp Web to the EDU market, including integrating online file saving with Google Drive.
- Focused on improving the look, feel, and usability of the SketchUp Web user interface, specifically the search for Commands.
- 90 percent front-end work, 10 percent core geometry engine work.
- Won Best Presentation and Best Overall Hack at internal 2018 hackathon.
The Washington Post
Graphics Intern
| June 2015 - August 2015 | Washington, D.C. |
- Designed graphics for print and online publication using Adobe Illustrator.
- Developed interactive graphics that were published online on subjects including baseball statistics, historical U.S. nuclear testing, and environmental conservation.
Duke University Press
Books Editorial Intern
| January 2015 - May 2015 | Durham, NC |
Versal
Software Engineering Intern
| May 2013 - August 2013 | San Francisco, CA |
- Developed simulations related to optics, epidemiology, image processing, and geometry as the company launched.