Behind the Blockchain: Fernando

Say hello to Fernando, a family man based in Lima, Peru, who is shaping the world of Web3 as a Core Developer for Syscoin, Rollux, and SYS Labs. A seasoned professional in the realm of software development, his technical acumen, coupled with an unwavering commitment to learning and growth, is paving the way for a brighter future in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry.

Fernando's foray into coding began when he was merely eight years old, thanks to his uncle, a Software Engineer, who introduced him to the world of programming. After earning his Associate’s degree in Computing and Informatics from a technical school, Fernando embarked on his professional journey in 2004, transitioning from ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning) to Web2 with Drupal, an open-source web content management system. His friend Yannick Warnier, founder of Chamilo, introduced him to Bitcoin in 2010, marking the beginning of his deep dive into blockchain development, which started in earnest in 2014 with the Devcoin project.

His journey with Syscoin commenced in 2022 when Bradley Stephenson enlisted his expertise for the Definitive Guide to Merged Mining with Syscoin. A Spanish Twitter Space about Syscoin, hosted by Alex Guerra, forged an immediate connection with the Syscoin community that set the course for his involvement with the project.

A typical day in Fernando's life as a Developer Relations (DevRel) within the greater Syscoin ecosystem starts with offering support for partner integrations and liaising with Business Developers. His afternoons are dedicated to providing feedback to engineers across different departments and monitoring the community to promptly manage any pressing infrastructure concerns that might affect integrations. Managing SYS Labs' GitHub repositories and contributing to various tasks are also part of his regular duties.

The most daunting challenge he encounters in the blockchain and cryptocurrency industry is creating user-friendly platforms with frictionless onboarding experiences. However, the reward lies in working on projects like Rollux, where the team is striving to eliminate transaction costs and the technological limitations of Web2, thereby serving the underserved online communities.

The Rollux project holds a special place in Fernando's heart. Despite his modest contributions over three months, he takes immense pride in being a part of it due to its significance in the Web3 ecosystem.

Looking to the future, Fernando believes that the industry needs to step up and embrace the promising future frequently discussed at Web3 conferences. With AI and other game-changing technologies propelling blockchain development at every level, he envisions Rollux as a foundational layer enabling fractal scaling, an essential precursor to introducing Appchains (L3). As a DevRel at SYS Labs, he plays a crucial role in actualizing this vision, ensuring partners can overcome technical challenges during integrations and collaborating with his colleagues to resolve complex roadblocks.

As a Peruvian, Fernando's unique perspective infuses his work in the blockchain industry with a focus on inclusivity, multilingualism, and internationalization standards. He sees Peru, and particularly Lima, as a fertile ground for blockchain and startups, and believes that Web3 has the potential to reverse the technological gaps trapping informal markets in poverty, a prediction made three decades ago by the famous Peruvian economist Hernando de Soto.

While Fernando spends most of his time immersed in technology, he cherishes the moments spent with his family and prioritizes self-care to avoid falling victim to sleep deprivation. The birth of his first child in 2019 stands as a deeply significant moment for him and has forever changed his life.

"A Mind for Numbers" by Barbara Oakley is a resource that has profoundly influenced Fernando. It underscores the importance of expanding one's learning and mathematical skills simultaneously, which resonates with his advice for anyone looking to start a career in blockchain development: cherish the journey of discovery and maintain an openness to continuous learning and growth.

Fernando's role as a Core Developer within the wider Syscoin ecosystem, combined with his passion for technology and commitment to the growth of the blockchain industry, make him a valuable asset to the community. Stay updated with Fernando and Syscoin's journey by following his updates on GitHub and Twitter. His dedication to promoting the ideals of blockchain and his commitment to Syscoin's growth and Rollux’s ascension make him a unique part of the Syscoin community.