I'm Joel Southall — a full-stack web and software developer with a passion for community-driven tech, educational tools, and cross-cultural engagement.

🛠️ I build applications using ASP.NET Core, Blazor, React, SQL, Firebase, and more — blending modern front-end frameworks with scalable backends. I also maintain and customize WordPress sites for clients and personal projects.

🎓 I hold an AAS in Software Development and an MA in Philosophy. My background in logic and critical thinking deeply informs my design and problem-solving approach.

• Educational apps like Hop with Waabooz, a Firebase-backed word-of-the-day app for Ojibwe language learning.
• Civic tools like TribeFinder, which maps the nearest tribal offices using React and Google Maps API.
• Cultural and creative projects, from narrative design in RPGs to community-focused IoT-style tools like GardenSense.
• AI + UX experiments, including Philosobot, a Blazor Server chatbot with philosophical personas powered by OpenAI. 🌐 Organizer of the EugDotNet Meetup in Eugene, Oregon, where I host workshops on Blazor, APIs, and full-stack topics.

• Languages: C#, JavaScript, HTML/CSS, PHP, Python
• Frameworks: ASP.NET Core, Blazor, React, React Native, Flutter (Dart), Node.js, Express
• Databases: Firebase, MongoDB, SQL Server, MySQL, SQLite
• Tooling: Git, Visual Studio, VS Code, Webpack, Trello, MySQL Workbench
• Dev Practices: OOP, Agile, SDLC, accessibility-first design

• GardenSense – Blazor Server | WIP
  A smart gardening interface for planning zones, light schedules, and future sensor integration (e.g., Raspberry Pi). Demonstrates component-driven UI and real-time updates.

• Philosobot – Blazor Server + OpenAI API | WIP
  A philosophical chatbot with selectable personas (analytic, poetic, postcolonial) powered by prompt-engineered GPT. Created for workshops and thoughtful AI interaction.

• TribeFinder – React + Google Maps API
  A web app that locates the five nearest tribal offices using public data and geolocation. Features responsive UI and custom GeoJSON-based map overlays. [React Native version in progress.]

• Hop with Waabooz – React + Firebase | WIP
  A culturally responsive word-of-the-day app teaching Ojibwe vocabulary. Includes mascot-led lessons, daily word rotation, and future audio/image enhancements. Built for kids and educators.

• BlazorGraphQL – Blazor Server + GraphQL + SQLite | WIP
  A book management system using GraphQL for data queries and mutations. Demonstrates full-stack Blazor development with schema-first data flow.

• ShelterFinder – Flutter (Dart) + Google Maps API | WIP
  A mobile-friendly app that helps users locate nearby homeless shelters, soup kitchens, and food banks. Designed with accessibility and real-time expansion in mind.

• WordoftheDayApp – React Native + Expo
  An early mobile app for Blackfoot language learning. Predecessor to Hop with Waabooz, this project sparked a broader focus on culturally grounded educational tools.

• Portfolio: greatlynxdesigns.com/portfolio
• GitHub: github.com/Vexmage
• Email: joel.max.southall@gmail.com

I'm always open to feedback, pull requests, and collaboration — especially on projects involving language learning, creative tools, or accessibility in tech.