Layne Fester

Computer Science student at the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and IT Administrator for a small manufacturing business. Focused on cybersecurity and infrastructure, with hands-on experience in DNS, Microsoft 365, email security, and backups — plus a software background in Python and web development.

Education

University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee
B.S. in Computer Science
Expected May 2029

Previous coursework: Computer Science Principles, Fundamentals of Cryptocurrency , Intro Web Development, Python Programming

Technical Skills

Languages: Python, Java, HTML/CSS & JavaScript
Cloud & Identity: Microsoft 365, Cloudflare, DNS administration, SSL/TLS, Git/GitHub.
Security: Email authentication (SPF, DKIM, DMARC), multi-factor authentication, security headers/HTTPS enforcement, Wireshark and Nmap in a home lab.
Systems & Networking: Windows & Linux setup and troubleshooting, Active Directory, LAN configuration, NAS/backup administration.
Data & Tools: basic SQL queries, Excel (formulas, charts), and working with JSON/CSV from APIs.
Strengths: Pays attention to details, asks questions instead of guessing, documents what I build, and balances technical decisions with business needs.

Certifications

  • CompTIA Security+ (SY0-701) — 2026
  • Microsoft Certified: Excel Expert — 2024
  • Microsoft Certified: Word Expert — 2024

Professional Experience

IT Administrator
Ehlert Welding Co. Inc — Byron, WI
Dec 2025 – Present
  • Deployed a NAS-based backup system focused on ransomware resilience and data integrity, implementing mirrored storage, snapshot retention, least-privilege access controls, and network isolation.
  • Administer Microsoft 365, Exchange Online, user accounts, and organizational security policies.
  • Led recovery of company website and email systems following a service outage, including migration from a legacy email provider to Microsoft 365.
  • Configured SPF, DKIM, DMARC, and multi-factor authentication to improve security and email deliverability.
  • Managed DNS, domain registration, SSL/TLS, and Cloudflare infrastructure.
  • Rebuilt and deployed a modern responsive company website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
  • Implemented backup and recovery procedures for business data.
  • Installed and maintained camera and physical security systems.
  • Managed workstation deployment, software installation, and endpoint support.
Front End Team Member
Menards — Fond du Lac, WI
Apr 2024 – Sep 2025
  • Handled cash and returns accurately, paying close attention to details and store policies.
  • Helped customers with questions and issues while keeping lines moving and staying calm under pressure.
  • Worked reliably on evenings and weekends and communicated clearly with supervisors and teammates.
Lifeguard
REC Department — Fond du Lac, WI
May 2021 – Aug 2023
  • Monitored swimmers and pool conditions to maintain a safe environment.
  • Enforced rules respectfully and communicated clearly with guests.
  • Consistently showed up prepared, attentive, and reliable for scheduled shifts.

Projects & Technical Experience

Infrastructure Recovery & Website Modernization
Cloudflare, Microsoft 365, SPF/DKIM/DMARC
  • Rebuilt a small business's website and email after a legacy hosting environment failed and took both offline.
  • Migrated DNS to Cloudflare, deployed Microsoft 365 / Exchange Online, and preserved existing addresses and historical mail.
  • Rebuilt the public website as a modern, responsive site with HTTPS enforcement and security headers, replacing a decade-old design.
  • Read the full write-up →
Network Security Monitoring Dashboard
Python, Linux, Wireshark
  • Set up a small lab environment to capture and inspect network traffic and highlight unusual patterns.
  • Used Wireshark and Nmap to explore ports, protocols, and basic detection of suspicious activity.
  • Logged findings and commands to practice clear documentation and repeatable steps.
Coding & Automation Practice
Python, Bash, Git
  • Built small scripts to automate file cleanup, basic data parsing, and simple reports from CSV/JSON files.
  • Used GitHub for version control, tracking changes and writing concise commit messages.