Nolan Welch

About Me

I’m Nolan — a developer, researcher, and systems thinker with a deep love for elegant infrastructure, expressive code, and language as a fragile, imperfect vehicle for meaning.

My background is in both Computer Science and Hispanic Linguistics, which means I’ve spent a lot of time thinking about how systems operate — whether they’re codebases, human languages, or collaborative teams. That dual perspective shapes everything I build: from data validation pipelines to language-aware learning tools.

I care deeply about systems that hold up over time: infrastructure that’s transparent, tools that teach, and software that makes life more understandable rather than more confusing. I’ve worked on scalable backend platforms, research automation tools, developer education systems, and more — but my favorite projects are the ones where design and reasoning intersect.

What I Value

I’m cautiously optimistic about GenAI. I see real potential, but I also believe deeply in human-centered design, explainability, and systems that respect the limits of language. Having studied linguistics, I know how often words obscure as much as they clarify — and that perspective keeps me grounded as an engineer.

Outside the Code

When I’m not building things, you might find me interpreting for Spanish-speaking patients, designing puzzles, running an escape room nonprofit, or chasing obscure ideas about cognition and meaning. I’ve always believed the best work comes from unexpected intersections.

If you’re thinking about how to build thoughtful systems, design better tools, or create community around meaningful work — I’d love to talk.

Get in touch