Prior to his role as a Senior Data Engineer at Cloudforce, Taras has explored various roles, including Java backend developer for Amazon, jQuery frontend developer for the National Weather Service, cloud engineer, DevOps, SRE, and conducting database research at OU. Most recently, Taras is an (over)certified Azure subject matter expert. He holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electronics Engineering and a Master’s degree in Computer Science and has also attempted a Ph.D. (ABD).
Outside of work, Taras is an urbanite and a digital nomad who enjoys long walks from coffee shop to coffee shop while listening to audiobooks and music. He loves spending quality time with family in Oklahoma and Florida, as well as catching up with friends all over the globe via video calls. For R&R, Taras enjoys playing board games, video games, and watching soccer and basketball games.
Other fun facts about Taras:
What is one quote that stands out to you?
- “Angels can fly because they can take themselves lightly.“ – G.K. Chesterton
If you could have dinner with any historical figure, who would it be and why?
- Winston Churchill — immense in character, sharp in wit, rich in stories, with flashes of moral clarity and no shortage of teachable failures.
If you could instantly master any skill, what would it be?
- Anything artistic – playing an instrument, drawing. I’ve never had an inclination for it, but I would love to know how it feels. Although getting it for free, without walking the path to mastery, might detract from the enjoyment.
What’s a small thing that always makes your day better?
- Rain. It puts me in a more serene, reflective mood — especially night rain, or a warm summer shower with a rainbow afterward.
What is your favorite tradition or holiday?
- Easter. Back in Ukraine, we would walk to church early in the morning with a traditional goodie basket to be sprinkled with holy water. Those walks were filled with family conversations I still cherish — and they taught me to love cities in the early morning, which I still think is the best time of day.
