Academic Project Showcase

Project Contributions & Presentations

Explore the individual technical modules, operational frameworks, legal research, marketing strategy, and course presentations developed by our team members for the KOOLIXA web platform.

Team Member Modules

Vincent CentenoFounder and Lead Architect
End-to-End System Architecture & Platform Engineering

Overall platform visionary and lead architect behind KOOLIXA. Engineered the complete Next.js 16 App Router foundation, responsive dark/light styling system, automated support pipeline, and unified all team technical contributions.

Key Components:
  • Full-Stack Next.js 16 App Router Architecture & Design System
  • AI Tech Support Chatbox & Formspree Ticket Dispatching Engine
  • System Integration, Build Orchestration & Production Deployment
Gabriel Gaytan IIIAntivirus & Product Design Lead
Antivirus Architecture & Product Design Analysis

Analysis of enterprise antivirus architecture patching Microsoft Defender gaps (Zero-Day, Web Phishing, Network Vectors) and a 5-stage B2B product design workflow for El Paso small businesses.

Key Components:
  • Custom Antivirus Engine (Patching Zero-Day, Phishing & Network Vectors)
  • OS Security Hardening & Client Infrastructure Protection
  • 5-Stage Product Order of Operations (Research → Mockup → Outreach → Transaction → Final Build)
Brandon CaballeroBackup & Recovery Lead
Website Data Protection & Recovery Plan

A structured system for protecting website data by creating regular copies that can be restored when needed to keep websites running with zero data loss.

Key Components:
  • Automated daily full & hourly incremental backups
  • Multi-location on-site & cloud redundancy
  • Four-stage recovery process (Detect, Restore, Verify, Notify)
Erika WilliamsLicensing & Compliance Lead
Licensing and Permits

Essential business registration (LLC & EIN), Texas sales tax permits, El Paso zoning laws, cybersecurity certifications, data privacy, and federal employment tax rules.

Key Components:
  • LLC & Texas Secretary of State DBA Registration ($300 fee)
  • IRS EIN & Texas Comptroller Sales Tax Permit Application
  • El Paso Zoning Compliance, Cyber Certifications & DPF Privacy
Nicole MaciasTraining & Development Lead
Business Employee Training Plan

A 5-step strategic framework for identifying skill gaps, setting SMART success goals, structuring modular e-learning, resourcing tools, and measuring training ROI.

Key Components:
  • Step 1 & 2: Needs Assessment & SMART Goal Setting
  • Step 3 & 4: Multi-Format Delivery & Resource Gathering
  • Step 5: Post-Training Quizzes, Live Audits & Feedback Loops
Diego QuinonesHR & Staffing Operations Lead
Company Staffing Structure & Roles

Comprehensive staffing model covering salary structures, technical skill requirements, interview vetting strategies, and operational roles across Web Dev, IT Support, Security, PM, and Leadership.

Key Components:
  • Web Developers ($40k-$60k) & IT Support Techs ($20/hr Linux skills)
  • Cybersecurity Analysts ($70k-$80k) & Project Managers ($60k-$100k)
  • Executive Leadership (CEO & CTO) Responsibilities & Vetting
Ignacio SalcidoQA & Disaster Recovery Lead
Quality Assurance & System Gatekeeping

Serving as the final gatekeeper for prototype stability, update sign-offs, UX verification, bug tracking, state backups, disaster recovery, and security access controls.

Key Components:
  • Prototype Testing, UX Verification & Cross-Browser Sign-Off
  • Root Cause Bug Tracking & Cross-Department Collaboration
  • Disaster Recovery Backups, Rollback Sandboxes & Threat Hunting
Joel BustamanteRegulatory & Data Privacy Lead
Privacy and Data Protection Regulations

Detailed overview of regulatory security frameworks (GDPR, CCPA, HIPAA, GLBA, FERPA, ISO 27001, NIST, SOC 2, PCI DSS, FedRAMP) and their 12 website implementation requirements.

Key Components:
  • Global Privacy Laws (GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, HIPAA, GLBA, FERPA)
  • Security Frameworks (ISO 27001, NIST CSF, SOC 2, PCI DSS, FedRAMP)
  • 12 Website Implementation Pillars (Consent, Encryption, Audit Logs)
Jacob MedranoOperations Strategy Lead
Operations Playbook

Complete operational playbook detailing KOOLIXA’s mission statement, 9-stage delivery workflow, logical architecture, promotion paths (Dev → Staging → Prod), maintenance checklists, and observability matrices.

Key Components:
  • 9-Stage Service Delivery Workflow (Consultation → Support)
  • Logical Architecture: Internet → DNS → WAF → App → DB → Backups
  • Promotion Paths (Dev → Staging → Prod) & Monitoring Matrices
Diego SalazarSystems Diagnostics Specialist
Systems Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

A methodical 4-step diagnostic workflow for examining hardware, software, networks, and security vulnerabilities before applying targeted technical fixes.

Key Components:
  • What Diagnostics Means (Hardware, Software, Networks & Security)
  • Why Diagnostics Matters (Time Savings, Root Cause & Avoid Guessing)
  • 4-Step Diagnostic Flow (Listen & Ask → Run Tests → Identify → Route)
Jesus Garcia & Gabe VenegasMarketing & Location Strategy Leads
Marketing, Testimonials & HQ Site Location

Marketing framework introducing client testimonials, comprehensive FAQ accordion, official El Paso HQ site location (6006 N Mesa St., Suite 210), and newsletter subscription integration.

Key Components:
  • Official HQ Site Location: 6006 N Mesa St., Suite 210, El Paso, TX
  • Client Testimonials (Sarah M., David R., Emily T.) & 5-Star Reviews
  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) & Newsletter Opt-In System
Kevin LopezZero Trust Security Lead
Identity & Access Management (IAM) & Zero Trust

Centralized identity governance and Zero Trust security framework detailing explicit verification, least privilege (PoLP), hybrid RBAC/ABAC access control models, and continuous behavioral telemetry monitoring.

Key Components:
  • 3 Core Zero Trust Principles (Explicit Verification, Least Privilege, Assume Breach)
  • Centralized IAM Infrastructure Components (IdP, Adaptive MFA, PAM, IGA)
  • Access Control Strategy (RBAC vs. ABAC) & Automated Telemetry Remediation
Founder and Lead Architect

Vincent Centeno: System Architecture & Platform Engineering

As Founder and Lead Architect, Vincent Centeno directed the technical vision, Next.js 16 full-stack implementation, UI design system, automated support routing, and integration of all team modules.

Engineered KOOLIXA into a production-grade web development platform tailored for companies seeking turnkey website creation, continuous maintenance, and enterprise-grade security.

Featured Module Presentation

Gabriel Gaytan III: Antivirus & Product Design Analysis

Enhancing infrastructure security by modeling custom antivirus technologies beyond standard OS software, while executing a 5-stage product design workflow for El Paso businesses.

Covers patching Microsoft Defender vulnerabilities (Zero-Day Threats, Web Phishing, Network Vectors), combined front-end and back-end web frameworks, and the 5-step order of operations (Research → Mockup → Outreach → Transaction → Final Product).

Featured Module Presentation

Brandon Caballero: Backup & Recovery Plan

A backup plan is a structured system for protecting website data by creating regular copies that can be restored when needed to continue running a website.

The purpose and importance of a backup plan is to protect against hardware failure, human error, cyberattacks, and natural disasters. It keeps user websites available and minimizes downtime.

Featured Module Presentation

Erika Williams: Licensing and Permits

Establishing a legal and compliant IT business in Texas requires fulfilling federal, state, local zoning, and industry-specific licensing parameters.

Includes LLC registration ($50–$1,000), Texas Secretary of State DBA Form 205 ($300.00), IRS EIN, Texas Comptroller sales tax permits, El Paso zoning laws, and Data Privacy Framework compliance.

Featured Module Presentation

Nicole Macias: Business Employee Training Plan

A 5-step structured process transforms team skills, eliminates operational bottlenecks, and guarantees measurable ROI.

Covers problem identification, SMART goal setting (e.g., handling customer returns in under 3 minutes), modular e-learning delivery, resource provisioning, and post-training evaluations.

Featured Module Presentation

Diego Quinones: Staffing Structure & Roles

Structuring an elite B2B IT & Web Services team requires defined compensation bands, technical vetting criteria, and clear role boundaries.

Covers Web Developers ($40k-$60k), IT Support Techs ($20/hr Linux skills), Cybersecurity Analysts ($70k-$80k), Project & Operations Managers ($60k-$100k), and CEO/CTO leadership responsibilities.

Featured Module Presentation

Ignacio Salcido: Quality Assurance & Disaster Recovery

Serving as the final gatekeeper for system stability, pre-deployment prototype testing, bug logging, and disaster recovery execution.

Covers prototype diagnostics, update sign-offs, UX/cross-browser verification, root cause analysis, state backups, emergency preparedness, and security access controls.

Featured Module Presentation

Joel Bustamante: Privacy & Data Protection Regulations

Navigating complex regulatory frameworks to protect customer data and build client trust across global industries.

Covers GDPR, CCPA/CPRA, HIPAA, GLBA, FERPA, ISO 27001, NIST CSF, SOC 2, PCI DSS, FedRAMP, and the 12 core website implementation pillars.

Featured Module Presentation

Jacob Medrano: Operations Playbook

Delivering reliable, secure, and scalable website solutions through an end-to-end operational playbook.

Covers KOOLIXA's mission statement, 7 service responsibilities, 9-stage delivery workflow, cloud architecture (Internet → DNS → Load Balancer → Web → DB → Backups), Dev → Staging → Prod promotion, maintenance checklists, and monitoring matrices.

Featured Module Presentation

Diego Salazar: Systems Diagnostics & Troubleshooting

Methodical troubleshooting to diagnose tech issues accurately before rushing into any solution.

Covers what diagnostics means across computers, software, hardware, networks, and security issues; why the role saves time and avoids guessing; real-world diagnostic examples; and the 4-step workflow (Listen & Ask → Run Tests → Identify Problem → Report & Route).

Featured Module Presentation

Jesus Garcia & Gabe Venegas: Marketing & Location Strategy

Building client trust and market presence through customer testimonials, comprehensive FAQs, physical HQ location, and newsletter outreach.

Covers the official headquarters address (6006 N Mesa St., Suite 210, El Paso, TX), building photography, client review showcases, essential customer FAQs, and an integrated newsletter opt-in system.

Featured Module Presentation

Kevin Lopez: IAM & Zero Trust Architecture

Centralized identity governance across cloud and on-premise environments, setting up the core ZTA security perimeter to block unauthorized access, identity spoofing, and lateral threats.

Covers explicit verification principles, Least Privilege (PoLP) with Just-In-Time/Just-Enough-Access models, hybrid RBAC vs. ABAC access control strategies, and continuous risk monitoring telemetry.