Binky Lush
Manager, Discovery, Access and Web Services at Penn State University Libraries
April 3, 2026
I have the pleasure of working with Joao as a member of our Libraries Strategic Technologies Software Development Intern Cohort, and he has consistently exceeded expectations since day one. His combination of technical aptitude, initiative, and professionalism is something you rarely see at any level.
Joao is exceptionally sharp and a very hard worker - a combination that makes him incredibly effective. He has been working on a Ruby on Rails project involving data mapping and integration between enterprise applications, and his impact has been remarkable. He picks up new concepts quickly and translates that understanding into high-quality work with impressive speed. What truly sets him apart is his initiative. He is a genuine self-starter who has naturally taken a leadership role within the cohort, writing tickets, helping to scope work, and keeping the project moving forward. That level of ownership and project awareness is rare for any developer, let alone an intern.
Joao also takes it upon himself to attend our Agile team meetings and sit in with the full-time developers on our team, seeking out opportunities to learn how software development comes together in a real-world professional setting. He asks thoughtful, well-considered questions that demonstrate both his curiosity and his commitment to continuous growth.
Beyond his technical ability, Joao is polite, professional, and an absolute pleasure to work with. He brings a positive energy to every interaction and elevates the work of those around him.
I highly recommend Joao to any organization looking for a software developer who combines sharp technical ability, a strong work ethic, leadership instincts, and genuine professionalism. He will be a tremendous asset wherever he goes.