Samuel Onoja Taiwo
I’m a self-taught systems engineer with 7 years of experience building blockchain infrastructure and high-performance software. I work primarily with Rust, Golang, and C, focusing on microservices, protocol implementation, WebAssembly integrations, and performance optimization.
My work involves implementing complex blockchain protocols and making them work in challenging environments. I pioneered the first WebAssembly implementation of the Zcash protocol, enabling privacy-focused cryptocurrency transactions directly in web browsers. I’ve also integrated complete protocol specifications like WalletConnect v2 for secure wallet connections, and delivered significant performance improvements, including a 7.9x speedup in Ethereum VM implementations.
Currently, I’m a Rust Software Engineer at Komodo Platform, where I build decentralized finance (DeFi) applications and contribute to the core infrastructure that powers cross-chain trading. When I’m not writing code, I’m actively contributing to open-source projects.
Technical Expertise
Languages: Rust, C, Golang, TypeScript, ReactJS, PHP
Specializations:
- Microservices
- Blockchain & Web3
- Protocol Implementation
- WebAssembly (WASM)
- Systems Programming & Performance Optimization
- Distributed Systems
- Fullstack Development
Tools & Technologies: MongoDB, SQL, Redis, Git, Docker, CI/CD Pipelines
Professional Experience
Rust Software Engineer @ Komodo Platform
May 2022 - Present
Working on Komodo’s DeFi core backend, building blockchain applications in Rust and Golang:
- Integrated the Z/Pirate Coin protocol for web-based trading using WebAssembly
- Enhanced Bitcoin Light Client (SPV) with critical fixes and improvements
- Developed EnumFromStringify, an internal Rust macro tool for improved enum and error handling
- Contributed to various blockchain protocol implementations (UTXO, ETH, etc.)
- Integrated WalletConnect protocol into Komodefi
Fullstack Engineer @ DDW
April 2020 - May 2022
- Built dynamic magazine websites using WordPress, NextJS & TypeScript
- Strengthened web security, significantly reducing attempted attacks
- Developed high-quality membership platform serving thousands of users across UK/US
- Received CSSDA UI/UX Award (June 2020)
Notable Contributions
Zcash/ARRR WASM Implementation - Komodo DeFi Framework
Pioneered the complete WASM integration of Zcash protocol (ARRR coin), enabling privacy-preserving transactions in web browsers. Refactored librustzcash for async compatibility, implemented IndexedDB storage for wallet data, and built custom WASM-compatible gRPC transport layer. 5,657 additions. View PR | librustzcash
WalletConnect v2 Integration - Komodo DeFi Framework
Integrated full WalletConnect v2 protocol support for EVM and Cosmos chains, enabling secure wallet connections for decentralized trading. Implemented multi-session handling, persistent storage, and complete Sign & Pairing APIs. 4,696 additions. View PR | WalletConnectRust
REVM - Performance Optimization
Achieved 7.9x performance improvement in JumpTable lookups through low-level Rust optimization, improving operations from 9.4M to 74.6M ops/sec. View PR
Open Source Projects
Active contributor to significant open-source projects:
- RustLibZcash - Rust implementation of Zcash protocol
- WalletConnectRust - Rust implementation of WalletConnect protocol
- MongoDB - BSON (Binary JSON) Rust implementation
- Rustlang - Core Rust language
- Penumbra - Early contributor to Cosmos privacy-preserving blockchain
- Khoomi - Golang API server for e-commerce application
And numerous other projects, demonstrating strong commitment to collaborative software development and the open-source community.
Recognition
- CSSDA UI/UX Award for DDW (2020)
Contact
- Email: 0@sot.dev
- GitHub: @borngraced
- Location: Lagos, Nigeria
Self-taught, open-source advocate, and passionate about building the future of decentralized systems.