Toward the Future of iOS Development with Swift

Frank Ayars is the Chief Technology Officer (CTO) of Smilefish, bringing over 20 years of programming experience to the role. His career includes significant positions as Principal Software Engineer and Architect at FileNet and IBM, where he contributed to the development, deployment, and maintenance of mission-critical applications for Fortune 500 companies in the banking and insurance sectors. In 2011, he founded Ayars Animation, creating award-winning storybook applications for the iPad that achieved a prolonged No. 1 ranking in the early-readers category.

Justin-Nicholas Toyama is an accomplished iOS development instructor at the University of California, Irvine Extension, where he teaches aspiring developers the intricacies of mobile application development. A graduate of the University of San Diego, Justin has amassed four years of experience in the field, serving as the lead developer at Smilefish since 2012. He has successfully developed numerous large-scale mobile applications, including notable projects such as Eddi (e-commerce), the Las Vegas Monte Carlo Resort Room Booking and Entertainment app, and Hart&Beauty (e-commerce). Through his engaging teaching style, Justin aims to empower students by breaking down complex technical concepts and guiding them from foundational knowledge to advanced application development. His course, Toward the Future of iOS Development with Swift, equips learners with essential skills to create innovative applications, preparing them for success in the rapidly evolving tech landscape.

Ralf Brockhaus is an accomplished instructor at the University of California, Irvine Extension, where he specializes in mobile application development and emerging technologies. With a Master’s and Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and over 20 years of professional software development experience, Ralf is well-versed in the critical aspects of developing enterprise-level applications, including performance, scalability, security, and technology integration. In 2011, he founded Smilefish, transitioning from a successful Senior Development Management role at IBM to focus on social media and mobile app development. Under his leadership, Smilefish has created successful applications across various industries such as entertainment, healthcare, and hospitality. Ralf's commitment to education is evident in his receipt of the Distinguished Instructor Award for his courses on Mobile Development, Social Media Applications, and Agile Development practices at UC Irvine. Outside of his professional pursuits, he enjoys mountain biking and resides in Newport Beach, California with his wife and daughter.