Tj Durnford

About Tj Durnford

As a seasoned software engineer with over six years at Microsoft, I specialize in Conversational AI, large language models (LLMs), and GPTs. My work is dedicated to making these advanced technologies more accessible to developers and teams by creating intuitive, scalable frameworks and tools that simplify integration and implementation.I lead initiatives that focus on reducing complexity and streamlining workflows, enabling teams to leverage LLMs and GPTs with confidence. By emphasizing clean, well-documented code and robust, flexible architectures, I ensure that working with cutting-edge AI becomes an accessible and empowering experience for everyone involved.My passion for innovation drives me to continually push the boundaries of what’s possible in Conversational AI. I’m committed to bridging the gap between complex AI models and practical, real-world applications, ultimately transforming how we interact with intelligent systems.

Experience

1. Principal Software Development Engineer

   Microsoft

   Sep 2024 — Present

   Laid the groundwork for the Copilot agent builder and built the foundation for the embedded authoring experience in M365, impacting millions of daily users, enabling scalable contributions, and ensuring consistent implementations.• Improved the load time of Copilot Studio by over 15 seconds for new users, enhancing user experience and retention.• Optimized bot component upserts, added support for SharePoint copilots, and enhanced caching strategies for a user-friendly embedded agent authoring experience.

Education

• Regis Jesuit High School

  High School Diploma

  2009 — 2013

• Galvanize

  Data Science Immersive

  2018 — 2018

• Gonzaga University

  Bachelor’s Degree, Mathematics and Computer Science

  2013

Skills

• Microsoft Excel
• Powerpoint
• Microsoft Powerpoint
• Mathematics
• Statistics
• Social Media
• C++
• Java
• Swift
• Customer Service
• C#
• Marketing Strategy
• Python
• Leadership
• Google Analytics
• Photoshop
• Microsoft Word