Dr. Neil G. Cuadra » Neil Cuadra

Neil Cuadra

Neil:

  • is a former Palms parent.
  • has been a volunteer for LAUSD schools since 1987 and for Palms since 1994.
  • co-founded the Palms Technology Committee.
  • has served as a Friends of Palms board member.
  • maintained Palms classroom computer hardware and software from 1994 to 2002.
  • helped set up and maintain the Palms computer lab.
  • created the Palms website in 2010 and has maintained it since then.
  • trains and advises Palms staff and volunteers on use of the website.
  • designed the 2020 and 2021 Palms Virtual Culmination websites.
  • is a fan of April Fools' Day, posting one fake news story each year to see if you notice it!
In Spring 2008, Palms Middle School named its computer classroom the N Cuadra Computer Lab, in recognition of Neil's volunteer work, with a plaque installed on the classroom door.

2025-2026

  • 16th year as Palms Middle School website manager
  • 32nd year as a Palms Middle School technology volunteer
  • 39th year as an LAUSD technology volunteer (Mar Vista Elementary School, Brentwood Science Magnet, Palms Middle School, and Hamilton High School)
  • 49 school years of volunteering, because 10 of the 39 years were at two of those schools at once

About Me

I chose a career in software engineering, designing and writing code ranging from database system software to mobile apps and interactive websites.

To be a software engineer, it helps to think logically and be able to explain a process step by step. This video about making a peanut butter and jelly sandwhich is hilarious, but it also makes great points about writing clear, step-by-step instructions.

Guest lectures

Neil has been a guest speaker, giving talks to Palms classes about

  • Color blindness and genetics
  • J. Paul Getty, the Getty Center, and the Getty Villa
  • Inventions of the ancient Romans
  • The Gregorian and Julian Calendars
  • Career Day: Software Developer
  • Journalism and grammar
  • Lunar and solar eclipses
  • Career Day: School Volunteer
  • L. Frank Baum and his book "The Wonderful Wizard of Oz"
  • The Palms Time Capsule