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**Background information of the applicant**

My name is Christopher Kalule I am based in Uganda. I come with 8+ years of experience in full stack development but now more focused on Rust & Blockchain. In the past, I have  worked with Golang, Javascript and QA. Proving my ability to build reliable, performant, scalable, and secure Web2 and Web3 systems. I believe open source would help me grow into a better engineer and that is how I stumbled onto Polkadot-SDK. With good rust skills which I earned in the Let's Get Rusty Live program. [Link to certificate](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1yZ9f5L0ap5yOOTmN-8LvvCaO7xnen9a_/view).  Allowed me to tackle some contributions I will Elaborate on below. And also a graduate of [PBA-X Wave #4](https://app.kajabi.com/certificates/d22ebcca). This was a mind blowing experience.  I also volunteered as a technical mentor at Polkadot Africa(Uganda) technical workshop in preparation for sub0, where is spoke on why blockchain & tokens  to building a [Poet Auction smart contract](https://dev.to/chri5_kalul3/building-a-poetry-auction-smart-contract-on-polkadot-with-ink-4aj9) with ink!v6. 

**Motivation(s) for applying to the Polkadot Technical Fellowship**

Becoming Developer Advocate for Polkadot Africa (Uganda) on October 9th crystallized what I want to accomplish. The Fellowship represents the technical depth I need to be effective in that role not just explaining Polkadot, but actively building with it. I want to contribute to the SDK while staying plugged into new implementations so I can create relevant, timely content for developers in my region and others. Working with experienced engineers would accelerate my web3 principles and Rust development while ensuring the guidance I give other developers is grounded in real practice, not just documentation.

**Area(s) of interest in relation to the Polkadot ecosystem.**
    - I'm interested in Node SDK work and runtime development—building the core components that parachains depend on. Smart contracts, especially through Pallet Revive, also fascinate me because that's where we're lowering barriers for developers coming from other ecosystems. It's the intersection of infrastructure and accessibility
    - JAM

**Contribution(s) to Polkadot SDK (if any)**
    - My work on Polkadot SDK spans three main areas: building out runtime support for XCM benchmarking across sibling parachains, collaborating with maintainers to remove legacy feature gates and reduce technical debt in core subsystems, and automating testnet setup for Omni Node to make development more efficient [Link to Contributions](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot-sdk/pulls?q=is%3Apr+is%3Aclosed+author%3AEleisonC)

**Link to the GitHub profile of the applicant**
    - https://github.com/EleisonC

Application To Join FellowShip - Christopher

Dear Polkadot Fellowship Team,

My name is Kaushik and I recently completed the PBA course in Bali where I got to learn so much about the inner workings of everything from Merkle storage to how the different ways in which XCM can make cross chain transfers! After leaving, I have this feeling like I want to contribute more and make a meaningful impact to the ecosystem, so I want to join the fellowship to see how I can do that alongside my current job :)

**Background Information**

I am a blockchain engineer currently working at Dakota, where I contribute to building a stablecoin banking platform. Prior to this, I worked in different-levels of blockchain development, including MEV execution client work, a Solana Trader API to enable traders to more easily trade on market makers like Jupiter and Serum and have even worked on an [open-souce game engine](https://github.com/curio-research/keystone)! I recently graduated from the Polkadot Blockchain Academy in Bali, where I deepened my understanding of Substrate, FRAME, XCM, and consensus mechanisms. My academic background also includes research in computational neuroscience, where I applied mathematical modeling to zebrafish neural activity. I am largely self-taught in programming, beginning after college, and have since built a career at the intersection of protocol engineering, applied cryptography, and distributed systems.

**Motivation for Applying**
I am applying to the Fellowship because I want to contribute to the long-term sustainability of the Polkadot ecosystem. Polkadot has consistently pushed the boundaries of what decentralized networks can achieve—from flexible runtime upgrades to secure cross-chain communication. I want to be part of the technical community that ensures these innovations remain robust, performant, and accessible to builders. The Fellowship also represents an opportunity to learn from and collaborate with engineers whose work I deeply respect, while sharing my own insights from both my PBA experience and ongoing protocol-level development.

**Areas of Interest**

My main areas of interest include:
1. Runtime engineering and governance: designing and refining FRAME pallets, validator/delegator logic, and governance mechanisms that make Polkadot resilient. 
2. Cross-chain communication: improving the developer and user experience of XCM, particularly around asset transfers, error handling, and cross-chain programmability. 
3. Consensus and scalability: exploring performance bottlenecks and contributing to solutions that enhance Polkadot’s throughput and security.

**Work Relevant to Polkadot SDK:**

- Implemented and tested a Delegated Proof-of-Stake pallet during PBA, including partially supporting delegation cycles, validator registering/staking, and reward distribution logic.

- Designed and tested XCM asset transfer flows between parachains and the relay chain, ensuring proper encoding/decoding of messages and error handling.

**GitHub Profile**
https://github.com/kdonthi

**Polkadot Address**
14fnnUEFRnJ1GxXPWxt7paewtKqjcjmAhiNKr1qavTkPRsxk

I look forward to use what I've learned and hopefully get to make an impact :) 

**Resume**
https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-z1mQyb_wbv1prlQ6paTAUX_7nW9zfqeKVNvygj_Csc/edit?usp=sharing


PBA Protocol Graduate and Blockchain Dev with ~4 years of Experience Interested in Making Polkadot Great

### Background Information

Hello, my name is Rodrigo Quelhas. I’m based in Portugal and currently work as a core developer at Moonbeam. I have over seven years of experience as a Blockchain Engineer, with the past four years focused primarily on the Polkadot ecosystem.

### Motivation

Having worked extensively with Substrate, Polkadot, and Cumulus for the past four years, I am eager to take a more active role in shaping the future of the ecosystem. Joining the Polkadot Technical Fellowship would give me the opportunity to stay closely aligned with the direction of core development, participate in important technical discussions, and contribute directly to the long-term health and evolution of the network.

### Areas of Interest

- Enhancing core libraries, runtime development, and performance optimization;
- Consensus and networking.

### Contributions to Polkadot SDK

I have contributed to the polkadot-sdk by fixing bugs, refactoring code, and implementing small features aimed at improving the overall development experience. These contributions have helped enhance code quality, maintainability, and usability for other developers working within the ecosystem.
A list of my merged pull requests can be found here:  [Polkadot SDK Contributions](https://github.com/paritytech/polkadot-sdk/pulls?q=is:pr+author:RomarQ+is:closed)

### GitHub Profile

You can find my GitHub profile here: https://github.com/RomarQ

Rodrigo Quelhas - Application

Dear Polkadot Community,

My name is Juan, and I am a graduate of PBA7 – Bali.

**Background**

I am a Full Stack Developer with 5 years of professional experience. I began my career in blockchain, but later transitioned into Web2 after receiving an opportunity to work on CERN’s open-source project, Indico: https://github.com/indico/indico

My main focus was developing a private plugin for this platform, which serves millions of users worldwide. While most of my contributions remain private, I successfully resolved several bugs and contributed features to the open-source project as well.

At the end of my contract in late 2024, I decided to return to Web3, completing both PBA-X and PBA programs.

**Motivation**

I am now eager to contribute to open-source projects within the Web3 space, and recently discovered the Polkadot Fellowship. My goal is to actively support the growth of the Polkadot ecosystem and, over time, advance within this community based on merit and contribution.

At present, I am familiarizing myself with the initial PR process and actively engaging with the community on Discord to identify areas where I can be most helpful. While my expertise is in backend development, I am also capable of working on frontend tasks, particularly with React, when necessary.

Here is my **GitHub profile** for reference: https://github.com/jbtwist

Given my current stage, I would like to kindly request the **Level 0 rank**.

Sincerely,
Juan

Applicant - Juan

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 My name is Giorge Abdala, and I have over 15 years of experience as a Software Engineer and have been a passionate Linux enthusiast for more than two decades. I have developed a strong foundation in system architecture, complex problem-solving, and a deep passion for open-source technology.

 My involvement with the Polkadot ecosystem is active and growing. As an ambassador, I have represented Polkadot at major events in Brazil such as Blockchain Rio, Blockchain São Paulo, Smart City Expo (2024 and 2025) and Futurecom 2024.

 I co-organized the Decoded Party View Curitiba (2023) and gave talks at events such as 
 <a href="https://x.com/johnrhodelb/status/1802537176682377561?t=fo2umwqFT_zE5a621Z59NQ&s=19" target="_blank">Connection Week 2024</a> and 
 <a href="https://lu.ma/modularcuritiba?tk=SDzWVr" target="_blank">Modular Cripto 2024</a>, where I presented on Substrate and JAM.
 

 In 2025, I also participated in a 
 <a href="https://www.youtube.com/live/Bzs5IQRlagI?si=LEhz0K1S1PKUrZM6" target="_blank">podcast hosted by the Prefeitura de Curitiba</a>, where I spoke about Polkadot.
 

 These efforts reflect my commitment to knowledge-sharing and community building, which are core pillars of the Fellowship (Manifesto, sections 2.3.4 – Nurturing; 6.2 – I Dan). I am also responsible for running the first Polkadot full node in South America.

 It has always been a dream of mine to become a Substrate developer and join the Fellowship. Over the last two years, I have pursued a focused path of study, which included:

 <ul>
 <li>A deep dive into fundamental blockchain concepts: validation, consensus mechanisms, rollup functionality, and Layer 2 solutions.</li>
 <li>Progressive mastery of Rust:</li>
 </ul>

 I have read the entire Rust Book.

 
 I completed the course 
 <a href="https://www.udemy.com/certificate/UC-d98b39b2-f792-46a7-9758-b090d675dc10/" target="_blank">
 Rust: The Complete Developer's Guide</a> by Stephen Grider, which greatly clarified my understanding of ownership, borrowing, and generics.
 

 I also read 
 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/giorgeabdala_rust-rustaceans-programming-activity-7329130765433180160-B5Dk?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAD2V9AwBPpalTaVx7Kn3Rod0t-mv3uWkRsg" target="_blank">
 Rust for Rustaceans</a>, which explores advanced memory management concepts, concurrent programming, ownership, WASM, among others.


 This dedication to learning Rust resulted in practical applications. Professionally, I completely restructured a complex legacy system for processing tax credit requests for the state of Paraná/Brazil. I replaced an outdated architecture with a modern, high-performance Rust-based solution, reducing processing time from up to 48 hours to less than 30 seconds. This transformation demonstrates my ability to deliver “modest but substantial contribution to protocol development” (Manifesto, 6.2.1 - I Dan) and “elegant and, at least sometimes, reusable” implementations (Manifesto, p.9, III Dan).

 To complement my blockchain studies:

 I completed the Rust, Blockchain, and Polkadot Developer Formation course offered by Pontifical Catholic University of Paraná: 
 An advanced training focused on decentralized systems, smart contract development, Rust programming, Substrate-based blockchain networks, and Polkadot parachain architecture.
 

 I completed 
 <a href="https://app.kajabi.com/certificates/7360cc03" target="_blank">PBA-X</a>, the cohort-based, online blockchain course by the Polkadot Blockchain Academy — covering fundamental concepts in cryptography, economics, governance, interoperability, and using the Polkadot SDK.
 

I just finished reading the book 
 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/posts/giorgeabdala_rust-blockchain-smartcontracts-activity-7335370243084541952-GUuO?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAAD2V9AwBPpalTaVx7Kn3Rod0t-mv3uWkRsg" target="_blank">
 Rust for Blockchain</a>, which focuses on Rust concepts applied to blockchain, Substrate programming, pallets, FRAME, etc.


 In addition, I completed the 
 <a href="https://www.udemy.com/course/web3-academy-masterclass-rust/learn/lecture/45812449#overview" target="_blank">Web3 Academy Masterclass Rust</a> course by Web3 Surf. This course deepened my knowledge in developing pallets using Substrate FRAME, testing and benchmarking, working with off-chain workers, and performing runtime upgrades and migrations.
 

 I am currently practicing and studying through the Polkadot developer documentation (<a href="https://docs.polkadot.com/" target="_blank">https://docs.polkadot.com/</a>).

 My goal is to become a proficient Substrate developer, and I believe that the Polkadot Fellowship is the ideal environment to accelerate this growth. My aspiration is to reach the level of "Humble Member" (I Dan) and advance further over time. 
 I believe I am ready to face this challenge, and my intention is to start by solving GitHub issues, learning from more experienced members, and gradually taking on more responsibility. If anyone has suggestions for a “better path” or is willing to mentor me, I am completely open to discussion.

 
 Giorge Abdala 
 <a href="mailto:giorgeabdala@gmail.com">giorgeabdala@gmail.com</a> 
 <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgeabdala" target="_blank">https://www.linkedin.com/in/giorgeabdala</a> 
 <a href="https://github.com/giorgeabdala" target="_blank">https://github.com/giorgeabdala</a>
 
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Applicant - Giorge Abdala

Applications