With the goal of reducing psychological distancing's effect on communities across the globe when it comes to inaction on climate change, and more specifically rising sea levels, this research project was conducted under the supervison of Dr. Ann McNamara in the Visceral Intersensory Visualization & Information Design (VIVD) Lab at Texas A&M University. Using mixed reality technology and Unreal Engine 5, environmental hazards related to rising sea levels were digitally recreated in the user's locale to evoke an emotional response and spur change in those communities that would otherwise have little motiviation to take action.

Key Takeaways

• Conducted undergraduate research focused on combating climate change at a tier 1 research institution.
• Implemented program using Unreal Engine 5 in mixed reality to localize typical hazards of rising sea levels

Tasked with increasing code coverage and logging for the front-end web application, the work consisted mostly of coding in TypeScript and React JS with some additional development in C++ & Blueprint using Unreal Engine 5. Working with an international team, inefficiencies in the application's loading progress and bugs in the logging code were discovered and quickly fixed to improve overall performance and observability. In addition, Real User Monitoring (RUM) events, based on previously created logs, were used to visualize application statictis for better insights into where improvements could be made.

Key Takeaways

• Expanded code coverage of React JS-based web application with Unreal Engine 5 backend using Jest methodologies
• Visualized metrics in over a dozen graphs using Datadog to increase observability and focus on boosting performance
• Executed automated scripts to ensure seamless data migration between modeler and developer AWS servers

Focused on virtual reality development using Unreal Engine 4, this experience included implementing client-requested features, effectively communicating with multiple team members on a day-to-day basis, and efficiently refactoring large blocks of code to enable an easier transition from single-player development to a multiplayer-focused creation process. Other responsibilities included coordinating and running monthly team game afternoons to encourage coworker camaraderie as well as scheduling time for personal development and growth.

Key Takeaways

• Integrated newly created features, using Unreal Engine 4, into existing code base of over 14,000 files
• Collaborated on a team of more than 18 members to design, update, and debug code base components
• Refactored vital sections of single-player code base to enable development and implementation of multiplayer features

Picked up as part time work during spring semester of 2022, responsibilities centered on daily communication with customers, creating custom requested websites on a project by project basis, and collaborativly coding with teammates to create, deploy, and manage custom python bots running connections to a MongoDB database.

Key Takeaways

• Corresponded with clients directly to ensure product quality and meet constantly changing needs in a creative way
• Spearheaded creation of client websites using React JS to meet customer requirements on a project by project basis
• Advised team members on best coding practices and algorithm design for Python bot functionality

• Assisted in developing activities and discussion topics for monthly chapter meetings.
• Lead monthly local chapter meetings.
• Communicated with chapter leaders nationwide to share ideas and increase outreach.

• Participated in weekly meetings with team members leading to the fostering & growth of fellow developer’s ideas.
• Contributed to the progression of projects and presenting original ideas in a clear and understandable manner.
• Collaborated with club memebers to ensure quality work and client satisfaction thoughout development process.

• Joined the STEM to Stocks Guild, designed to help build professional relationships and develop marketablility as an engineer in the buisness sector.
• Communicated effectivly with 100+ guild members during biweekly meetings to expand my professional network and create mutually beneficial lasting connections.