Jason Rivera

Current Education: Senior at the University of Washington (UW), pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Specialization: Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) and Software Engineering

Academic Background

Jason Rivera grew up in a tech-savvy family in Seattle, home to some of the world’s most prominent tech companies like Microsoft and Amazon. His early exposure to technology sparked a lifelong passion for creating software that improves people's lives.

In high school, Jason discovered his love for programming when he took an introductory coding class that focused on creating simple websites and applications. This class led him to participate in coding competitions, where he gained recognition for his creativity and innovative solutions.

After graduating from high school with honors, Jason chose to attend the University of Washington, renowned for its robust computer science program. He has consistently performed at the top of his class, with a current GPA of 3.8. Jason’s coursework reflects a blend of technical depth and creative application, including:

• User Interface Design and Development
• Data Structures and Algorithms
• Mobile Application Development
• Computer Graphics
• Software Design and Implementation
• Introduction to Augmented Reality (AR) and Virtual Reality (VR)

Jason’s focus on Human-Computer Interaction stems from his interest in designing systems that bridge the gap between people and technology, making digital experiences intuitive and accessible.

Skills and Technical Proficiency

Jason has developed a versatile technical skill set that equips him to handle complex software challenges:

• Programming Languages: Java, Python, C#, Swift, JavaScript, TypeScript
• Development Tools and Frameworks: React, Angular, Flutter, Unity, Node.js
• UX/UI Design Tools: Figma, Adobe XD, Sketch
• Mobile Development: iOS (Swift) and Android (Kotlin)
• Database Management: SQLite, Firebase, PostgreSQL
• Other Skills: Usability Testing, Wireframing, Agile Development, RESTful API Integration

Jason has a knack for combining technical precision with creative design principles, making him particularly skilled at crafting user-friendly interfaces.

Extracurricular Activities

Beyond the classroom, Jason is an active participant in extracurricular activities that reflect his passion for technology and design:

• Human-Computer Interaction Club: Jason is the vice president of this student organization, where he helps coordinate workshops and seminars focused on UX/UI design, accessibility, and HCI research.
• Hackathons: Jason has participated in and organized hackathons, including DubHacks, UW’s annual hackathon. His team’s projects frequently center on improving accessibility through innovative apps.
• Mentorship Program: Jason mentors freshmen in the computer science program, guiding them through coding challenges and helping them navigate the early stages of their academic careers.
• Tech for Social Good: Jason volunteers with this campus organization, developing tech solutions for nonprofit organizations in Seattle.

Research Experience

Jason has had the opportunity to contribute to research projects at the intersection of HCI and emerging technologies:

1. Accessible AR Interfaces (UW HCI Lab):
   As a research assistant, Jason worked on creating AR interfaces that are accessible to individuals with visual impairments. His role involved designing prototype interfaces and conducting usability testing, resulting in a research paper published in the ACM CHI conference proceedings.
2. Improving Mobile App Usability for Seniors:
   For his senior capstone project, Jason led a team that designed and evaluated mobile applications tailored to the needs of senior citizens. This project emphasized understanding user behavior and designing features that reduce cognitive load, such as simplified navigation and voice controls.

Internships

Jason has gained valuable hands-on experience through internships with industry leaders:

1. Microsoft (Summer 2023):
   As a UX Engineer Intern, Jason collaborated with product managers and developers to redesign the user interface of Microsoft Teams for better accessibility and usability. His work directly contributed to a feature update that received positive feedback from beta testers.
2. Adobe (Summer 2022):
   During his internship at Adobe, Jason worked on the Adobe XD team, implementing new design features that improved the prototyping workflow for UX designers.
3. StartUp Seattle (Summer 2021):
   Jason joined a small startup as a software development intern, where he worked on developing a mental health app that connects users with licensed therapists. This experience taught him the importance of adaptability in fast-paced environments.

Personal Projects

Jason is a firm believer in learning by doing. Over the years, he has completed several personal projects that highlight his passion for HCI and software engineering:

• Empower
  Empower is a mobile app that helps users with physical disabilities control smart home devices through voice commands. Jason built this app using React Native and integrated it with Google Assistant for seamless voice interactions.
• FitMate
  FitMate is a fitness tracking app designed to be inclusive for people with varying physical abilities. It offers adaptive workouts and integrates with wearable devices like Apple Watch. Jason designed the app's interface with accessibility in mind, ensuring compatibility with screen readers.
• MuseVR
  MuseVR is a virtual reality experience that allows users to create 3D art in an immersive environment. Built using Unity and C#, this project combined Jason’s technical skills with his interest in creative expression.

Achievements and Awards

Jason’s dedication and hard work have been recognized with several honors:

• Winner, “Best Accessibility App” at DubHacks (2022)
• Dean’s List, University of Washington (2020-2023)
• Finalist, Adobe Creative Jam UX Design Competition (2023)
• Recipient, National Science Foundation Undergraduate Research Grant (2023)

Future Goals

Jason’s ultimate goal is to design technologies that are accessible and meaningful to diverse user groups. In the short term, he aims to:

1. Secure a position as a UX Engineer or Product Designer at a company where he can work on cutting-edge user experiences.
2. Continue refining his technical skills and earning certifications in advanced UX/UI design.
3. Attend design and tech conferences like SIGGRAPH and UX Week to stay updated on the latest trends in HCI.

Long-term, Jason envisions creating a design consultancy focused on improving accessibility in digital products. His dream is to leave a lasting impact by making technology more inclusive for people of all abilities.

Personal Interests

Jason is a well-rounded individual with hobbies that reflect his creative and curious nature:

• Photography and Digital Art: Jason enjoys capturing landscapes and experimenting with photo editing software like Lightroom and Photoshop.
• Gaming: A fan of both indie and AAA games, Jason often analyzes the design elements of games like The Last of Us and Celeste for inspiration.
• Cooking: Jason loves trying out new recipes and often hosts dinner nights for his friends and family.
• Traveling: He enjoys exploring new cultures and has recently developed an interest in photographing urban architecture during his travels.

Conclusion

Jason Rivera is an exceptional computer science student who blends technical expertise with a passion for creating user-friendly and accessible software. Whether through academic research, professional internships, or personal projects, Jason consistently demonstrates a commitment to leveraging technology for social good. With his creative mindset and strong work ethic, Jason is poised to make a meaningful impact in the tech world, particularly in the realm of Human-Computer Interaction and accessibility.