• Implemented Redis caching to reduce latency and improve responsiveness.

  I introduced a Redis-based caching layer after analyzing slow-query logs and identifying high-frequency access patterns. By implementing structured key namespaces and automatic invalidation, I significantly reduced backend read load and improved performance on content-heavy routes.

Designing and deploying the Redis caching layer taught me that backend performance work is far more nuanced than simply “making things faster.” I learned how to analyze traffic patterns, choose appropriate invalidation strategies, and make optimizations that align with real product usage. This strengthened my confidence in profiling bottlenecks and thinking like a backend engineer balancing stability and speed.

• Maintained synchronized image storage pipelines across local and Oracle-based servers.

  I managed the distributed image storage workflow, handling partial uploads, inconsistency checks, and checksum-based verification. Improvements to the upload pipeline reduced failure rates and ensured long-term synchronization of assets.

Maintaining a two-layer storage system pushed me to think more critically about reliability. I learned how small inconsistencies—like interrupted uploads or checksum mismatches— can cascade into bigger issues if not handled defensively. It reinforced my appreciation for verification mechanisms and robust error-handling practices.

• Refined React UI components based on finalized design mockups.

  I collaborated with designers to refactor React components so they matched updated Figma specifications. This involved reorganizing component hierarchies, improving responsiveness, and unifying typography and spacing tokens.

Aligning components with Figma designs taught me that frontend engineering is not only about visual correctness but systematic correctness. I gained experience with design tokens, component abstractions, and building UI that designers and future engineers can trust. It improved my consistency instincts and maintainability awareness.

• Conducted performance analysis and load testing to optimize server behavior.

  I analyzed traffic patterns, identified performance bottlenecks, and ran structured load tests. These findings informed caching, database indexing, and schema improvement decisions across the backend team.

Running load tests and studying analytics taught me to base optimizations on evidence rather than intuition. I learned to rely on latency graphs, throughput metrics, and usage patterns to prioritize engineering work, treating performance as a measurable and iterative process.

• Developed search APIs using Node.js + MySQL with full-text search and dynamic SQL.

  I built a flexible search system supporting Natural Language queries, Boolean operators, tag filters, and multi-field relevance scoring. MySQL full-text indexing and a dynamic SQL builder enabled highly maintainable search logic.

Designing multi-constraint search APIs taught me how complex backend logic can feel simple to the user when structured well. I learned to break down logic into reusable SQL builders and to design APIs that remain flexible as new requirements emerge.

• Built an autocomplete search bar with tag filters and pagination.

  I created a responsive frontend search UI with debouncing, autocomplete suggestions, and seamless filtering. The design minimized unnecessary re-renders and improved user experience.

Building autocomplete and tag-filtered search taught me how UI responsiveness depends on backend efficiency. I learned to reduce redundant API calls, apply debouncing, and design interactions that feel instant to users.

• Refactored backend codebase to improve modularity and maintainability.

  I restructured search-related modules, eliminated duplicated query logic, introduced reusable utilities, and updated schema fields to better support metadata and filtering.

Refactoring taught me that working code is not enough—code must also be readable, scalable, and consistent. I learned how thoughtful architecture reduces bugs and boosts team productivity, and I became more confident making structural decisions.

• Implemented secure login and registration flows with password encryption.

  I built the authentication layer including salted hashing, token verification, secure cookie management, and error feedback to ensure a smooth and secure login experience.

I learned how real systems defend against brute-force and malformed requests, and how salted hashing and validation logic directly safeguard users.

• Integrated Google OAuth into a multi-module backend system.

  I implemented OAuth login with token validation and session integration, enabling seamless user onboarding via Google accounts.

Implementing OAuth and authentication flows taught me the practical responsibilities of security engineering. I learned token flows, secure storage, and why predictable user experiences are essential for trust and safety.

• Designed and optimized database schema and SQL workflows.

  I developed normalized database schemas with foreign keys and created efficient SQL queries that supported low-latency user operations.

Designing foundational database tables taught me to think long-term. Every constraint, index, or relationship becomes part of the system future engineers must build on, which made me more deliberate about clean schema design.

• Developed backend API endpoints supporting core user features.

  I implemented API routes for authentication, profile management, and user session workflows, ensuring clean interface boundaries.

Teaching Assistant — Database Systems

Aug 2025 – Dec 2025 · University of Virginia

• Assisted in designing course exams, homework, and lecture materials.

  As Head TA, I reviewed lecture slides, rewrote unclear prompts, and tested assignments to ensure they fairly assessed SQL, relational algebra, normalization, indexing, and transactions.

Designing fair assessments taught me to think deeply about what students should understand—not just what they can memorize. It made me more thoughtful about pedagogy and how to evaluate conceptual mastery.

• Led office hours and discussion sessions on SQL, normalization, and database design.

  I helped students debug multi-table queries, understand JOIN behavior, and reason through BCNF decomposition. I often created mini-tutorials to address common gaps.

Through hundreds of student questions, I learned to explain concepts in multiple ways— intuitive, visual, example-driven—which strengthened my communication skills and helped me identify misunderstandings even when students struggled to articulate them.

• Provided detailed feedback and ensured consistent grading across the TA team.

  I supervised grading, established rubrics, and handled edge-case evaluations to maintain fairness for 100+ students.

Leading the grading team taught me how important clarity and fairness are. I learned to design rubrics, remove ambiguity, and align multiple graders toward consistent expectations—skills directly transferable to future technical leadership.

Operation Chair — Mainland Student Network

Aug 2022 – May 2023

• Coordinated logistics and scheduling for student events and speaker sessions.

  I managed venues, equipment, volunteer coordination, and timelines to ensure events ran smoothly even when unexpected issues came up.

Managing event logistics taught me anticipation and organization. When operations work is done well, it becomes invisible—everything runs smoothly, and that is its own form of success.

• Worked with UVA faculty and alumni for event planning and outreach.

  I drafted invitations, planned event agendas, and communicated with professors and alumni to organize cultural and academic programming.

Coordinating with professors and alumni taught me professional communication: writing invitations, aligning goals, and managing schedules. I learned how to design events that genuinely benefit students rather than simply filling a calendar.

• Designed posters and communication materials to improve engagement.

  I designed promotional materials that strengthened the organization’s branding and increased event attendance through clearer messaging.

Designing event posters taught me how visual clarity affects engagement. I developed a stronger aesthetic sense and learned to communicate information concisely and effectively.