My dog Pi

(3 legs, 1 eye, 4x heart)

3.14  π  

Brief Introduction

Hello!

My name is Deandra Bardell, but most people call me Dee. I want to thank you for coming to my site to learn a little more about me. I know it may be unconventional, but I've always done things a little differently than others. When I was born, my skull was fractured, and as a result, I have Cerebral Palsy (CP). In short, my muscles receive extra signals from my brain, causing extra movement and lack of coordination, but not strength. My balance and speech are also affected, and I use a power wheelchair for mobility. Talking on the phone is the most laborious method of communication for me, mainly if we have never spoken before. After people have talked with me a few times, they typically have a much easier time understanding me. Video or in-person conversation seems to be easier as well. I think this is because we naturally read lips and interpret visual cues. My preferred method of communication is written text, such as email or messaging.

In May 2018, I graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Mathematics from the University of Minnesota. In May 2019, I graduated (again!) with a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with Distinction (3.86 GPA).

I work for Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE) as a Systems/Software Engineer on the Cray Computing team. I develop numerical libraries for HPE Cray supercomputers and optimize BLAS, LAPACK, ScaLAPACK, and FFTW algorithms primarily for GPU targets.

IMG_1085.mov

I use adaptive equipment to use my computer. It takes me a little longer to operate my computer, but in school, I always had my assignments done on time. I am willing to work as many hours as needed, and being able to work from home allows me to put in as many hours as my employer needs. If I could only do my work in an office setting, it's possible I would become exhausted and fall behind. However, I do think spending some time in the office is very important for a sense of team, community, and growth. I want to be as helpful as I can be, and grow and learn along the way.

Why I'm a Valued Asset at HPE!

Education

I was born and raised in the Twin Cities and attended Columbia Heights Public Schools. In high school, I fell in love with digital art and writing (link to my art site) and won several awards for my pieces (link to news article). Initially, I wanted to go to art school after graduation but decided to keep art as a fun hobby instead. Math has always come naturally to me, and I enjoy the logic. I wanted to pursue my analytical side, so I applied to the University of Minnesota, College of Science and Engineering. In June 2013, I graduated as valedictorian of my high school class.

The University of Minnesota (UMN) was a pleasant change of pace for me. I felt more challenged by my classes, and I enjoyed learning at a faster level. However, I did not have much trouble in the freshman and sophomore required courses, such as physics and calculus. I'd often score well on exams, and push the curve, just as I did in high school. When other students tried to figure out who had scored high, they never considered me, which happened often. I think sometimes people see my disability and wheelchair and make assumptions about my intelligence. It happens quite often, even by professors, until they see my scores.

I typed all my homework and exams myself, which takes extra time, but it is more efficient than having a scribe. I taught myself LaTeX, which converts plain text to symbols. Professors were always surprised I knew LaTeX because typically undergraduates don't use it.

I declared mathematics as my major during my sophomore year and took classes such as cryptology, ordinary and partial differential equations, theory of statistics, math finance, and numerical methods. I did well in theory classes but discovered I enjoyed applied math, like finance, a lot more.

I was required to take an entry-level computer science course for my mathematics degree. I took C++. I fell in love! I enjoyed the logic and systematic aspects like in mathematics but found additional joy in the creative components of writing code. I like applied mathematics and found writing code to be closely related. I love the application and practicality of using programming to solve problems in numerous ways. I'm also a very organized and detail-oriented person, which has undoubtedly been beneficial to pursuing computer science. I had planned on minoring in computer science, but in late 2017 I decided I wanted to do programming and development as a career and added another year of school to earn a bachelor's degree in computer science.

Honors and Awards

Due to my physical disability and assignments taking a little longer, I usually took 10-14 credits a semester. When I had 12 or more credits, which were multiple semesters, I always qualified for the Dean's List.

I have been automatically accepted to graduate school at the University of Minnesota for a Master's or Ph.D. in Computer Science, and I can wait for up to 4 years to start. I want to start working, gain experience, and go back part-time after I am working and settle in a bit.

In Spring 2017, I was featured in the CSE Alumni Magazine and online, and also on a mailer:

School Projects and Challenges

Foundations and Functional Programming (C++, OCaml)

C++ is the first language I learned, and it was for my computer science fundamentals class, just learning the basics. In my data structures & algorithms courses (3 semesters), I used Java and learned search, graph, sorting, compression, and string matching algorithms. Object-Oriented Programming was a significant focus in many of my classes. As an introduction to functional programming and program design, I took a semester-long OCaml course, where I completed relatively small programming assignments (<500 lines of code). 

Computer Architecture (C) 

Link to code

For my computer architecture class, I learned C and completed mid-sized projects (500-1000 lines of code). One notable project was about simulating an LCD clock display, using bits. The main goal was to learn bit operations and how to work with/add to existing code that turned the low-level bits into a terminal graphic. After I completed this project in C, I had to also write it in Assembly Language. I use gdb to debug my C programs.

Operating Systems (C, Unix)

Link to code

Commando

commando.mov

For my operating systems (OS) class, the first project was to create a command-line shell in C (commando). The main features include the ability to build and run a program or multiple simultaneously, listing current jobs, and retrieving output from finished processes. The program creates and forks processes, uses pipes, redirects output (dup), and uses structs to keep track of input commands and their status. Keeping track of how all the project pieces interact was a challenge. I overcame this by reading the project specification multiple times before starting to write code and taking my notes.

Blather

blather.mov

The second project was creating a terminal chat room using threads (blather). This project used a client and server design, where the server passed information to clients and back using FIFOs. Functions such as select() and signal handlers were used to handle and pass along information efficiently. Caution had to be taken to protect critical sections of code that could not be interrupted by signals. The main challenge of this project was debugging. With many threads and processes running, it can be hard to find which one is causing issues. I overcame this by testing individual functions using a separate driver program. After verifying the functions worked, I started using them together, to see which were not interacting as expected. Using this systematic approach, I was able to find the bugs and fix them.

Program Design & Development (C++)

Link to code

FlashPhoto

flashphoto.mov

In fall 2018, I took a program design and development course, where the instructors simulated a relationship with a client. Git was used to complete and track iterations, and to receive updates from instructors. The "client" wanted a graphical painting and photo manipulation application and provided a set of requirements. Throughout the semester, we learned about various design patterns, such as Factory and Model View Controller (MVC). Ultimately the "boss" made the Design decisions and gave us some base code and UML diagram, and it was my "job" to implement the features, such as drawing tools and filters. The project was done in C++, adhering to Google's Style Guide, and had a few iterations. 

One of the main focuses was learning how to design with change in mind, and to illustrate the importance, the "client" changed the program requirements halfway through. I had to rewrite a lot of my code. After completing the program, I used Google's Testing Framework to write unit and integration tests. Mutant versions of the program evaluated the correctness of my tests. I also used Doxygen to auto-generate documentation for the entire application. The main challenge wasn't writing the code, but rather understanding what the "client" wanted and how the application should work from their perspective. I learned that asking questions often, checking in, and coming up with scenarios to work through with the client helped with this challenge.

Fundamentals of Computer Graphics (C++, OpenGL, SDL)  

Link to code

In the fall of 2018, I took a grad-level graphics class. I was not allowed to use existing graphics libraries. I made an online portfolio as part of the course: https://sites.google.com/umn.edu/dees-5607/

Ray Tracer

I wrote the code from scratch, which involved several files and C++ classes, complete with methods and operator overloading. This project analyzes user commands and turns them into program instructions. I think the hardest part was translating the somewhat complicated math into code. It can be hard to track down errors within the code, and usually, mine were small mistakes. Like my other projects, I started by testing individual functions and worked my way up to more complex. 

Maze Game 

In this project, I learned how to work with and manipulate graphics models, as well as implement collision detection. An exciting feature of the game is that level layouts are read in from text files on demand, so the levels are entirely customizable and are unlimited in number.

Power Soccer (Final Project)

We were allowed to create a creative project of our choice. I play a sport called Power Soccer and decided to make a computer game out of it.

Data Analysis & Visualization

Link to code

The English as a Second Language project was quite involved and stressful. It was a semester-long group project. The class was grad-level Data Visualization, and the class partnered with St. Paul. They were real clients. I think I learned a lot more about working with clients and the process of going from idea to product. In the program design class, we talked about working with clients who are not in the computer science field, but didn't have an opportunity to "try" it; the instructors had the simulation mapped out. In this class, we had to plan everything, and I had never experienced that in a computer science course. It was quite a challenge. I learned more about how to brainstorm, pick ideas that might work. Part of the project was writing a detailed proposal (as if we were requesting funding), and I had never seen that kind of project proposal before. It was good practice. I think I also learned more about how to take feedback and make changes. At first, I found critical feedback discouraging, as every idea was turned down. We kept at it by brainstorming and researching and eventually came up with a visualization that our client approved.

Our group had some challenges, such as disagreements. I stepped up as a team lead for the programming component. I'm quite organized and break projects up (having deadlines for smaller tasks) and delegate based on interests and strengths. For disagreements, I tried to make sure everyone felt heard, and usually came up with a compromise. I checked in often with other team members. I took on extra work and responsibility when needed to get the coding part of the project done. I had some late nights, but the project got done and was well received.

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Made with Processing, a Java-based graphics language. In collaboration with the Minnesota Literacy Council, this made-from-scratch visualization of ESL learning centers allows users to analyze demographic data from 2014-2018 at 8 locations in the Twin Cities. Data is imported from an Excel spreadsheet. Users can toggle Employment Status, Gender, Language, and Race independently, and these variables can be viewed over time. The visualization has a split screen option, allowing users to view 2 sets of data simultaneously for further exploration. The visualization can be controlled by mouse or keyboard input.

The final project debuted in May 2019 at the Bell Museum in St. Paul. The following website accompanied the visualization as an introduction to ESL: https://sites.google.com/a/umn.edu/st-paul-a-diverse-multilingual-city/

ESLVisualizationDemo.mov

Web Developer Experience

In June 2018, I started a web developer internship at PACER Center, a non-profit organization that assists and advocates for people with disabilities and their families. I've been a client since I was about two years old, and was excited to give back. When I was little, they helped me find adaptive equipment and help make sure I received the support every child is entitled to at school.

I spent about 15 hours per week in the office, and then worked another 10-20 hours per week remotely. I went in with almost no experience with web design and HTML/CSS. Jordan, the webmaster, spent a few days showing me the basics of his organization and Git system, staging server, and some HTML/CSS. After that, he gave me a project and let me begin working. This project involved upgrading the Possibilities Publication to a new design that is easier to navigate and mobile-friendly. If I had any questions or issues that I couldn't solve, I'd email or meet with Jordan. About every other week, we met to review my work and provide feedback. I finished Possibilities in about a month, and Jordan was pleasantly surprised by how fast I completed it. I think it was supposed to take me two months.

My next major project was to improve and add content to the Early Childhood (EC) section.

EC had plenty of great information, but it was tucked away in a long list of PDFs. First, I went through all the documents, grouped them based on similar topics, and then decided which would be helpful to convert into a web page. I wrote a proposal and outline of every page I wanted to create and submitted it to Jordan and the director of Early Childhood for approval. They loved my ideas and approved the plan. For this project, I also did a considerable amount of work with images and created some printouts in Photoshop. I wasn't able to complete the project before school started but happily agreed to continue working on it 100% remotely. I started it in late July, and the new site launched in early October. Traffic on EC has gone up 160% as a result.

January-March 2019 I worked on converting A Guide to the Individualized Education Program (IEP) publication to web format. I did this entirely remotely, as I was also in school.

A summary of my experience can be found in my Projects Summary (PDF).

In addition to working on the website, I also wrote content for PACER's Transition and Employment Center:

Navigating College: My Personal Experience

Understanding Academic Accommodations

I wrote the content for these pages in July 2018. My supervisor for this was the head of the transition department, Deborah. She had a rough idea of what I should cover in each piece, and then together, we decided on an audience, reading level, and purpose/main goal. I wrote an initial draft within a few days. I received feedback and wrote another draft. I was excited to be given this opportunity. I enjoy telling others about my life and the challenges I've overcome, which hopefully helps them tackle hardships in their own life. Knowledge is definitely power!

Beyond Math and Coding: Other Interests

Art & Writing

In high school, I took an introductory Photoshop class and discovered I enjoyed creating digital art. Before this, I was not too fond of school art class. I don't have much dexterity, so it was difficult to create tangible pieces, like on paper or sculpture. It's hard to be creative and have fun when you have to tell someone what to do with their hands for you. When I found digital art, I could do it entirely myself! I kept taking classes, including photography. My family bought me an iPad, which helped me take photos myself, rather than a standard camera. I've been doing digital art ever since. www.dees-knees.com

I also started writing creatively in high school. The summer before 10th grade, my English teacher assigned three book reports. At that time, I didn't enjoy reading books, so I asked him if I could write a collection of poems instead of reading one book. He thought it was a good idea, especially if I wrote about my life. So that's what I did! I continued to write poetry after that class. https://dees-knees.com/poetry

During my senior year of high school and in college, I took creative writing classes, and now have a small collection of short stories. I like writing in first person about brief moments in life. https://dees-knees.com/story

Power Wheelchair Soccer

In 2005 I started playing wheelchair soccer, aka Power Soccer. It's one of the only team sports for power wheelchair users with physical disabilities, and it's highly competitive. We play in specialized sport chairs made for soccer, and thus they're fast and have a quick reaction time. The game is played all over the world, and every four years there's a World Cup, where national teams compete to be the best.

Power Soccer is much more than a sport; it's a community. Before playing, I didn't know anyone "like me," people with physical disabilities who are smart and active members of their local community. I met people that were going to college, working, and creating families of their own. I realized I could do all of that, too; I had a future. Many of my friends live across the United States and, although we don't see each other often, we are connected through technology. We help and support each other.

I have traveled to Arizona, Indiana, Missouri, Alabama, Georgia, Florida, and Vancouver, Canada, for competition, and my team has won many tournaments over the years, including Nationals.

National Champions June 2023!

Volunteering

I have been a Courage Kenny volunteer for about 15 years. In the past, I've co-directed summer camp, aided in fundraisers by creating videos as well as speaking, and currently, I help coach the soccer team.

I've also volunteered at Columbia Heights Public Schools in special education classrooms. I've helped kids learn math and reading and have been a role model and mentor. Often, kids with disabilities get left behind or ignored even though they are talented, and it upsets me. These kids have so much to offer, and I do what I can to advocate for these students.

I highly value helping others see their potential and do whatever I can to get them a step closer to achieving their goals.

Pay it forward!

Fundraiser video for Celebration of Courage ~2010.

Crisis Text Line

In January 2020, I became a volunteer crisis counselor with Crisis Text Line. I completed 30 hours of training in crisis management, risk assessment, de-escalation, and active listening. As a counselor, I provide support and empathy to texters dealing with a range of crises, such as suicide, self-harm, addiction, abuse, military service related concerns, and mental illness. Conversations usually last 45-60 minutes, and my main goal is to calm and empower the texter so they can effectively think and discover next steps. When a texter is at imminent risk, and they refuse to safety plan, I have to set an active rescue in motion with aid from my supervisor to ensure the texter's safety. This involves contacting local emergency services. Also, I collaborate with licensed mental health professionals that serve as coaches and supervisors; they provide support and feedback on my performance and help me grow. Being a crisis counselor is stressful but incredibly rewarding!