Personal Projects

Project snapshot:
Built a secure, mobile-friendly web app to support Respondent-Driven Sampling (RDS) for the King County Regional Homelessness Authority. The tool streamlines volunteer workflows, issues referral QR codes, and improves data quality for research on unhoused populations. Figma design

Problem
Point-in-Time counts and ad-hoc surveys were labor-intensive, provided snapshot data, and led to gaps/inconsistencies. Researchers needed better coverage and fidelity; site admins needed something volunteers could use quickly on shared devices.

Solution
A full-stack RDS app that enables referral-based recruiting via QR codes, guided survey capture, real-time validation, and an admin console. Role-based access keeps identifiable data restricted to researchers while allowing trained volunteers to handle intake and referrals.

Key capabilities

• QR-based referrals to map RDS networks (seed → coupon flow)

• Streamlined survey forms with validation and plain-language copy

• Admin console for monitoring progress and managing users

• Role-based access to protect PII and match real-world responsibilities

My contributions

• Led requirements workshops with researchers, site admins, and volunteers; translated workflows into user stories and permissions.

• Designed and implemented role-based access (least-privilege defaults) and a simple admin UX for assigning capabilities.

• Built QR referral flows and intake forms with inline validation to reduce errors and drop-offs.

• Partnered on data model and API design to keep data consistent and ready for analysis.

• Implemented the backend for administrative role-based flows so admins could grant trained volunteers specific access (e.g., start intakes, issue referral QR codes) without exposing identifiable data.

• Ran pilots at multiple sites and iterated on copy, form layout, and admin flows based on field feedback.

Impact

• Reduced admin bottlenecks by delegating safe tasks to trained volunteers.

• Improved completeness and consistency of survey data for researchers.

• Faster field operations (quicker starts, fewer retries) and clearer privacy posture for sensitive data.

Following a conversation with my peer regarding her challenges with the advising system on the University of Washington's International Student Services website, I directed my efforts in my Usability Study class toward addressing this issue. Through a series of interviews, usability testing sessions, and surveys, I delved into the user experience intricacies, ultimately formulating design recommendations.

These recommendations, aimed at enhancing the usability of the website, were presented to the UX designer at International Student Services. Subsequently, they were incorporated into the website's redesign, marking a tangible impact stemming from my user research efforts.

This project underscores my adeptness in user research methodologies, effective communication, and persuasive presentation skills, all of which contributed to the successful implementation of design improvements.

I created this project for the 12th Annual Women in Infomatics Hackathon, and placed first in the Best Impact Category. This project displays my visual design skills, as well as my ability to create technology to make social change. The goal of my proposed app is to  provides users details on relevant bills, upcoming voting sessions, and volunteer opportunities related to chosen issues, to bridge the gap between citizens and local governments and increase turnout for local elections. 

In my Client Side Development course, I created the web application UW Study Budy, which serves as a hub for students to forge connections with peers who share their majors and interests, fostering a sense of community and collaboration.

Additionally, recognizing the financial strain on students, I integrated features allowing users to buy and sell old school supplies and notes. This tackles the burden of purchasing expensive textbooks and notes for each class, promoting affordability and sustainability within the academic community.

Implemented using HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and React libraries, the app boasts seamless functionality and an intuitive user experience. Hosted on Firebase with real-time database integration and Ajax requests, it delivers real-time updates and ensures smooth interactions for users.

This project not only showcases my expertise in client-side development but also underscores my commitment to addressing real-world challenges through innovative technological solutions.