Cristopher Herrera,
Software Engineer
Proud Penn State Alumnus
About Me
My name is Cristopher Herrera, a Software Engineer based in Austin, Texas. I earned a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science degree from Pennsylvania State University in 2022.
Ever since I was young, I’ve been fascinated by technology. However, it wasn’t until I reached college that I finally got the chance to write my very first line of code. Since then, I have spent countless hours learning new technologies and developing my passion for coding.
During my senior year at Penn State, I won the Computer Science award for the Capstone Design project. I had very little knowledge about game development at the start of the semester, but with the help of my team, I quickly picked it up and excelled. This outstanding accomplishment not only increased my confidence but also demonstrated my ability to learn and develop my skills.
Later that summer, I had the opportunity to contribute to the creation of an innovative Web3 and blockchain educational website for a startup company. As the lead front-end developer, I was responsible for designing and developing wireframes, creating new user interfaces, and connecting to the back-end database. Throughout the project, I learned how to work efficiently under tight deadlines while maintaining a high level of quality in my work.
These are some of my favorite technical skills:
- ☉ Javascript
- ☉ Typescript
- ☉ Python
- ☉ Java
- ☉ C++
- ☉ C#
Experience
Undergraduate Independent Study - Hien Nguyen, Ph.D.Research
• Developed and implemented two models, CITEseq and Multiome, to predict the co-variation of DNA, RNA, and protein measurements in single cells as bone marrow stem cells transition into mature blood cells.
• Conducted feature selection and preprocessing on a subset of a 300,000-cell time course dataset of CD34+ hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPC)
• Designed and executed a cross-validation strategy by converting the data into a sparse matrix, normalizing the targets, and processing each feature using relevant libraries.
• Implemented correlation scoring techniques, such as loss of correlation score and correlation score, to determine optimal model parameters for both CITEseq and Multiome models.
• Successfully trained the models using the gathered data, with the Multiome model leveraging the results from the CITEseq, accurately predicting genetic information mapping.
• Addressed the challenge of predicting a paired modality measured in the same cell using test data from a later time point than any in the training data.
Front-End DevelopementInternship
• Designed and developed a web application using Vue as the lead Front-End developer, resulting in an enhanced user experience and improved functionality.
• Collaborated with the content team to implement a dynamic display of articles and blog cards, showcasing web3 content and information on blockchain technology.
• Implemented a secure and user-friendly register, login, and forgot password system, ensuring a smooth user authentication experience.
• Designed wireframes and new UI elements to ensure a visually appealing and intuitive interface for users.
• Integrated animations to add fluidity and interactivity to the web application, enhancing user engagement and overall usability.
• Implemented a responsive database search feature in the UI, enabling users to efficiently retrieve and filter information from the database.
Dark Night HeroCapstone Award
• Conducted extensive research on assets for weapons, terrain, characters, enemies, and UI elements, selecting and integrating them into a Unity 3D multiplayer project.
• Developed the player screen UI, including the implementation of health bar, mana bar, and cross hair, ensuring a seamless and intuitive user experience.
• Designed and implemented an equipment system, enabling players to equip weapons and items, enhancing gameplay and customization options.
• Created a hot bar and inventory system, allowing players to manage and access their items and abilities efficiently during gameplay.
• Implemented animations for both player characters and enemies, utilizing box colliders to accurately calculate and apply damage.
• Designed and constructed each level, providing engaging and challenging environments for players to explore.
• Developed a shop and currency system, enabling players to purchase items, enhancing the game’s progression and economy.
• Collaborated with the team to ensure seamless integration of all components, optimizing performance and ensuring a cohesive gaming experience.
Projects
Dark Night Hero
A captivating 3D rogue-lite RPG that combines magic spells, intense combat, and a fantasy dungeon environment. The game features action-packed battles, challenging levels, and formidable boss enemies. With a dynamic heads-up display, inventory system, character progression, the game offers immersive gameplay that can be played alone or with friends in multiplayer mode. You can download a copy of the game or watch an overview by visiting the website link below.
AriseDeck
AriseDeck is an Android application that provides a platform for self-improvement, progress tracking, and connecting with a community of fitness enthusiasts. It offers personalized daily, weekly, and monthly challenges for users to conquer their fitness goals. The app features a leaderboard system that tracks and ranks users based on their completed challenges, fostering a sense of competition and motivation. With a seamless login system, users can easily manage their login information within the user-friendly interface.