About Me

Me

Background

I am Alex Xiao Cai, a versatile software developer with a strong background in computer science, holding a Master of Science in Computer Science from the University of Oregon and a Bachelor of Science in Manufacturing and Mechanical Engineering from Texas A&M University. With experience in a variety of programming languages and technologies, including Python, Java, Django, React, and Docker, I am passionate about building scalable and efficient web applications.

My experience includes developing dynamic web applications, enhancing user experience, implementing secure authentication systems, and optimizing API endpoints to improve system performance. I have also served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, where I mentored students in web development and network security, fostering their growth in various tech stacks like React and JavaScript.

With a passion for continuous learning, I have developed strong skills in cloud infrastructure, data integration, and machine learning projects, such as the Coffee Rate Predictor, where I applied advanced predictive models to improve prediction accuracy. My approach combines technical expertise with a focus on improving efficiency and user experience, making me well-suited to tackle complex challenges in software development.

Skills

Languages
Python
C/C++
Javascript
Stack
Django
NextJS
TailwindCSS
Databases
PostgreSQL
MongoDB
MySQL

Experience

Software DeveloperJun 2024 - Present

Advanta Seeds - College Station, TX

  • Engineered dynamic and responsive web applications using Next.js and Daisy UI, which enhanced the user interface and user experience across multiple platforms. Collaborated closely with UX/UI designers to ensure design consistency and responsiveness, resulting in a more intuitive and visually appealing product.
  • Developed a secure authentication system by implementing token exchange protocols with third-party applications. This initiative not only fortified the security infrastructure but also streamlined user authentication processes, reducing the risk of unauthorized access and improving overall system integrity.
  • Architected and maintained scalable API endpoints within the Django framework, facilitating seamless data exchange and integration between various modules and external services. By optimizing these endpoints, I ensured efficient data flow and reduced latency, contributing to a more responsive and reliable application.

Graduate Teaching AssistantSep 2021 - Jun 2024

University of Oregon - Eugene, OR

  • Assisted the professor in mentoring students across multiple courses, including Web Development I, Web Development II, Computer Network and Security, and Database Systems. Focused on teaching various tech stacks such as React, JavaScript, and CSS, providing hands-on guidance and support to enhance students’ understanding and skills in these areas.
  • Implemented an automated testing script with Jest, resulting in an 80% reduction in grading time and around 60% decrease in overhead within 4 months, enhancing overall efficiency
  • Implemented novel teaching methods that increased student participation by around 60%

Software Developer InternJun 2023 - Sep 2023

Advanta Seeds - College Station, TX

  • Developed a scalable web application using Docker containers within a CI/CD environment, meeting stakeholder expectations.
  • Reduced the time migration process from old to new applications by at least 53% by creating modular, well documented, and object-oriented code within 3 weeks.
  • Refactored Advanta application’s database reducing data redundancy and improving data consistency by at least 43% within 2 weeks

Mechanical EngineerApr 2019 - Jan 2020

Depeuter Packaging Solutions - Houston, TX

  • Enhanced the efficiency of autonomous system design by 28% through accurate electrical schematics using AutoCAD, resulting in streamlined processes and reduced building time.
  • Enhanced end-of-line product automation by programming various PLCs and Yaskawas robots, resulting in a 40% increase in throughput and improved product delivery timelines.
  • Enhanced automation efficiency by 20% through the development of Human Machine Interfaces (HMIs) using Javascript, Python, and C, resulting in enhanced operational efficiency.

Projects

Coffee Quality Rate Model

Python, R

Developed predictive models, including logistic regression and random forest, to forecast coffee ratings based on flavor and non-flavor profiles. Conducted comprehensive data analysis using Coffee Quality Institute data to design and optimize the models, resulting in improved prediction accuracy. Utilized logistic regression and random forest models to predict coffee ratings, enhancing prediction accuracy through comprehensive data analysis and feature engineering using Coffee Quality Institute data.

3D Single-Source Shortest Path Application

C++, C, MPI, OpenMP

Independently built an application in C++ that finds the single-source shortest path on a 3D matrix using the Bellman-Ford algorithm. Integrated Parallelism with OpenMP to increase the efficiency of the program, achieving more than 1000% time reduction.

Cloud-based Storage Application

MongoDB, JS, CSS, HTML, NoSQL

https://github.com/alexiao94/CloudStorage

Designed and developed a secure, cloud-based storage application using NodeJS, modeled after existing cloud-based services to study and analyze their security features. Implemented a No-SQL database (MongoDB) to store all user data, ensuring optimal performance and scalability.

Handwritten Vision Recognition Application

Python, JS, CSS, HTML, Pytorch

https://github.com/alexiao94/HandRecognition

Designed and developed a cutting-edge web application using Python and Javascript that leverages Pytorch’s ResNet neural network to accurately classify handwritten characters

Chess Engine

C++, C

https://github.com/alexiao94/ParallelChess

Successfully programmed a powerful chess engine using C++, which determines the best move to make based on the current state of the game from a vast number of possibilities. Utilized parallel programming tools such as OpenMP to enable the engine to quickly analyze game states and choose the best move, making the task feasible and highly efficient

Image Processor Engine

C++, C

https://github.com/alexiao94/ImageEditor

Developed an image processing program in C/C++ that utilizes a pipeline to implement a range of functions, including halving, combining, blurring, blending, gray-scaling, mirroring, rotating, and subtracting images.

Atomatic Crypto Trader

Python, PostgreSQL, MySQL

Successfully created an automated trader in Python that continually monitors the crypto market and executes trades based on technical analysis. Implemented storage of all pertinent data in a SQL database, utilizing both PostgreSQL and MySQL for optimal performance and accessibility.

Contact Me