Jesse · CMU SCS

Jesse Chen · Carnegie Mellon School of Computer Science

Building technology that solves real problems for real people.

I'm a first-year computer science student at Carnegie Mellon University focused on developing technology that addresses meaningful challenges. I build software that bridges the gap between engineering and human needs, creating tools that make a tangible difference in people's lives.

Current Coursework

15-122
Principles of Imperative Computation
C · Data Structures · Algorithms
15-151
Mathematical Foundations for CS
Logic · Proofs · Discrete Math
21-241
Matrices and Linear Transformations
Linear Algebra · Vector Spaces
  • Design with empathy to create purposeful, human-centered solutions.
  • Continuously learn and iterate to build better software.
  • Focus on solving meaningful, real-world problems.
Browse selected work See the journey

Journey

From Human Stories to Working Systems.

Game Creation Society · Core Developer

Unreal Engine 5 · Multiplayer systems

  • Programmed physics and logic systems for an aerial multiplayer game in Unreal Engine 5.
  • Developed consistent replicated physics for smooth online interactions.
  • Balanced gameplay mechanics for readability and precision through iterative testing.
  • Optimized Blueprints and frame performance to improve responsiveness during playtests.

Coding Minds Academy · Instructor

Python · C++ · JavaScript · ACSL

  • Taught students core programming paradigms, algorithmic problem-solving, and computational logic.
  • Mentored students in competitive programming and algorithmic thinking, translating abstract problems into efficient and optimized code.
  • Enhanced learning outcomes by integrating visualization tools that made abstract programming concepts more intuitive.
  • Developed custom exercises and mini-projects that illustrated key programming principles.

Levio · Founder & Lead Engineer

Dart · Flutter · Firebase

  • Developed a cross-platform Parkinson's companion app using Dart, Flutter, and Firebase for seamless data sync.
  • Implemented reliable state management for tracking symptoms, reminders, and therapy modules.
  • Created simple dashboards that helped families understand progress over time.
  • Explored lightweight on-device models to give personalized, private feedback without sending data to the cloud.

SoftCom Lab · Research Intern

NumPy · Pandas · Scikit-learn

  • Collaborated with Cal Poly Pomona faculty to study AI methods for Parkinson's progression.
  • Built data pipelines for preprocessing, normalization, and model evaluation.
  • Designed validation processes that aligned with how real users would interact with the models.
  • Co-authored a peer-reviewed paper translating movement and voice data into actionable therapeutic insights.

Selected work

Building software that solves meaningful problems.

Levio

Mobile health · Cross-platform
  • Built Levio, a cross-platform app developed in Flutter and Dart with a Firebase backend to help users manage Parkinson's therapy through symptom tracking, medication schedules, and exercise guidance.
  • Designed a structured Firestore schema and efficient data flow for seamless logging, retrieval, and synchronization between mobile clients.
  • Implemented authentication, personalized user profiles, and adaptive UI components to create a secure, responsive, and consistent experience across devices.
  • Flutter & Dart
  • Firebase
  • Signal processing
  • On-device ML

CMUMaps Data & Software Engineer

Infrastructure · Open data
  • Processed OpenStreetMap data into structured GeoJSON to power CMU's campus navigation tools.
  • Implemented geometry-based anchors for accurate map rendering and label placement.
  • Verified building outlines, metadata, and coordinates before deployment to AWS S3.
  • Python
  • XML Parsing
  • Geometry Algorithms
  • Data Validation

MyCommunity

Android · Civic tech
  • Created an Android app that helps Scouts find local service projects and connect with troops.
  • Used Firebase and Google Maps to integrate live community data and events.
  • Integrated NYT API to provide insight for relevant current events to enable improved troop projects.
  • Java
  • Firebase
  • Google Maps SDK
  • REST APIs

Tarocchi

Interactive web · Creative systems
  • Built an interactive HackCMU project using React and TypeScript with a tarot-inspired visual experience.
  • Implemented branching logic through prompt-based storytelling and interactive choices.
  • Added parallax visuals and soundscapes for an immersive web experience.
  • React & Vite
  • TypeScript
  • Tailwind CSS
  • Framer Motion

Beyond the build

Leadership, collaboration, and community impact.

Developer & Treasurer · Arcadia App Development

  • Helped develop a digital student ID system that improved event check-ins for thousands of students.
  • Worked closely with administrators to design features based on real student and faculty needs.
  • Managed finances and outreach efforts, expanding the club’s reach and project capacity.

Firebase · Android · Product management

Eagle Scout · Boy Scouts of America

  • Led the planning and construction of wooden signage and a large outdoor banner for a local elementary school.
  • Organized volunteers and coordinated logistics to ensure safety, accuracy, and meaningful results.
  • Mentored younger Scouts on leadership, communication, and responsibility through hands-on activities.

Leadership · Logistics · Community service

Clarinet Section Leader & Soloist

  • Dedicated over 200 hours each year to rehearsals, performances, and coordinating with directors and peers.
  • Led sectionals, coached younger clarinetists, and organized music for both marching and concert seasons.
  • Performed nationally and abroad with the Pasadena Symphony and Pops, developing focus and composure under pressure.

Discipline · Collaboration · Performance

Toolkit

Technologies and tools for building robust software.

Languages

  • Python · C · C++
  • Dart · Java
  • JavaScript · TypeScript
  • HTML/CSS · SQL · Markdown

Frameworks & Libraries

  • Flutter · Firebase · Android SDK
  • React · Vite · Tailwind CSS
  • Framer Motion · Unreal Engine
  • OpenStreetMap tools · XML/JSON parsing

Data & Intelligence

  • NumPy · Pandas · scikit-learn
  • On-device analytics & signal processing
  • Experiment design · error analysis
  • Data logging & instrumentation

Systems & Tools

  • Git & GitHub Actions · Unix shell
  • VS Code · Android Studio · Xcode
  • Figma · Canva · Notion
  • LaTeX · Typst · Technical documentation

Concepts & Soft Skills

  • Full-stack product development
  • Machine learning pipelines
  • Human-centered design & research
  • Leadership · Mentorship · Communication