Hi, my name is...
Erika Hochstein
Lindenhurst, Illinois
University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, Michigan
Education
I am a senior at the University of Michigan (U-M) studying omputer science (CS), and I will be graduating a semester early in December 2024. My GPA is 3.94/4.00, and I am pursuing a CS course track in software systems! I have previously taken EECS 485: Web Systems, EECS 484: Database Management Systems, and Computer Networks. I am currently taking EECS 482: Operating Systems. I am looking for full-time software engineering positions, ideally back-end or full-stack, where I can work on innovative projects that make a difference.
Languages
- C++
- HTML/CSS
- Python
- SQL
- JavaScript
Frameworks and Tools
- WSL/Ubuntu
- Visual Studio & VS Code
- Git
- React & React Native
- Flask
- SQLite
University Honors
GPA higher than 3.5, Four Terms
James B. Angell Scholar
Two consecutive A terms
Chubb Foundation Scholar
Relevant Coursework
- Operating Systems (current)
- Leadership Development in the Tech Sector (study abroad)
- Computer Networks (study abroad)
- EECS 485: Web Systems
- EECS 484: Database Management Systems
- EECS 201: Computer Pragmatics
- EECS 376: Foundations of Computer Science
- EECS 370: Introduction to Computer Science
- EECS 281: Data Structures and Algorithms
- EECS 280: Programming and Introduction to Data Structures
- EECS 203: Discrete Mathematics
- EECS 183: Elementary Programming Concepts
- SI 339: Web Design, Development, and Accessibility
- SI 110: Introduction to Information
- PHIL 340: Minds and Machines
- STATS 280: Honors Introduction to Statistics and Data Analysis
Work Experience
Publicis Sapient
Software Engineer Intern
June 2024 - August 2024
Chicago, IL
- Designed and implemented an AI recommendation feature, in collaboration with 6 interns, for a Fortune 500 company's mobile app using Azure OpenAI API and React Native, enhancing personalization within the app
- Consulted product interns and engineers to design a database schema and integrated SQLite database into mobile app, enabling simple management and retrieval of user information
- Developed and deployed a responsive front-end weather web application using React, a weather API, and AWS Amplify, providing 24-hour and 7-day forecasts for any global location
- Identified and resolved 7 accessibility issues in the weather app by conducting an accessibility audit using both automated testing with WAVE and manual testing, improving site navigation for a diverse user base
Center for Research on Learning and Teaching (CRLT)
Operations and Events Team Administrative Assistant
June 2023 - August 2023
Ann Arbor, MI
- Conducted extensive accessibility review of 164-page Graduate Student Instructor Teaching Orientation Canvas course created by CRLT, using automated and manual testing, to ensure smoother user experience that is both accessible and inclusive nearly 1,000 users
- Cleaned up over 600 user profiles in the CRLT website to maintain a complete client database and accurate consultation records
Rock Paper Scissors
Sales Associate
June 2023 - August 2023
Ann Arbor, MI
- Assisted customers with their gift purchases by sharing background information about different brands in the store and recommending similar or complementing products
- Encouraged customers to return to the store and increased sales by promoting the Rock Paper Scissors rewards program
Winthrop Harbor School District 1
Summer Technology Helper
June 2022 - August 2022
Winthrop Harbor, IL
- Replaced screens and keyboards on 30 chromebooks, reset and cleaned 615 chromebooks while taking inventory and cataloging damage in Google Sheets, and set up 115 brand-new chromebooks in 15 chromebook carts
- Assisted Technology Director during two-day student registration by handing out chromebooks, briefing students on the technology student handbook, and informing students on how to take care of their chromebook
Projects
School Alumni Strategy System
Team Project
While studying abroad, I took Leadership Development in the Tech Sector where I worked with five other students on a challenge project. Our client was a kindergarten and primary school located in Prague, Czech Republic. Over the course of three months, our team researched and generated a technical solution to help our client build strong relationships with their alumni and encourage their alumni to remain involved with the school community long after graduation.
To strengthen alumni relations, our solution utilized DonorBox, a third-party solution, to increase donations and general support for the school. Prior to discovering this solution, our team coordinated with the school director to learn about their needs. We then researched both independent solutions and third-party solutions to evaluate which platform would best increase alumni engagement while remaining within the school's budget, providing an easy-to-use interface, upholding best practices in data privacy and security, following relevant regulations such as GDPR, the EU general data protection regulation.
My individual contributions to this project include researching pre-existing marketing solutions and meeting weekly with our challenge project coordinator to update them on our progress, communicate with our client, and discuss project enhancements.
Skills Developed
- Market Research
- Communication
- Flexibility
Team Wiki
Team Lead
As the Technology Chair on the Executive Board of the Michigan Synthetic Biology Team, a student-led organization at the University of Michigan, I oversaw the development of the Team Wiki. The Team Wiki is a website that showcases the club's year-long research project, and it is a required deliverable for the Internationally Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) academic competition that MSBT participates in each year. I led a team of two developers and delgated coding tasks throughout the development process.
To create the Team Wiki, I coordinated weekly with the Co-Presidents to discuss the content and structure of the website. I used HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to develop the website, and I brought the Figma designs made by our Financial Chair to life. This project required consistent communication with the two developers on my team to ensure completion of the project by the submission deadline, as well as with the executive board of the club to ensure accurate content was being displayed on the site in the desired manner.
This Wiki contributed to the team's Gold Medal Award at the 2023 iGEM Competition!
Skills Developed
- HTML/CSS/JavaScript
- GitLab
- Communication
- Time Management
Michigan Synthetic Biology Team Club Website
Sole Designer & Developer
In addition to the Team Wiki, I designed and developed the club's personal website! The aim of the club's website is to attract new members by providing information about the club, showcase previous and current project work, and streamline the donation process for company and individual sponsors.
After planning out the design for each page of the site using Figma, I implemented my designs using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I also learned how to use the software PuTTY to securely transfer the website files from my computer to U-M's central file storage system to host this website through U-M's Information and Technology Services.
I utilized a mobile-first design approach to create responsive layouts that prioritize accessibility for all types of users. I highly value inclusive design and product creation techniques that keep accessibility at the forefront of the design. Thus, I made sure the website complied with the Web Content Accessibility Guidelines to ensure that all prospective members and interested sponsors can easily navigate the site.
Skills Developed
- HTML/CSS/JavaScript
- PuTTY
- Figma
- Accessibility Audit
High School Computer Science Computer Program
Curriculum Team
The computer science committee within End the Cycle, a student organization at U-M, is an entirely student-led committee. After U-M changes to the computer science program, requiring students to be selected for the major, we developed a one week, computer programming summer bootcamp for local high school students. This bootcamp aims to help students gain exposure to programming prior to college.
As a member of the curriculum team, my four teammates and I created four Python lessons. I specifcally created various diagrams, wrote material for the lessons, and helped structure interactive activities used to complement our lesson material. These various forms of content presentation are used to promote accessibility in our lessons, supporting various modes of learning. In addition to teaching the lessons this August, our team will also be taking the students on tours of U-M's campus, answering their questions and providing mentorship throughout the week, and teaching them how to build a choose-your-own-adventure coding project for their resume!
Skills Developed
- Lesson Planning
- Mentoring
- Team Collaboration
- Python
Interior Design Student Portfolio Website
Sole Designer & Developer
This is the first website I have ever created! In fall of 2022, I decided to expand my technical skillset by learning HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. I utilized online resources and tutorials to develop this website for Emma Hochstein, an interior design student at Michigan State University. This website showcases her various academic projects, acting as an online portfolio. This project not only allowed me to expand my technical skills, but I also learned how to communicate with a client to develop a product that meets their needs. I have since taken a course in web design where I have learned more about standard front-end development practices and the importance of designing for and ensuring accessibility in websites.
Skills Developed
- HTML/CSS/JavaScript
- Client Communication
Extracurriculars
Michigan Synthetic Biology Team (MSBT)
Technology Director, Executive Board
- MSBT is an entirely student-led organization. Every year, our team designs and conducts a complex research project to submit to the International Genetically Engineered Machine (iGEM) competition.
- As the Technology Lead on the Executive Board, I implemented the Team Wiki page using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. The Wiki is a required deliverable for the competition where teams document all aspects of their project for the judges and the public.
- Through this project, I am learning how to collborate with a team that works in a different discipline than myself and how to communicate my technical abilities to others.
End the Cycle
Computer Science Committee
- End the Cycle is an entirely student-run committee, and this fall will be the second semester that it has been in action. During the winter 2023 semester, our committee primarily focused on creating a week-long summer bootcamp for local high school students to introduce them to computer science. However, we will be working on new projects this fall in addition to building upon our summer program!
Girls in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science (GEECS)
Member
- GEECS provides women in technology the opportunity to connect with and find support from their peers, network with professionals in the industry, and build their behavioral and technical interviewing skills.
- Through GEECS, I have become more confident in my capabilities as a computer scientist. This organization is a driving factor in my interest in continuing to particpate in efforts that encourage women involvement in technology and STEM fields.
- I previously served on the professional committee during the fall semester of 2022. I helped organize a Q&A panel with U-M alumni in the computer science industry by reaching out to prior GEECS members and inviting them to participate.