Saron Semma Melesse

Software Engineer

Hi, I’m Saron Melesse, a first-generation college graduate with a bachelor’s degree in Computer Science from Calvin University. I’m passionate about building technology that connects people and creates meaningful impact, with a focus on designing and developing user-centered, full-stack applications. Through my experiences in research, product design, and software development, I’ve learned that great technology isn’t just built in isolation, it’s thoughtfully and collaboratively crafted to solve real human problems. I value teamwork, impact , and growth mindset as essential parts of the engineering process.

I’m open to connecting and exploring opportunities.

Resume

Education

Calvin University – Grand Rapids, MI

Bachelors of Science in Computer Science & Mathematics

August 2025

Relevant coursework: Applied Computing, Intro to Data Structures, Intro to Engineering Design, Networking, Machine Learning, Network Security, Cloud Security, NLP, Object Oriented Programming, Distributed Computing Systems, Web Technologies, Cloud Computing

Skills & Certifications

Languages

Python, Java, Kotlin, C++, C, JavaScript

Technologies

Github, Git, Apache, AWS, Linux, NET, Django, React, Docker, MySQL, Windows, Swift/IOS, Tableau, Trello, CI/CD pipelines

Soft Skills

Product Management, Entrepreneurial skills, Communication, Leadership, Organizational skills

Experience

AR Developer

Snap Inc | Remote

May 2025 – Present

  • Developed interactive AR filters using Snap’s Lens Studio, integrating Lens Studio Scripting which is JavaScript-based, object tracking, and event-driven behaviors.
  • Implemented custom 3D models and animations using Blender and optimized assets for mobile deployment, achieving smooth performance andreduced load times across devices.

Software Developer

Walia Technologies | Remote

June 2024 – August 2024

  • Built and deployed 5 interactive dashboards using React.js and D3.js, helping 50+ school administrators visualize 7 years of academic trends such as enrollment and graduation rates
  • Digitized teaching and learning environments by integrating Firebase, and modular React components into Walia’s eSchool System, directly supporting the shift to online learning resources for 530+ students and educators

Data Analyst

Calvin University Development and Advancement | Grand Rapids, MI

May 2024- June 2024

  • Managed and optimized alumni databases, ensuring accurate and timely updates through Salesforce, advanced SQL queries and data manipulation techniques, increasing data processing efficiency by 15%
  • Utilized Microsoft Office tools extensively, performing sophisticated data manipulation tasks in Excel and managing documents efficiently, leading to a 20% improvement in overall data management productivity

AI Research Assistant

Calvin University Computer Science Department

| Grand Rapids, MI

May 2023 – August 2023

  • Built a Microsoft Word add-in that offers constructive writing suggestions based on the way a user writes, resulting in a working tool that identifies issues with clarity, tone, and grammar, making it easier for users to improve their writing without external support.
  • Applied language analysis methods, which led to more accurate and personalized feedback during testing, helping make the tool more effective for a range of writing needs

Projects

Journey Smith

Web & Mobile App Developer
  • Designed and delivered D&D campaign management tools (Journeysmith) for a potential global audience of 50M+ players
  • Built interactive map and pin-linking systems with React, Node.js, and Azure PostgreSQL, reducing Dungeon Master setup time by 30% and boosting navigation efficiency by 40%
  • Implemented persistent data storage for login credentials, maps, and notes, enabling long-term campaign management and streamlined access to storylines and characters
  • Completed a 4-month MVP with a 5-person team, coordinating tasks through Trello, Slack, GitHub, and Clockify to ensure on-time delivery
Trello, Github Python, React CI/CD pipelines
View Project

Explainable RL Games Portal

Frontend & Backend Integration for Explainable RL Games
  • Built browser-based implementations of Boop and Connect 4 using FastAPI for backend game logic and Brython for frontend UI, extending a reinforcement learning games portal
  • Applied the SIMPLE library to train explainable reinforcement learning agents, enabling the system to both play games and provide reasoning for its moves
  • Developed modular UIs by following the Boop pattern, ensuring consistency and scalability across multiple board games including Tic Tac Toe
  • Collaborated with teammates to analyze gameplay patterns, integrate explainability features, and document workflows for future extensions
Python, Fast API, Brython SIMPLE Library, Client-Server Architecture Modular UI Design, Git/GitHub
View Project

Goldman Sachs Virtual Simulation Project

Software Engineering
  • Completed a job simulation as a Goldman Sachs governance analyst responsible for assessing IT security and suggesting improvements
  • Identified that the company was using an outdated password hashing algorithm by cracking passwords using Hashcat
  • Wrote a memo for my supervisor summarizing a range of proposed uplifts to increase the company’s level of password protection including extending minimum password length and using a dedicated hashing algorithm
Python Data Analysis Security, Hashcat
View Project