Hi, I'm
Ryan Chan
I'm a Caltech computer science student interested in machine learning and full-stack development.
Let's get in touch!
A Little About Me
I'm a Caltech class of 24' Computer Science major. I've worked as a software engineer at a number of companies including Palantir, the CoStar Group and JPL.
While my summer internships have taught me the most, I also enjoy competing in hackathons and practicing during the school year as well. The last two years, I've won both First Overall and HRT's Best Use of Data awards at Hacktech, Caltech's annual international hackathon. My two submissions were an auction based food marketplace Foodbridge and a novel social media app Reach Out designed to bring old friends back in touch. Both projects taught me a lot, notably about the importance of research, presentation, and business feasibility alongside technical skills.
Outside of academics, I love running both cross country and track, playing poker, and gaming. My favorite books include Ender's Game, Roots, and Running With the Buffaloes. Other than that, I relax by hanging out with family and friends.
Professional Experience
Software Engineer | Palantir Technologies
Jun. 2023 to Present
This summer I built an event aggregation system on Palantir's geo-spatial analysis application. It tracks artifact changes and consolidates them for users allowing granular review of events in the document. I also built an extension of the filtering system for artifact events giving users the power to drill down and isolate their changes more easily. I worked full-stack using Java in the back-end and TypeScript in the front-end.
Languages: TypeScript, Java
Technologies: React/Redux, Git
Teaching Assistant | Caltech CS1: Computer Programming
Aug. 2022 to Dec. 2022
I lead office hours to help students debug code and go more in-depth on course material. While the course focuses on teaching object-oriented programming (through Python and Java), we also put considerable emphasis on developing good coding fundamentals through unit-testing, documentation, and readability. Our goal is to prepare students for collaborative coding and giving them practical skills to apply to all fields of study. I also contribute to the course design as we take strides towards integrating more project-based assignments and making the class more inclusive.
Languages: Python, Java
Technologies: Git, Linux
Software Engineer | Loopnet Costar
Jun. 2022 to Aug. 2022
I work on the Ecommerce Team for Loopnet to handle the broker transactions for the signature advertisements shown to over 10 million visitors per month. This summer we launched Loopnet to the United Kingdom, and in June of 2022, our ecommerce team increased profits by 47% for the month and 131% over the past year. I work on both back-end and front-end development, such as creating UK specific React components and layouts as well as creating API endpoints and unit tests for our pricing assembly.
Languages: C#, TypeScript, HTML
Technologies: React, SQL Server, Git, Azure DevOps
Data Analyst | Costar Group
Dec. 2021 to Jun. 2022
I developed a Google Perspective program to parse over 1.7 million client messages for sensitive information. I also co-created an interactive analytics dashboard tracking client visiting frequency, reach, and retargeting metrics. I leveraged Google Standard SQL in Big Query and Data Studios. The dashboard is used internally by product managers and business analysts to produce business strategies.
Languages: Python, Google Standard SQL
Technologies: Big Query, Data Studios
Software Engineer and Research Intern | NASA JPL
Jun. 2021 to Aug. 2021
I implemented an iterative image processing technique for telescope images, using the Interactive Data Language. The model analyzed 4x as many atmospheric components as previous research and revealed key temporal and longitudinal influnces on Jupiter's atmosphere. The findings were presented to the Asia Oceana Geosciences Society and JPL Summer Undergraduate Research Fellowship.
Languages: Python, Interactive Data Language
Technologies: Linux
Projects
Foodbridge | Food Distribution Marketplace
The goal of Foodbridge is to make a sustainable, business-driven marketplace that distributes surplus food from producers to consumers in need. Billions of dollars worth of food is discarded every year, but people around the world live in poverty and hunger. While the idealism of connecting these two groups is obvious, we wanted to take a shot at making this a reality through a project rooted in capitalism. By making an auction system connecting producers, consumers, and drivers, we connect supply with demand while also handling the logistical troubles of transportation. This project won HRT's Best Use of Data award at Hacktech 2023.
Languages: JavaScript, HTML, CSS
Technologies: Pytorch, Git
Reach Out | Social Media App
Reach Out is a social media app inspired by a desire to keep in touch with those friends who gradually fade away. Every day, it prompts users with a universal question, and users' responses foster conversation and relatability. Entered in Caltech's annual hackathon, Hacktech, we won Best Overall Hack and Best Remote Life Hack for the uniqueness and technical prowess of the project.
Languages: JavaScript, HTML, CSS
Technologies: React Native, Firebase, Git
Ryan Chan | Personal Website
I built this website to practice my web development skills and put my experience from CS 132 into use. I used JavaScript to make a couple of neat scrolling features, so check that out. I had a blast designing and implementing the features and hope you enjoy it too!
Languages: JavaScript, HTML, CSS
Anagrams | Game Pigeon Web Version
Anagrams takes the classic Game Pigeon game and ports it into a web application. Scoring calculations and word possibilities are generated in Python and interact with the web page through Flask. Players can customize number of letters, choose unique timers, and keep track of their standings with an updating leaderboard. The game also shows players which words they missed and other possibilities after the game ends.
Languages: Python, JavaScript, HTML, CSS
Technologies: Flask, Git
Fantasy Basketball Calculator | Draft Predictor
One of my first personal projects, I combined my love of software and fantasy basketball. Leveraging NumPy, I used statistical analysis to predict player output by following historical progressions and unique player progressions. In many ways, the model is very reminiscent of machine learning, which I only realized after I took more courses! Through Flask I ported this to a web application that over 2000 players used for their drafts last year.
Languages: Python, HTML, CSS
Technologies: Flask
