About Christa Cooke

Christa Cooke - Software Engineer

Hi! I'm Christa Cooke, a passionate and results-driven software engineer based in France. With expertise in React.js, Node.js, and AI integration, I specialize in building scalable, efficient digital solutions. My experience spans from bioinformatics research at Johns Hopkins APL to enterprise applications at Northrop Grumman, bringing a unique blend of technical expertise and innovative problem-solving to every project.

Education

Graduate Certificate in Environmental Science & Engineering

Johns Hopkins University

August 2024

B.S. Computer Science

University of North Carolina at Charlotte

May 2015

Professional Experience

My career has been defined by a commitment to innovation and excellence across diverse industries.

Carbon Maps logo

Senior Backend Developer

Carbon Maps

Sep 2024 - Present

Key achievements at Carbon Maps: • Developing backend systems for the sustainability platform that helps food companies calculate and reduce their environmental impact • Working on carbon accounting solutions for Scopes 1, 2, and 3 emissions in line with GHG Protocol recommendations • Building automated Product Carbon Footprints and Life Cycle Assessments for large-scale food industry portfolios • Contributing to SBTi (Science Based Targets initiative) trajectory calculations and impact reduction simulations • Supporting the platform that processes thousands of product references through 100% automated sustainability assessments
JHU Applied Physics Lab logo

Software Engineer

JHU Applied Physics Lab

May 2022 - Sep 2024 · 2 yrs 4 mos

During my time at APL, I made significant contributions across multiple domains: • Developed a website showcasing a machine learning model for predicting climate change tipping points, fine-tuning LLMs on climate research papers. Received prestigious internal REDDx award for this groundbreaking work. • Collaborated with researchers to develop bioinformatics pipelines using Flyte, Datajoint, and Kubernetes for large-scale neuroscience data analysis. • Created a Vue.js front-end application for the CDC, enabling interactive visualization of disease spread and pandemic tracking. • Sole developer of an NIH neuromodulation prize-winning Android app for improving spinal cord injury outcomes through epidural stimulation. • First author of a research paper on epidural stimulation, accepted at the IEEE-NER conference for neural engineering.
Read about Climate AI ProjectView Research PaperRead about Spinal Cord Project
Edume logo

Full Stack Engineer

Edume

April 2019 - Oct 2020 · 1 yr 6 mos

Key achievements at EduMe: • Developed corporate training and communication web app using ReactJS, Node.js, and PostgreSQL • Led implementation of secure login bypass for authorized users • Restructured database implementation to improve report download speeds up to 50% faster • Refactored the entire codebase to remove the dependency injection framework Bottle.js • Re-skinned web UI to reflect individual customer preferences • Collaborated on a team of 6 developers running six week sprints following Basecamp's shape-up project development practices • Documented several APIs and detailed instructions on accessing remote servers and navigating logged output with an intended technical audience
[24]7.ai logo

Full Stack Engineer

[24]7.ai

Sep 2017 - Oct 2018 · 1 yr 1 mo

Key achievements at [24]7.ai: • Engineered bot store using ReactJS, Node.js and MySQL to create a way for major corporate customers to demo products before purchase, and for engineers to download working models of customer wants • Designed and developed "conversation journey" for in-production voice bot using JavaScript, SCXML, and VXML, supporting bot release, generating $30 million in revenue • Developed chat and voice bot template with over 80% test code coverage with JavaScript, SCXML, and VXML, dramatically speeding up development cycle of future bots by 5X on average • Led tech talk with 40+ attendees on how to create omnichannel bot using newly developed architecture
Northrop Grumman logo

Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Jun 2015 - Sep 2017 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Key achievements at Northrop Grumman: • Built customized shift scheduling app using Java, Struts, JSP, JSTL, PL/SQL, Oracle, and JavaScript to replace manual system in order to support managers and improve velocity of floor workers • Collaborated with cross-team senior management to outline app specifications • Enhanced internal application dedicated to product parts and orders using C#, ASP.NET, and PL/SQL • Volunteered as social lead for recent graduate program

Technical Expertise

My technical skill set is built to deliver high-performance applications that drive business success.

  • Proficient: JavaScript, React.js, Node.js, Express, Java, Android, Llama/Hugging Face, GIT, SQL, PostgreSQL, jQuery, HTML5, CSS3, SASS, Python, Vue, CI/CD, REST API
  • Exposure: C++, C#, Unity, MongoDB, Ruby on Rails, Firebase, AWS, Heroku, TypeScript, Native, Webpack, Enzyme, Atlas, Markdown, Django, React Native

International Experience

With extensive experience across multiple tech hubs and international locations, I bring a diverse perspective to every project.

  • Languages: English (Native), French (CEFR A2)
  • Work Locations: Silicon Valley, London, Washington DC
  • International Experience: Lived in France while working as a freelance developer, with experience working across multiple time zones and cultural contexts

A Global Journey

From the innovation hubs of Silicon Valley to the historic streets of Europe, my journey has been shaped by diverse experiences and cultures.

🌉

Silicon Valley

The Innovation Epicenter

Where I first discovered the power of technology to transform ideas into reality. The energy of innovation and the pace of change shaped my approach to software development.

🇬🇧

London

Broadening Perspectives

Living in London broadened my perspectives and gave me a deep appreciation for European lifestyles. The city's rich history, diverse culture, and work-life balance taught me to value quality over speed.

🏛️

Washington DC

Where Tech Meets Impact

Working at Johns Hopkins APL, I discovered how technology can serve the greater good through climate science and healthcare innovation, where every line of code had purpose.

🇫🇷

Paris, France

The Next Chapter

The next phase of my journey takes me to Paris, where I'm now contributing to Carbon Maps' mission of helping food companies reduce their environmental impact. This vibrant city of innovation perfectly aligns with my passion for meaningful software development in the sustainability space.

What This Journey Taught Me

🌍

Global Perspective

Understanding how technology serves different cultures and markets

🤝

Cultural Intelligence

Building products that resonate across diverse international audiences

💡

Innovation Mindset

Combining the best of Silicon Valley speed with European craftsmanship

Harp
Zurich Lake
Castle
Blue Lake

Let's Build Something Amazing

Whether you're looking for a freelance engineer to bring your vision to life, optimize an existing application, or develop a full-stack solution from the ground up, I'd love to help. Reach out via email at christadcooke@gmail.com or explore my latest work on GitHub. Let's create something impactful together!