About Christa Cooke - Software Engineer & Tech Innovator

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

I've worked with both cutting-edge startups and industry-leading organizations, building software that delivers real impact:

Software Engineer

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab

May 2022 - Feb 2025 · 2 yrs 10 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 Project View Research Paper Read about Spinal Cord Project

Software Engineer

Edume

2021 - 2022

Key achievements and responsibilities at EduMe: • Developed corporate training and communication web app using ReactJS, Node.js, and PostgreSQL, delivering comprehensive solutions for enterprise clients. • Led implementation of secure login bypass system for authorized users, enhancing platform accessibility while maintaining robust security standards. • Optimized database implementation, achieving a 50% improvement in report download speeds through strategic restructuring. • Successfully refactored the entire codebase to eliminate dependency on Bottle.js framework, improving maintainability and performance. • Implemented dynamic UI customization system to reflect individual customer branding preferences. • Collaborated within a team of 6 developers using Shape Up methodology with six-week sprint cycles. • Created comprehensive technical documentation for APIs, server access, and log navigation procedures.

View API Documentation

Software Engineer

[24]7.ai

2020 - 2021

Key achievements at [24]7.ai: • Engineered AI-powered chat and voice bot store using ReactJS, Node.js and MySQL to enable corporate customers to demo products before purchase, and for engineers to download working models of customer needs. • Designed and developed "conversation journey" for in-production voice bot using JavaScript, SCXML, and VXML, supported bot release which generated $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 (voice and chat) bot using newly developed architecture.

Software Engineer

Northrop Grumman

Jun 2015 - Sep 2016 · 1 yr 4 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, bringing together dozens of new employees.

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

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!