Akshetha V D

Authored a 283-page book for aspiring computer engineers after extensive research across multiple programming languages. The book is designed to be an accessible entry point for teens entering the technology space.

Donated multiple copies to local libraries and charities, promoting mentorship and growth within the tech community.

Collaborated with 5 PhD professors to design an AI cloud security device that detects threats in real-time, integrates with cloud platforms, and automates security responses.

Contributed to the patent filing process and earned recognition from the Indian Patent Office for this groundbreaking innovation.

Supporting UCSD's academic transformation initiatives as a Student Assistant — contributing to program coordination, student engagement, and operational tasks.

Full details coming soon as this role develops further.

Developed gameplay systems and minigames using Unity and C# within a 23-member team, integrating features into shared game builds through version control workflows.

Presented completed games to 80+ participants during club showcases and game jams, representing the club's technical output.

Led planning and execution of HackXR — a campus-wide hackathon for 40+ participants featuring VR/AR/Unity/Unreal challenges, starter kits, and full event logistics.

Spearheaded sponsorship outreach, developing pitches and contacting 25+ companies to fund a high-quality hackathon experience.

Directed operations for Muirstock, coordinating logistics and managing 250 attendees throughout the event smoothly.

Coordinated volunteers, logistics, and event setup for Muirchella concerts while adapting to schedule changes in real time.

Built and shipped VVho — an original horror-themed XR experience created using Unity, Udon scripting, Blender, and VRChat's creation tools.

Designed to provoke compassion through an unexpected storyline. Published on VRChat and made publicly available on both Android and iOS.

Accepted into UCSD's Early Research Scholars Program — a highly selective research initiative pairing first- and second-year undergraduates with faculty mentors for year-long research projects.

Currently onboarding into a research team. Full project details and findings will be updated as the research progresses.

Completed Andrew Ng's flagship Machine Learning Specialization — covering supervised learning, unsupervised learning, and recommender systems.

Applied ML tools learned in the course, including NumPy, scikit-learn, TensorFlow, and PyTorch, to independent projects such as a MediaPipe-based hand-tracking model for gesture recognition.

Trained a Deep Q-Learning agent with experience replay to safely land a simulated lunar lander on the moon's surface (image displayed).

Built a local stock-research dashboard where entering a ticker pulls up price history, a 30-day projection with an uncertainty range, and recent news with source checks.

Designed as a tool to help investigate and learn about market trends — pairing Yahoo and Google Finance data with Alpha Vantage and Finnhub API.

Turned MacBook's trackpad into a haptic speaker — the app analyzes a song's bass hits and taps them out in real time, from light taps for normal beats to stronger ones for big hits.

Built to make passive listening feel more dynamic, with an optional ear-switching mode that shifts audio left/right in time with the beat for a spatial, surround-sound feel.

Built a real-time hand-tracking arrow simulator — make a fist with one hand, pinch with the other, pull back to stretch the bowstring, then let go to fire.

Worked through gesture detection, debouncing noisy input, smooth animation, and estimating depth from a single 2D camera feed.

Served 200+ customers per day as part of a 10-person team, maintaining speed and accuracy in a high-volume, fast-paced environment.

Adapted to shifting priorities during peak hours while resolving service issues and upholding quality and customer satisfaction standards.

Developed a code advisor chatbot using the OpenAI API and Flutter, designed to answer coding queries and offer helpful suggestions in real time.

This project enhanced skills in AI development, app design, and problem-solving, while also fostering an entrepreneurial mindset.

Educated 30+ school members on cultural awareness and represented the school at district meetings. Created a platform for anonymous reporting of racial and ethnic bullying, connecting students with counselors.

Led awareness campaigns through the school's media outlet and advocated for a safer, more inclusive environment.

Mastered advanced techniques in rifle, flag, and saber, enabling the team to deliver powerful, award-winning performances.

Mentored newcomers in conditioning, equipment care, and choreography. Demonstrated consistent leadership and commitment throughout competitions.

Used Google's Generative AI tools to build an AI chatbot with a team of 3 over 2 days, contributing HTML and JavaScript code.

Won the hackathon against 80+ competitors, earning a partial scholarship from Draper University. Deepened skills in software development, AI integration, and teamwork.

Committed to 200+ hours over one year, streamlining medical services by restocking wound care supplies, setting up isolation carts, and handling preliminary tasks for nursing staff.

This efficiency freed the team to focus on critical patient care during constant understaffing, ultimately improving patient outcomes.

Achieved proficiency in Python, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Created computer games using p5.js, mastering beginner and intermediate concepts including UX design principles.

Applied time management and organizational skills to deliver unique, purposeful games for players.

Collaborated with peers to apply Python in AI programs — built a Tamil letter pronunciation app and a rock-paper-scissors game using image-recognition AI.

Integrated OpenAI into projects to create chatbots including a mental health assistant, strengthening AI development skills.

Initiated activities to combat mental health stigma and foster a healthier school environment. Partnered with regional administrators on budgets and member tracking.

Directed 12+ school-wide events annually, boosting engagement and advancing mental health awareness across the campus community.

Achieved proficiency in Python fundamentals, data structures, APIs, and databases. Created a functional Python hangman game as a capstone project.

Certifications earned: Programming for Everybody · Python Data Structures · Using Python to Access Web Data.

Engaged in disaster response campaigns and blood drives, deepening understanding of blood donation and community service. Cultivated civic responsibility through active participation.

Led Great Leaders in Black History events to promote cultural awareness and historical recognition.

Developed 6 functional apps for Android and iOS using an intuitive visual programming environment. Built a voice changer and Alexa-integrated interaction system.

Enhanced understanding of AI's impact on voice technology and human-computer interaction.

Led planning and hosting of toy, clothing, book, and community drives, as well as tutoring events for members, creating a meaningful impact on the local community.

Maintained membership through consistent academic performance and coordinated early applications during the competitive application season.

Ensured safety and comfort of fall-risk patients, fulfilled general requests including meal delivery, and provided companionship to patients.

Supported healthcare professionals by restocking supplies, aiding patient mobility, and managing communication under pressure.

Created engaging activities and games enabling peers with special needs to build meaningful relationships and participate fully in school life.

Promoted equity, highlighted the importance of connections, and developed communication skills while taking a strong stand against ableism.

Tackled math competitions including the AMC, demonstrating analytical thinking while solving complex problems collaboratively.

Mentored 15+ students in advanced algebra, geometry, and calculus, providing homework support and competition preparation.

Promoted cultural recognition and unity by teaching and demonstrating Tamil traditions during APISU meetings.

Cooked and served classic Tamil desserts to familiarize members with new flavors and foster cross-cultural appreciation.

Leveraged art to support community initiatives, contributing to fundraisers that featured artwork from club members on tote bags.

Proceeds were directed towards supporting a local animal shelter, combining creative expression with social impact.

Captured candid photos of schoolmates and skillfully retouched them in Photoshop, often waiting hours for the right moment.

Crafted 20+ visually striking spreads, elevating the West Ranch 2021 yearbook with unique, never-before-seen designs and layouts.

Spearheaded mock portfolio management and market data analysis with club members, applying vital financial principles in a practical setting.

Monitored financial trends and presented impactful findings, elevating group expertise and fostering an interactive learning culture.

Documented trial proceedings including testimonies, arguments, and rulings. Administered trial dates, practice sessions, and meetings to keep the team informed and prepared.

Communicated updates to members, advisors, and external contacts, ensuring smooth club operations throughout the season.

Documented meeting discussions and tracked member attendance. Identified valuable opportunities in the medical profession for students to apply for.

Shared findings through engaging Google Slides and Canva presentations, fostering awareness of medical careers.

Fostered appreciation for French and Francophone cultures through diverse activities, enhancing language proficiency and cultural understanding.

Designed bilingual posters for events and weekly affirmations using Canva, and provided leadership in event planning and teamwork.