Hi, I'm Kara 👋. I'm a full-stack developer with a background in animal behavior science. I first got into coding while building AgentGrey, a seal foraging simulation, for my Master's thesis. What started as a research tool turned into a genuine love for solving problems with code.
These days, I develop enterprise web applications for the Department of Veterans Affairs, helping build technology that serves our nation's veterans. In my personal time, I'm working on several conservation and science projects including my personal pet project ManateeWatch - a citizen science app that helps users track manatees.
My science background definitely influences how I approach development - I tend to be methodical, love digging into data, and get excited about projects that can make a real-world difference. I'm always looking to learn new things and work with teams that care about building something meaningful.
Focused on projects that combine technology with conservation impact:
- 🌐 Web applications for environmental data visualization
- 🔬 Research tools that bridge citizen science and professional conservation
- 📱 Mobile-friendly solutions for field researchers and wildlife enthusiasts
ManateeWatch - Manatee tracking application
- Full-stack app for conservationists and animal enthusiasts
- Bridges citizen science with professional research
- Built with: React, Django, PostgreSQL, AWS
ZooDietConverter - Zoo nutrition data standardization tool
- Shiny-based R application for zoo nutritionists to convert nutrient data into standardized formats
- Interactive workflow for uploading, converting, and reviewing transformed datasets
- Built with: R, Shiny, Shinydashboard
AgentGrey - Seal foraging simulation model
- Developed for Master's thesis research in animal behavior
- Combines behavioral modeling with computational analysis
- Built with: R, Netlogo
|
Languages Frontend & Web Technologies Machine Learning & Data Science 
|
Backend Database & Cloud Tools 
|
🎯 Currently exploring React Native for mobile development, Java & Spring Boot, and ML applications
✨ When I'm not coding Hiking 🏔️, Crochet 🧶, Guitar 🎸
📚 Currently reading Dungeon Crawler Carl Link up on StoryGraph
⚡ Fun fact Dolphins can see 270 degrees around their head and have 2 pupils per eye 👀
💬 Want to collaborate or just say hi? Let's talk about development, conservation tech, or your next project here!
