Eliza Samuels

Software Engineer · Full-Stack & Systems

Richmond, VA · elizasamuels03@gmail.com · LinkedIn · GitHub · Portfolio

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Summary

Software Engineer with strong foundations in building user-focused, scalable applications, integrating frontend and backend services, and developing low-level systems in Unix/Linux environments.

Technical Skills

  • Languages: Java, JavaScript, Python, C/C++, SQL (PostgreSQL), HTML, CSS
  • Additional Exposure: Rust, Ruby, Haskell, Assembly (x86), LaTeX
  • Frameworks & Tools: React, Node.js, Django, Git/GitHub, Docker, JUnit, Unix/Linux
  • Libraries: pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib
  • Concepts: Data Structures & Algorithms, Operating Systems, REST APIs, Authentication, Networking, Agile/SCRUM

Experience

Web Developer & Research Assistant
May 2024 – Aug 2024

Music CPR — Create, Perform, Respond · Harrisonburg, VA

  • Designed and implemented reusable UI components with emphasis on accessibility and visual design
  • Integrated frontend features with backend services using RESTful APIs to ensure reliable data flow
  • Collaborated with designers and researchers to translate concepts into polished user experiences
  • Conducted usability testing and iterated on feedback to improve engagement and task completion
  • Refactored and optimized codebases to improve performance, maintainability, and cross-browser compatibility
Treasurer
Dec 2022 – Dec 2023

JMU Club Cheerleading · Harrisonburg, VA

  • Managed budgeting, expenses, and financial reporting for a 35-member organization
  • Coordinated fundraising initiatives, raising $12,000 in compliance with university policies
Host & Server
May 2022 – Oct 2023

The Mill at Fine Creek · Powhatan, VA

  • Delivered high-end customer experiences in fast-paced, high-pressure environments
  • Coordinated event setup and service execution for large-scale events

Projects

Software Engineering Projects

Java, JavaScript, React, HTML, CSS, SQL

  • Designed and developed full-stack applications including a VR escape room and consumer-facing design app
  • Implemented scalable, component-based frontend architectures using React
  • Built backend services with RESTful APIs, authentication flows, and database-backed features
  • Wrote unit and integration tests using JUnit to support reliable software delivery
  • Applied Agile/SCRUM methodologies across the software development lifecycle
  • Containerized applications using Docker for consistent Linux-based development
Systems Programming Projects

C, Linux, Git

  • Built a Y86 CPU simulator in C based on Von Neumann architecture principles
  • Implemented process creation, synchronization, memory management, and file systems
  • Developed networked applications using sockets and low-level system calls
  • Debugged and profiled C programs using gdb to diagnose memory leaks and segmentation faults

Education

James Madison University
Aug 2021 – Dec 2025

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Minor in Mathematics

GPA: 3.5 · Cum Laude

Leadership & Service

  • Completed 130+ hours of community service through Computer Science, Math, and National Honor Societies
  • Served as camp counselor and STEM outreach volunteer promoting inclusive hands-on technical education
  • Organized county-wide food drive providing 1,500 items and meals to 300+ families