Computer Science Student @ Florida International University Interested in Full-Stack Development, Software Engineering, and AI

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Hello! I'm Zara, a Computer Science student at Florida International University with a strong interest in Full-Stack Development, Software Engineering, and Data Science.

Currently, I’m conducting AI and Machine Learning research through the CAHSI Local REU program at FIU, where I’m developing systems that use Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze complex documents and generate simplified explanations for non-expert users.

Alongside research, I enjoy building full-stack applications and exploring how AI can be integrated into real-world software systems.

I’m also passionate about mentoring students in programming and problem solving, helping younger learners develop curiosity and confidence in technology.

Undergraduate Researcher – AI & Machine Learning Systems
Jan 2026 – Present

• Developing an AI-powered framework using Natural Language Processing (NLP) to analyze complex documents and generate simplified multimodal explanations.
• Applying Human-Computer Interaction (HCI) principles to improve usability and accessibility.
• Researching ways to improve interpretability and accessibility in AI-driven systems.

Undergraduate Researcher
Oct 2025 – Dec 2025

• Analyzed NASA Pandora spectrometer datasets to study urban air pollution variability.
• Processed atmospheric data using Python, pandas, NumPy, and matplotlib.
• Applied statistical analysis and correlation techniques to identify environmental patterns.

Programming Tutor
Apr 2025 – Present

• Teach programming concepts including Lua scripting, algorithms, and AI logic to students ages 6–13.
• Designed interactive lessons that increased student engagement by 85%.
• Mentor students through coding projects and demo classes.

Personalized AI chatbot built with React, Node.js, Express, and MongoDB supporting real-time chat, image uploads, and persistent storage.

Features:

• Google Gemini API integration for AI responses
• Clerk authentication
• Image upload and recognition

A Pinterest-style music discovery platform developed with a 10-person team.

Features:

• Backend built with Node.js and Express
• MongoDB database design
• Integrated iTunes Search API and Spotify authentication

Languages

Frameworks & Libraries

Tools

• Member of the executive board leading technical workshops for students
• Guide hands-on development projects to help members build real-world software engineering skills

• LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/in/zmaraj
• GitHub: https://github.com/zmaraj
• Email: zsmaraj99@gmail.com