Hello, I'm
.
Turning ideas into reality, one algorithm at a time! I'm a full-stack developer and generative AI enthusiast with hands-on experience building scalable tools, fine-tuning models, and optimizing systems for real-world impact. I believe tech should be accessible to everyone, and I'm passionate about making it work for everyone. Let's build something amazing together!
Projects
Streamly
A decentralized social platform with Docker-based deployment and RESTful APIs. Features include GitHub activity feed integration, user relationship graphs for post visibility control, and comprehensive REST APIs for identity and friend management.
EventEase
An Android application for QR-based event check-in with real-time tracking and automated notifications. Achieved 97% test coverage and implemented CI/CD pipelines for streamlined deployment.
TweetHub
A tweet management tool with batch processing capabilities and optimized query performance. Features include a sophisticated ranking system for tweets and users, reducing search time by 30%.
Brain Complexity in Artificial Life
We investigated how different environmental pressures influence the evolution of neural complexity in artificial agents using an extended A-life simulation. By evolving environments via meta-evolution (gaSpecs) to optimize for survival and neural network size, we discovered that more forgiving environments favor the development of larger, more complex artificial brains. Our work provides insights into how environmental design shapes intelligent behavior in both biological and artificial systems.
About Me
Character sprite made with DALL·E via ChatGPT by OpenAIPrompt customized by me!
Hi! I'm Ashlyn Benoy, a developer who loves turning complex problems into simple, elegant solutions. My journey has taken me from building interactive learning apps in Dubai to fine-tuning AI models and optimizing data pipelines at Cognizant and the University of Alberta. I thrive on making technology accessible, whether I'm boosting ML performance, automating workflows, or collaborating in fast-paced Agile teams.
I'm passionate about generative AI, full-stack development, and using code to make a real-world impact. When I'm not coding, you'll find me exploring new tech, reading sci-fi, or hiking a new trail. Let's connect and create something amazing!
Education
Bachelor of Science in Computing Science
University of Alberta
Relevant coursework: Data Structures & Algorithms, Database Management, Machine Learning, Artificial Intelligence, Object-Oriented Programming, Unified Modeling Language, Software Development Life Cycle, Web Development, Software Engineering, Reinforcement Learning.
Experience
Generative AI Extern
Cognizant (Remote, Canada)
• Built full-stack AI tools including a Python-based text completion engine, emphasizing data processing and scalable application design.
• Fine-tuned BERT and other LLM models to improve classification accuracy by 21% and speed by 18% using optimized data pipelines and inference techniques.
• Engineered production-like pipelines using PySpark and optimized data flows for large-scale ML experiments.
• Built CI/CD pipelines with GitHub Actions to support continuous integration and automated testing.
• Gained hands-on experience with generative AI model iteration and validation.
Teaching Assistant
University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB)
• Furthered students' understanding of set theory, logic, and induction, and their use in the practice of reasoning about algorithms and programs (CMPUT 272 – Formal Systems and Logic in Computing Science).
• Designed and delivered seminars focused on key aspects of course content from CMPUT 272 - Formal Systems and Logic in Computing Science, tailoring sessions to address specific topics and challenges.
• Assisted in administering and proctoring exams, maintaining academic integrity standards, while also conducting regular office hours to offer individualized assistance and mentorship.
Research Assistant
University of Alberta (Edmonton, AB)
• Developed and evaluated optimization algorithms (Genetic Algorithms, Simulated Annealing, MAP-Elites), applying data structures and algorithms to improve AI performance.
• Worked with relational data design and database queries to preprocess and manage large datasets, enabling efficient data integration for NLP projects.
• Automated data processing tasks in Python/MATLAB, boosting system efficiency by 40% and reducing manual work by 70%.
• Utilized parallel computing techniques to optimize algorithm performance and enhance scalability.
• Used version control (git) and modern IDEs for efficient development and collaboration in Linux environments.
• Integrated REST APIs for enhanced system communication and utilized version control (git) for collaboration and workflow management.
Software Engineer Intern
EduTech4Space (Dubai, UAE)
• Built interactive learning modules using JavaScript, React, HTML, and CSS, integrating Firebase for real-time updates; increased student engagement by 40%.
• Applied data structures & algorithms to optimize content delivery and improve load times by 28% across devices.
• Collaborated in an Agile environment, contributing to sprint planning, code reviews, and daily stand-ups with cross-functional teams.
• Developed Python scripts (pandas, NumPy) to analyze student interaction data and support A/B testing, increasing user retention by 25%.
• Implemented continuous integration workflows using GitHub Actions to automate testing and streamline deployment.
• Authored technical documentation for UI components and internal engineering workflows, facilitating onboarding and knowledge sharing.
Tutor-Mentor
TutorBright (Edmonton, AB)
• Provided academic assistance to students in grades 5-12 in Mathematics, Social Studies, Science and Computer Science.
• Developed lesson plans and study strategies tailored to individual students' needs and learning styles.
• Utilized effective communication and interpersonal skills to build rapport with students and foster a positive learning environment.
Promotions and Multi-Channel Marketing Intern
International Research Symposium in Service Management (Dubai, UAE)
• Developed high-quality, engaging content such as blogs, articles, and videos and optimized the content for search engine optimization (SEO).
• Analyzed data to identify trends, measure success metrics, and make data-driven recommendations for content optimization.
• Collaborated with the web development team on various projects involving JavaScript.