JU

Hi, I'm Jefferson 👋

Machine Learning Researcher & Computer Science Student @ UC San Diego

Passionate about software development, machine learning, and building impactful tools that bridge technical innovation with real-world change—from peer tutoring to environmental restoration to machine learning research.

About

I’m a Computer Science student at UC San Diego, deeply passionate about software engineering, AI, and using technology to create meaningful impact. Coming from a first-generation, low-income background, I’ve seen firsthand how access to opportunity can change lives—and I’m committed to paying that forward through mentorship, research, and engineering.

I’ve built lie detectors using Naive Bayes, predicted weather with Hidden Markov Models, and developed tools like ShelterGuide to help unhoused individuals find emergency housing. I’m currently preparing for internships while researching machine learning interpretability under Professor Sanjoy Dasgupta.

Whether I’m tutoring Calculus students, restoring ecosystems on Santa Rosa Island, or writing backend systems in JavaScript and Python, I approach every project with a love for learning and a focus on real-world impact. I'm currently building my skills in the MERN stack, PostgreSQL, and cloud tools like AWS to become a well-rounded software engineer ready to tackle meaningful challenges.

Education

UC San Diego • B.S. Computer Science

Sep 2023 – Jun 2027 (Expected) • Major GPA: 3.675

Computer Science & Engineering Courses:
• CSE 8A+11: Python & Java Programming
• CSE 12: Data Structures & Object-Oriented Design
• CSE 15L: Software Tools & Techniques Lab
• CSE 30: Computer Organization & Systems Programming
• CSE 100+101: Advanced Data Structures & Algorithms
• CSE 105: Theory of Computation
• CSE 110: Software Engineering
• CSE 132A: Database System Principles
• CSE 150A: AI: Probabilistic Models
• CSE 151A: Machine Learning: Learning Algorithms
• CSE 158R: Recommender Systems and Web Mining

Mathematics Courses:
• MATH 20A-E: Calculus I-IV (Vector Calculus)
• MATH 20D: Differential Equations
• MATH 18: Linear Algebra
• MATH 109: Mathematical Reasoning (Proofs)
• MATH 154: Discrete Math & Graph Theory
• MATH 180A+181A: Probability & Statistics

Grossmont College

Summer 2024, Summer 2025, Fall 2025

GPA: 4.0 • Completed GE requirements to accelerate UCSD graduation timeline.

Experience

Sep 2025 — Present

Machine Learning Researcher • UC San Diego CSE Department

Starting Fall 2025, I’ll be conducting faculty-led research under Professor Sanjoy Dasgupta as part of a focused working group on machine learning interpretability at UC San Diego.

Machine Learning
Research

Aug 2025 — Present

Computer Science Mentor • UC San Diego Muir College

Supporting first-generation CS students with personalized mentorship on academic planning, coding resources, and career pathways, improving confidence in navigating UCSD’s CSE curriculum. Introducing coding practice routines and project-building strategies using industry tools, helping accelerate readiness for early internship opportunities.

Curriculum Development
Project Leadership
Mentoring
Computer Science
Collaboration

Sep 2023 — Jun 2025

Independent Calculus Tutor • UC San Diego

Tutored UCSD undergraduates in Calculus I–III by explaining concepts and guiding problem sets, strengthening comprehension and exam performance.

Calculus
Tutoring
Leadership
Mathematics
Collaboration

Dec 2023 — Jun 2024

Lead Web Developer & Principal Member • UC San Diego — Mitochondria Club

Built responsive website prototypes for two UCSD student organizations using HTML and CSS while collaborating with a 3-person team on UI/UX design, improving usability and accessibility for student audiences. Managed collaborative development through Git and GitHub workflows, ensuring clean version control and delivering functional prototypes approved by stakeholders within 3 months.

HTML
CSS
JavaScript
Agile
Web Development

Sep 2022 — Jun 2023

Mathematics (Calculus) Tutor • Freelance

Provided one-on-one tutoring in Calculus I–III, helping students strengthen conceptual understanding and problem-solving strategies. Tailored instruction to individual learning styles and fostered long-term academic confidence in STEM subjects.

Mathematical Reasoning
Calculus Instruction
Problem-Solving
Peer Tutoring

Nov 2022 — Nov 2022

Research Field Support • Santa Rosa Island Research Station

Contributed to ecological restoration and water redirection efforts on Santa Rosa Island as part of a CSU Channel Islands initiative. Assisted with habitat monitoring, erosion control, and field data collection in a team-based conservation environment.

Field Research
Environmental Monitoring
Ecological Restoration
Scientific Data Collection

Jul 2022 — Jul 2022

Entrepreneurship Mentor & Project Lead • Project ECHO

Taught entrepreneurship and presentation skills to underserved high school students, leading a team that placed second in a regional pitch competition. Designed lesson plans, coached students one-on-one, and built confidence through real-world business frameworks.

Curriculum Development
Project Leadership
Public Speaking
Presentation Design
Team Leadership

Projects

Screenshot of Lie Detector – Naive Bayes Text Classifier

Lie Detector – Naive Bayes Text Classifier

Built a binary text classifier to detect lies using a Naive Bayes model trained on labeled datasets of truthful and deceptive statements. Explored word frequencies, probabilistic inference, and real-world applications of natural language processing (NLP).

Python
Naive Bayes
Natural Language Processing (NLP)
Jupyter Notebooks
Data Preprocessing
Probability & Statistics
Screenshot of Weather Predictor – Hidden Markov Model

Weather Predictor – Hidden Markov Model

Designed a weather prediction system using a discrete Hidden Markov Model (HMM) trained on real climate data. Implemented algorithms for parameter estimation and probabilistic inference, including forward-backward and Viterbi decoding.

Python
Hidden Markov Models
Probability Theory
Data Modeling
Algorithm Implementation
Screenshot of ShelterGuide – Pathfinding Web App

ShelterGuide – Pathfinding Web App

Developed a web app to help unhoused individuals find nearby emergency shelters, built at a UCSD hackathon. Integrated Google Maps API and implemented shelter search functionality with location filtering and accessibility-focused UI.

HTML
CSS
Java
JavaScript
Hackathon Development
Team Collaboration
Screenshot of Rosas Demolition Company Website

Rosas Demolition Company Website

Created a modern, mobile-responsive website for a local demolition business to establish their online presence and attract clients. Designed and deployed a clean, professional front end with service descriptions and contact forms.

HTML
CSS
Web Design
JavaScript
UI/UX
Vercel

Get In Touch

If you're considering my contribution, have a question, or just want to say hi, you can count on hearing back from me!

© 2025 Jefferson Umanzor. Design: Alexander Meikopoulos.