Frontend
ReactNext.jsJavaScriptTypeScriptTailwind CSS
Hello, I am Alston!
Software Developer, Digital Communicator, and Recent Graduate
Name:Alston Dsouza
Role:Recent Software Development Graduate
Location:Seattle, Washington
School:Green River College
A little bit about me...
I am a recent software development graduate from Green River College with a passion for building clean, user-friendly web applications. I enjoy solving real-world problems through code and have hands-on experience with React, Next.js, Java, Node.js, Express, MySQL, Docker, and AI-powered tools.
I have worked on full-stack applications, admin dashboards, AI chatbots, RAG tools, and video-processing projects. My experience includes backend development, REST APIs, authentication, database design, testing, and Agile/Scrum collaboration.
Outside of tech, I enjoy coffee, event planning, outdoor sports, and working with diverse teams to create meaningful experiences.
Skills
Technologies I use to build full-stack web applications, backend systems, databases, and AI-powered tools.
Backend
Node.jsExpressJavaSpring BootREST APIs
Databases
PostgreSQLMySQLPrismaFirebase
AI & Tools
Anthropic APIAzure OpenAIApifyDockerMCPZodGit
Experience
Spotify
Backend Engineer Intern | Jun 2025 – Sep 2025
- Delivered backend services with Java, Spring Boot, Spring MVC, and SQL to support scalable product workflows.
- Improved service reliability and maintainability by adding unit tests, applying design patterns, and refactoring backend code.
- Moved features from requirements through implementation by collaborating with engineers and product stakeholders in Agile sprint cycles.
Green River College
Full-Stack Software Engineer Intern | Jan 2025 – May 2025
- Delivered full-stack web features using HTML, CSS, PHP, and MySQL for college-facing applications.
- Improved data retrieval and application responsiveness by optimizing MySQL queries and backend logic.
- Built and maintained RESTful API endpoints that powered dynamic, data-driven user experiences.
CodeDay
Software Engineering Micro-Intern | Oct 2024 – Dec 2024
- Expanded JavaScript test coverage with Mocha to catch regressions before release.
- Resolved maintainer feedback through GitHub pull requests and iterative code reviews.
- Delivered production-ready open-source contributions that were accepted and merged into the main codebase.
PACCAR Parts
IT Operations Intern | Jun 2024 – Aug 2024
- Built a backend-driven RAG chatbot with Python, REST APIs, and Azure OpenAI to streamline internal information retrieval.
- Designed structured JSON data pipelines that supported a more efficient workflow for 700+ users.
- Improved answer relevance by integrating Azure cloud and AI services into the chatbot retrieval pipeline.
Green River College
Student Help Desk Support | Oct 2022 – Aug 2023
- Restored access and productivity by troubleshooting Windows, macOS, and campus-system issues.
- Reduced repeated diagnostic work by documenting recurring issues and reusable support procedures.
Education
Green River College
Bachelor of Applied Science in Software Development | Expected June 2026
- Focused on full-stack development, backend systems, databases, and real-world applications.
- Built projects using React, Java, Node.js, Docker, MySQL, and AI tools.
- Collaborated with teams, stakeholders, and industry partners through applied coursework.
Middlesex University Dubai & MODUL University Dubai
Digital Media & Communication | Sep 2018 – Jul 2020
- Studied mass communication, journalism, media ethics, and digital strategy.
- Developed creative campaigns, video content, and digital storytelling skills.
- Collaborated on media production and communication theory projects.
Projects
Tailor That Resume
An AI resume tailoring platform for managing resumes, job posts, applications, and tailored exports. Built with Next.js, TypeScript, PostgreSQL, Prisma, Tailwind CSS, Anthropic Claude, Apify, MCP, and Zod, with ATS keyword extraction, match scoring, authentication, secure API credentials, and application tracking.
Next.jsTypeScriptPostgreSQLPrismaAnthropic APIApifyMCPZod
Running Start Support Portal
A student support portal for searchable FAQs, category navigation, and admin content management. Built with React, Node.js, Express, MySQL, and JWT authentication to make Running Start resources easier to find and maintain.
ReactNode.jsExpressMySQLJWT
Salamander Tracker
An ecological video-processing pipeline for frame analysis and salamander centroid tracking. It connects a React frontend, Node.js backend, Java video processor, JavaCV, and Docker workflow to turn raw research footage into structured tracking data.
ReactNode.jsJavaDockerJavaCV
Ticket Assistant RAG App
A RAG chatbot for retrieving internal ticket and workflow information faster. Built with Python, REST APIs, Azure OpenAI, and structured retrieval logic to improve answer relevance and reduce repeated manual lookup.
PythonREST APIsAzure OpenAIRAG
RateMyCourse
A web app for browsing, reviewing, and discovering golf courses across the United States. Built with React, Vite, Tailwind CSS, Firebase authentication, Firebase data storage, and Vercel to help users compare courses before visiting.
ReactViteTailwindFirebaseVercel
Green or Not
A sustainability tool that analyzes Amazon products and generates a green score. Built with Next.js, Tailwind CSS, Axios, Cheerio, and product-detail parsing logic to help users quickly evaluate eco-friendly signals, keywords, and certifications.
Next.jsTailwindAxiosCheerio
Get in touch
Want to connect, collaborate, or ask about my work? Fill out the form below and I will get back to you. If the form is unavailable, email me directly at alstondsouza35@gmail.com.