Crystal Zhao: developer and innovator

More About Me

I have always been intrigued by solving difficult problems since I was little. And my father, who graduated from Computer Science at U of T and became a programmer, would always "brainwash" me on how computer science is better and more interesting than any other field of study. I, of course, did not believe him. However, I still decided to take a few computer science courses during my first year to try them out. After taking the courses, it quickly captured my heart, and that is when I realized, I want to become a software developer, just like my dad. In addition, some parts of me also believed that I got the genes for computer science from my dad, so it might be easier for me to learn Computer Science than to learn Economics.

Experiences

Work Experiences

Sep 2023 - Present Quality Assurance Engineer Co-op, Trulioo

Implemented UI Component automation test and API automation test cases using page object model with Cypress, while assisting in the maintenance and improvement of the automation pipeline to reach full CI/CD
Conducted regression testing to ensure the stability, functionality, and performance of features, covering positive, negative, and edge-case scenarios
Participated in the creation and upkeep of documentation, including future testing plans, test cases, and test data
Developed and coordinated production release plans, utilized Testrail to write and maintain test cases and test plans, and actively contributed to sprint planning and feature refinement

May 2023 - Sep 2023 Web Developer, OTO Industry Co., Ltd.

Developed and maintained a user-friendly business website for the company using Joomla, resulting in a 25% increase in customer engagement and interactions, as well as conducted regular website updates
Created customized website templates using Nicepage to facilitate effortless revisions and updates in future
Collaborated closely with cross-functional teams and gathered user feedback to ensure seamless integration of features and optimize the user experience

May 2023 - Present Math Instructor, Mathnasium

Deliver individualized instruction in a group setting while assessing students’ learning progress and engagement throughout instructional sessions
Created a supportive learning environment for students from different cultural backgrounds while demonstrating flexibility and leadership

Aug 2022 - May 2023 Content Writer, Vansky

Write creative content for companies in partnership and have attracted 500+ followers
Reach out to companies for collaborations and have secured partnerships with Mochi Bae and Nam Dae Moon

Jan 2023 - Apr 2023 Notetaker, University of British Columbia Centre for Accessibility

Took clear and detailed notes and uploaded notes to a secure website within 48 hours of each class for students with disability

May 2022- Aug 2022 Server, Murasaki Japanese Restaurant

Took clear and detailed notes and uploaded notes to a secure website within 48 hours of each class for students with disability

Jun 2019- Mar 2020 Manager, Papa John’s Pizza

Took clear and detailed notes and uploaded notes to a secure website within 48 hours of each class for students with disability

Club Experiences

Learn More

Women in Computer Science, Events Director

Sep 2022- May 2023

Built an inclusive and supportive community of underrepresented gender in computer science at UBC by organizing both technical and social events

First-year representative

Sep 2021- Sep 2022

Reached out to clubs for promotional and collaborating purposes through social media

Learn More

Women in Data Science, Events Director

Sep 2022- Jan 2024

Worked as a part of the Events Team to address the gender gap in the field and empower underrepresented gender in tech at UBC
Volunteered and helped organize events aimed to attract more students

Her Power, Outreach Vice President

Jun 2022- Sep 2024

Worked collaboratively with other departments as well as connected with other clubs and organizations while finalizing events details

Learn More

Chinese Students and Scholars Association at UBC, Events Director

Sep 2021- Present

Established a comforting and welcoming environment for students at UBC and have helped organize annual CSSA events such as “6 Cities Freshman Meet and Greet Conferences”

Volunteer Experiences