01

About

Charles Nguyen

Charles Nguyen

CS @ UC San Diego · IEEE UCSD · Full-stack developer

Based in
San Diego, California

I'm a fourth-year Computer Science student at UC San Diego building secure, user-centered full-stack systems across IEEE UCSD, HDSI Lab 3.0, and AI-powered tools that make real workflows easier.

02

Experience

  • Chadwick School

    • Summer Camp Counselor & Substitute Instructor

      As a camp counselor, my main job is to look after the students and make sure they're safe. I also help out with organizing different events and ensuring that the...

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      As a camp counselor, my main job is to look after the students and make sure they’re safe. I also help out with organizing different events and ensuring that the students get to their classes on time. As part of my role, I assist the instructors as a teacher assistant whenever they need it.

      I was also given the opportunity to be a substitute teacher for an introductory coding class and an algebra class. When I filled in, I taught the coding class the basics using Scratch, and for the algebra class, I covered formulas and concepts using Desmos.

      ScratchDesmos
    • Digital Film Instructor

      As a Digital Film Instructor at Chadwick, I instructed students in extensive filming and editing techniques. In this position, I adapted my teaching style to meet...

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      As a Digital Film Instructor at Chadwick, I instructed students in extensive filming and editing techniques. In this position, I adapted my teaching style to meet the individual learning requirements of each student, ensuring that they fully comprehended fundamental concepts such as perspective and transitions. Concurrently, I adopted responsibility for monitoring the health and safety of students during filming sessions, adhering to established health protocols to ensure the safety and security of all participants. In addition, I taught students invaluable Adobe Premiere Pro skills, enabling them to liberate their creativity and master the art of constructing captivating edits that brought their cinematic visions to life.

      Adobe Premiere Pro
  • Ralphs Grocery Company

    • eCommerce Clerk

      As an eCommerce Clerk at Ralphs, I supported the end-to-end fulfillment process for online pickup orders, ensuring accuracy, quality, and a seamless customer...

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      As an eCommerce Clerk at Ralphs, I supported the end-to-end fulfillment process for online pickup orders, ensuring accuracy, quality, and a seamless customer experience.

      I was responsible for selecting and assembling customer orders with attention to detail, verifying product quality, and properly storing items in climate-controlled environments prior to pickup. I delivered completed orders directly to customers’ vehicles, providing professional and friendly service while confirming order accuracy before handoff.

      I ensured all opening and closing procedures were followed in compliance with company standards, including securing equipment and staging areas at the end of each shift. I maintained high standards of care when handling customer items, minimizing damage and substitutions while prioritizing freshness and quality.

      In addition to daily fulfillment operations, I prepared supplies and materials for the following day to maintain efficiency and reduce delays. I also documented customer preferences and recurring needs to help improve service quality and meet demand more effectively.

      Through operational discipline, attention to detail, and customer-focused service, I contributed to a reliable and high-performing eCommerce fulfillment workflow.

      Customer ServicePoint of Sale
    • Cashier

      As a Cashier at Ralphs, I delivered high-quality customer service in a fast-paced retail environment while ensuring transactional accuracy and operational...

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      As a Cashier at Ralphs, I delivered high-quality customer service in a fast-paced retail environment while ensuring transactional accuracy and operational compliance.

      I processed high volumes of transactions with attention to detail, maintaining precise cash handling and balancing responsibilities. I conducted register audits to ensure all financial activity was properly tracked and aligned with company procedures. I strictly followed cash-control protocols to safeguard monetary assets and minimize discrepancies.

      Beyond checkout operations, I supported cross-department needs when required, contributing to overall store efficiency. I prioritized customer satisfaction by resolving issues professionally and ensuring each interaction was handled with care and respect. I also ensured all equipment and registers were properly secured and locked down at the end of each shift in accordance with security procedures.

      Through accountability, procedural compliance, and strong interpersonal communication, I contributed to a reliable and customer-focused retail environment.

      Cash HandlingCustomer Service
  • IEEE Student Branch at UC San Diego

    • Webmaster

      As Webmaster, I architect and maintain IEEE UCSD's technical infrastructure, spanning dashboards, authentication systems, internal tooling, and self-hosted...

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      As Webmaster, I architect and maintain IEEE UCSD’s technical infrastructure, spanning dashboards, authentication systems, internal tooling, and self-hosted production services.

      I built the IEEE Dashboard using Convex as the backend and TanStack Start as the frontend, creating a centralized platform for event discovery, reimbursement submissions, event management, sponsorship tracking, resume database access, link sharing, user management, and analytics. I integrated Google APIs, including Google Calendar synchronization, to ensure real-time event updates and improved member engagement across the organization.

      I led the initiative to self-host IEEE’s core infrastructure by deploying our dashboard, main website, authentication services, and internal tools on a VPS environment. Using open-source tooling such as Dokploy, I manage containerized services including databases, authentication providers, and internal microservices. This increased reliability, security, and operational control while reducing reliance on external platforms.

      I implemented organization-wide authentication using Logto with OpenID Connect and JWT-based security, establishing role-based access control across all IEEE services. This unified authentication layer secures internal dashboards, project tools, and administrative systems under a standardized identity infrastructure.

      Beyond web systems, I developed the IEEE Presence Tracker using Convex as the backend and a Raspberry Pi with AstroJS as the frontend. The system leverages Rust-based Bluetooth proximity detection to automatically determine member attendance in real time. I also built the IEEE Parts Platform, featuring a 2D blueprint interface for inventory visualization and a structured check-in and check-out system powered by Convex and TanStack Start.

      Front-End DevelopmentWeb DevelopmentConvexTanStack Start
    • Visionarieees Event Coordinator

      As Visionarieees Coordinator, I helped oversee the strategic planning and execution of IEEE UCSD's Visionarieees competition, a student-focused innovation and...

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      As Visionarieees Coordinator, I helped oversee the strategic planning and execution of IEEE UCSD’s Visionarieees competition, a student-focused innovation and design challenge.

      I contributed to high-level decision-making for the competition, ensuring alignment between project goals, technical feasibility, and organizational priorities. I reviewed proposed material lists and budgets to ensure the event remained financially sustainable while still providing participants with the necessary resources to build competitive projects.

      I served as a liaison between faculty advisors, sponsors, and IEEE leadership, maintaining clear communication and ensuring expectations, deliverables, and timelines were aligned. I also supported logistical planning, including materials coordination, operational setup, and event-day execution to ensure a smooth experience for participants.

      Through cross-functional coordination and financial oversight, I helped deliver a well-structured and professionally executed engineering competition.

    • Vice Chair Finance

      As Vice Chair Finance, I oversee the financial strategy, compliance, and operational integrity of IEEE UC San Diego's multi-program engineering organization,...

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      As Vice Chair Finance, I oversee the financial strategy, compliance, and operational integrity of IEEE UC San Diego’s multi-program engineering organization, supporting competitive teams, large-scale events, and quarterly project initiatives.

      I work directly with corporate partners to ensure grants and sponsorship funds are properly allocated and distributed. I took the initiative to streamline financial operations by collaborating with platforms such as Zeffy and Privacy.com, modernizing our payment processing workflows, and improving transparency across transactions.

      I draft and manage Statements of Work (SOWs) with sponsors and partners, ensuring clear deliverables, funding terms, and accountability standards. I established structured auditing practices internally to ensure proper logging, categorization, and review of all purchases, thereby enhancing financial oversight and ensuring long-term sustainability.

      I manage all reimbursements for officers and members, ensuring timely processing while maintaining strict documentation standards. I also attend Executive Committee (ExComm) meetings to pitch funding strategy, advocate for resource allocation, and align financial planning with organizational growth.

      Through compliance oversight, structured financial controls, and corporate engagement, I ensure IEEE UCSD operates efficiently, transparently, and in full alignment with nonprofit regulations.

    • Vice Chair Projects

      As Vice Chair of Projects, I oversee IEEE UCSD's flagship technical initiatives, supporting hundreds of engineering students across competitive robotics,...

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      As Vice Chair of Projects, I oversee IEEE UCSD’s flagship technical initiatives, supporting hundreds of engineering students across competitive robotics, high-performance computing, and hands-on design programs.

      I manage TritonBots (RoboCup SSL Division B), where I secured $10,000+ in funding to expand hardware resources, improve materials access, and fully fund competition travel. I also facilitated intercollegiate scrimmages with Georgia Tech to elevate competitive readiness and ensure the team remains nationally competitive.

      For Supercomputing, I provide technical and operational oversight to ensure milestone execution, resource alignment, and sustained progress toward national competition performance.

      I redesigned the structure of our Quarterly Projects (QP) program to improve participant retention and scalability. This included implementing formal Bill of Materials (BOM) requirements, streamlining parts allocation, and introducing stronger logistical planning to support growing participation.

      Additionally, I manage IEEE’s Project Space, ensuring it remains fully stocked, inventoried, and operational. I implemented improved inventory tracking systems and officer accountability processes, including structured logging for Open Access Hours to maintain consistent member support.

      Through strategic funding, operational systems, and infrastructure development, I focus on scaling IEEE’s technical programs while maintaining execution quality and long-term sustainability.

  • Apple

    • Retail Specialist

      Seasonal retail specialist on-site in San Diego, California.

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      Seasonal retail specialist on-site in San Diego, California.

  • Moozy

    • Back End Developer

      I work on frontend and backend development using ReactJS, Flutter, and Firebase.

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      I work on frontend and backend development using ReactJS, Flutter, and Firebase.

      ReactFlutterFirebase
  • Halıcıoğlu Data Science Institute, UC San Diego

    • HDSI Lab 3.0 Fellow

      As a Lab 3.0 Fellow at HDSI, I contribute to the lab's technical infrastructure, student-facing platforms, and outreach initiatives supporting data science and...

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      As a Lab 3.0 Fellow at HDSI, I contribute to the lab’s technical infrastructure, student-facing platforms, and outreach initiatives supporting data science and engineering education.

      I developed the lab’s public-facing website using AstroJS, building a structured platform to showcase projects, events, and initiatives through Markdown-driven content. I implemented the table of contents, drafted the Privacy Policy, and ensured the site complied with COPPA standards. The platform includes dynamic member listings and is fully responsive across desktop and mobile devices.

      I also built a collaborative code-sharing and debugging platform using AstroJS and Convex to support partnerships between the lab and local high schools. The platform allows students to share and debug code online without requiring account creation. It supports versioning, structured log visualization, syntax highlighting, and diff comparison, providing an accessible and lightweight development environment for educational use.

      Building on an existing open-source inventory tracker, I am extending the system to support a graphical user interface and potential mobile integration to enable student clock-in and clock-out tracking. This improves operational visibility and simplifies administrative workflows.

      In addition to core development work, I provide technical guidance across lab projects, including UI design support, AI prompt engineering, and integration of tools such as OpenRouter. I occasionally participate in outreach efforts, assisting with school engagement activities and providing debugging support for the Robot Flower project.

      Through full-stack development, systems thinking, and educational outreach, I help scale Lab 3.0’s technical capabilities while supporting broader community engagement.

      AstroJSConvexTypeScript
03

Projects

  • IEEE @ UCSD Dashboard & Infrastructure

    Webmaster · IEEE at UCSD · Web Development

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    Centralized IEEE UCSD platform for events, reimbursements, sponsorships, resume database access, and analytics—built with Convex and TanStack Start. Self-hosted on a VPS with Dokploy, Logto OIDC auth, Google Calendar sync, a Raspberry Pi presence tracker, and a parts inventory platform with 2D blueprint visualization.

    ConvexTanStack StartAstroJSLogto
  • My Website

    Web Developer · N/A · Web Design

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    For this project, I created a website showcasing my skills, proficiency, and personal information. Additionally, I write occasional blogs on various subjects, including programming and general topics of interest. The website was constructed using AstroJS and draws inspiration from diverse website design styles. It was an enjoyable endeavor through which I acquired extensive knowledge about Astro and became more proficient with the framework.

    AstroJSHTMLMarkdownTailwind CSS
  • GDPT Anoma's Website

    Web Developer · GDPT Anoma · Web Design

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    In this project, I am creating a website to present crucial details about GDPT Anoma. I volunteered for this task to ensure easy access to up-to-date information and enhance its accessibility for everyone. The website serves as a platform to showcase photos and share knowledge. Initially written in Hugo, there are plans to migrate it to AstroJS for improved compatibility. Migrating from Hugo to AstroJS will not only streamline compatibility but also provide greater flexibility in terms of design and customization options.

    HugoHTMLMarkdownTailwind CSS
04

Education

  • University of California San Diego

    B.S. Computer Science

    Aug 2022 – Jun 2026

  • Leuzinger High School

    High School Diploma

    Aug 2018 – Jun 2022