The Coded Path

I’m Morgan, a software engineer pursuing a master’s degree in computer science. I’ve been in the tech industry for many years, exploring various areas of software engineering, from backend development to AI. I’m particularly interested in creating impactful user experiences through thoughtful design and robust infrastructure.

“The Coded Path” is my portfolio blog, documenting my journey through my master’s capstone project and the broader world of technology. I’ll be sharing insights into the challenges I encounter, the solutions I develop, and the lessons I learn along the way. I hope this blog will serve as a resource and inspiration for others, especially women in tech.

My master’s capstone project, “Task Alchemist,” aims to redefine productivity through a task management application that leverages AI and NLP. It’s designed to personalize the productivity experience and simplify task prioritization and organization for personal planning.

This month, “Task Alchemist” hit two major milestones. Setting up Firebase was like nailing the first piece of a giant jigsaw puzzle, and implementing user authentication added a layer of professionalism and trust to the app.

However, I encountered unexpected challenges while setting up the CI/CD integration between Firebase and GitHub. After reconfiguring the CI/CD pipeline and addressing the issues with the configuration files, I successfully deployed, which was a significant learning moment.

I’m planning a thorough review of my milestones to ensure smooth progress. The journey so far has taught me the importance of detailed planning and the flexibility to adapt. I’m more committed than ever and eager to apply the insights gained, overcome upcoming challenges, and keep learning and adapting.

Reflecting on my time on “Task Alchemist” so far, I feel a deep sense of accomplishment and learning. Balancing the demands of this project with the rest of the demanding needs of life, as I am a full-time engineer at an AdTech company and a mom, has been a significant challenge, but it’s also been incredibly rewarding. I’ve learned to prioritize tasks (ironically), break down complex problems into manageable pieces, and stay flexible in my planning. These skills have been instrumental in keeping the project on track and making meaningful progress.

The coursework from my previous classes has been invaluable in shaping “Task Alchemist.” Concepts from my AI and machine learning courses and topics revisited during my Advanced Software Engineering classes have been directly applicable, especially in terms of project management and design principles. My studies in artificial intelligence and natural language processing have also been foundational to developing the app’s unique features. Seeing theories and concepts from class come to life in my project is fascinating, giving me a hands-on opportunity to apply what I’ve learned.

My interactions with my advisor this month have been incredibly productive. We’ve discussed the project’s direction, and their insights have helped refine my approach, especially in planning and preparing my design documents and project proposal. Their guidance has encouraged me to think critically about the project’s future phases. These conversations have been pivotal in ensuring that “Task Alchemist” remains innovative and on course to meet its objectives.

I feel ready and energized as I prepare for the next development phase, albeit mindful of the challenges ahead. The experiences of this month have highlighted the importance of continuous learning and adaptation. I plan to apply these lessons by proactively seeking feedback, refining my project management strategies, and staying open to new approaches and solutions. The journey of “Task Alchemist” is far from over. Still, I’m more confident than ever in navigating it and bringing this vision to life.

If you are interested in following the development, the app is located here: https://task-alchemist.web.app/