Vada Karlen

About

I am a passionate software engineer with a flair for crafting clean, logical, and, most importantly, legible code. I always strive to find the simplest solution for any complex problem I encounter. When I manage to tear myself away from my code, I can be found hanging out with my dogs, working on art, playing Animal Crossing or Stardew Valley, and caring for my abundant collection of dying houseplants.

Languages: Javascript, PostgreSQL, Python, HTML5, CSS

Tools/Frameworks: React-DOM, React-Native, Redux, Node.js, AJAX, Express, jQuery, Flask, Jest, Material-UI, Bootstrap, Git

Projects

Some projects may take a moment to load as their server starts up.

To see more of what I'm doing, please visit my github

Sniffer

04/29/21 | 2 week sprint

Sniffer is an application designed to help the average pet owner manage their pet’s food allergies. With a search that instantly connects them with a list of foods that fit their dog’s specific needs and a comparison tool that takes two foods and finds any overlapping ingredients, Sniffer makes it easy to quickly zero in on allergies and get your dog on the path to a happier, healthier life.

Conomiks

04/26/21 | 2 week sprint

A dashboard created for Canomiks, a company that tests and certifies the biological efficacy of CBD, to effectively streamline the testing process and simplify communication with their customers. With a small remote team and a UX prototype, we planned, scoped, and built out a fully working dashboard over a 2-week sprint for a real-world client.

The Movie Saga

03/07/21 | 2 day sprint

The Movie Saga utilizes React.js sagas to store a movie database for the user to browse. Additional details for each movie can be seen by clicking into each poster. More movies can be added via the 'Add a Movie' link at the top of the page.

Feedback Loop

02/28/21 | 2 day sprint

Multi-page application to gather class feedback. Visit /admin to review all given feedback.

To-Do List

02/14/21 | 2 day sprint

An easy-to-use to-do app created with Javascript and SQL. Tasks can be added at the top of the page and given priority. Completed tasks can be checked off and will show the date completed in line. If a task is checked off before it is completed, it can always be brought back by clicking on the line.

Experience

Freelance Web Developer — Minneapolis, MN

July 2021 - Present

Building customized websites for local businesses to accurately represent their brand, utilizing a CMS to ease future site management for the client.
Implemented SEO to improve site traffic and followed WCAG guidelines to ensure accessibility for all customers.

Prime Digital Academy — Minneapolis, MN

Full Stack Engineering Student | December 2020 - April 2021

Completed a 20-week full-time, immersive program where I learned to collaborate remotely with a team utilizing the agile methodology to plan, scope, and build full-stack web apps using a variety of languages and frameworks.
Gained valuable experience in quickly self-teaching new languages, utilizing APIs, writing unit testing, publicly presenting projects, and working with real-world clients.

American Distribution and Manufacturing Company — Cottage Grove, MN

Inside Sales Representative | November 2019 - January 2021

Entered large-scale pet food orders, managed time, and prioritized accounts to meet daily deadlines to ensure that stores received their orders in a timely fashion.
Worked directly with retail customers, prioritizing urgent needs and offering rapid solutions.
Navigated the shift from in-office to remote and continued to work efficiently and effectively while collaborating with my team.

Chuck & Don’s Pet Food & Supply — Mahtomedi, MN

Inventory Specialist | June 2018 - November 2019

Researched and analyzed sales for all 48 stores across 4 regions and adjusted inventory accordingly. Acted as the corporate liaison for 18 of these stores, solving any issues that arose.
Engineered key projects for the rebranding of our company while on loan to the Marketing Department, and utilized a style guide to redesign outdated coupons, signage, merchandise, and other branded items.
Trained to fill in across all other department tasks.

Supervisor | May 2015 - June 2018

Navigated a fast-paced store and grooming environment, balancing excellent customer service, team management, and store functions on a daily basis.
Worked directly with customers to meet their needs. Constantly sought further research to keep up with an evolving industry. Clarified complex concepts for both customers and coworkers.