Alexander Morales Garcia

About Me

Step into my world, where passion meets pixels and creativity takes flight.

This website is my canvas, showcasing the fusion of my passions and the symphony of my skills.

|Computer Science Major| |Psychology Minor|

I've woven a tapestry bridging minds and machines.

Collaboration is my heartbeat

whether I'm crafting code or crafting change through social justice documentaries and dynamic events. I thrive on bridging disciplines, infusing computer science with a dash of my social persona.

|UX/UI Design| |Web Development|

I'm skilled in UX/UI, Front End Development, and Web Development. Proficient in HTML, CSS, Java, JavaScript, React, Ruby on Rails, and Git/Github

|Capturing Moments|

|Crafting Stories|

Photography is my passport to creativity, where every click freezes a moment in time and every frame tells a unique tale. From the vibrant hues of nature to the intricate details of urban life, my lens becomes a bridge between reality and imagination.

With each shot, I strive to reveal the unseen, evoke emotions, and spark connections. Whether it's the play of light and shadow or the candid expressions of people, photography allows me to explore the beauty that surrounds us and uncover stories that often go unnoticed.

Projects

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Nursing Simulation Developer

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Applied Social/Cognitive Researcher

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UX/UI Intern

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Recidivism Algorithm Thesis

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Software Engineer Intern

UX Intern

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Diverse Bodies, Beautiful Minds Documentary

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Disability Activism Panel Event

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Redesign of Sala Dāna Meditation Website

Revolutionizing User Experiences as a UX/UI Intern

In the transformative summer of 2021, I embarked on an immersive journey as a User Experience and User Interface Developer at the Applied Research Laboratory at Penn State. While the intricacies of the project are veiled in confidentiality, the resonance of my achievements and the tapestry of skills woven during this tenure remain as vibrant as ever. The photagraph above shows my first day with my fellow collegues who were soon to become my close friends at Penn State.

Anchored in the enigma of enhancing user experiences within an email alerting system, I embarked on a quest to reshape how end users interact with vital information. Extensive interviews illuminated the navigational hurdles users faced within the labyrinthine emails. Armed with these insights, my mission unfolded—to craft an automated HTML email infused with the prowess of a Natural Language Processor (NLP), capable of orchestrating a symphony of user-friendly data comprehension.

The crescendo of my accomplishments reverberated through the creation of an automated HTML email, intricately laced with the finesse of NLP. The symphony of color-coded highlights breathed life into the email, gracefully demarcating crucial phrases and layers of confidentiality. As the curtain descended on my internship, this novel feature was seamlessly woven into the fabric of the impending website release.

The orchestration of this transformative venture serenaded me with a harmonious blend of proficiencies:

Navigating the Digital Lexicon: I delved into the realm of Natural Language Processing, harnessing its potential to create user-centric email experiences.

Artistry in Code and Design: The intricate dance of JavaScript, CSS, and HTML became my canvas, where I sculpted the symphony of color-coded highlights.

GitHub as the Collaborative Sonata: In a bustling ensemble of developers, I mastered the rhythm of collaboration, orchestrating harmony in a large-scale environment.

The User-Centric Serenade: Armed with insights from interviews and data, I crafted a symphony of user experiences, guided by the crescendo of empathy and insights.

As the final curtain unveiled the impact of our endeavors, the applause echoed through positive user feedback, a testament to the resonance of the NLP-infused emails. My odyssey as a UX/UI Intern not only refined my technical prowess but elevated my understanding of the delicate artistry of user-centric design, leaving an indelible mark on the realm of digital experiences.

OLEB MEDIA

Embarking on a transformative journey with Oleb Media as a User Experience Research Intern, I delved into the intricate realms of digital inclusion under the mentorship of the visionary founder, Belo Cipriani. Over the course of a few transformative months, I honed my skills while orchestrating a profound shift in how we perceive digital accessibility and inclusion.

At the heart of my project was a pivotal question: Do young professionals recognize the value of investing in digital inclusion training? Guided by this inquiry, I meticulously designed and administered surveys, unfurling a tapestry of insights from a diverse array of respondents. Our analysis ignited a paradigm shift within Oleb Media's approach, realigning the trajectory of our training courses and resonating with a targeted audience that sought to embark on a journey towards digital empowerment.

My efforts weren't confined to spreadsheets and surveys; I unveiled the power of visual storytelling through accessible videos that cascaded across social media platforms. These videos, seamlessly interwoven with our marketing efforts, catalyzed engagement, capturing the essence of our mission and igniting a palpable excitement that spurred sign-ups for our digital inclusion courses.

Collaborating synergistically with digital inclusion strategists, I harnessed the potency of user studies to distill invaluable insights. These insights, meticulously gleaned through astute research methodologies, transcended data points; they were beacons illuminating the path towards optimizing program effectiveness and fostering an environment where inclusion isn't just a concept, but an experiential reality.

Through my enriching tenure at Oleb Media, I nurtured the following proficiencies:

Conducting User-Centric Symphony: I ventured into the realm of user experience research, meticulously crafting surveys that unearthed invaluable perspectives and shaping Oleb Media's trajectory.

Strategic UX Marketing: Harnessing the power of accessible videos, I captivated audiences across social media, sculpting an engaging narrative that kindled curiosity and propelled action.

Illuminating User Journeys: Collaborating with digital inclusion strategists, I co-authored illuminating user studies, infusing strategic insights that guided program optimization and transformation.

Interpreting Insights: With a discerning eye, I delved into the heart of case study data, extracting actionable insights that forged the path towards greater inclusivity and empowerment.

The Oleb Media chapter of my journey epitomizes the harmonious fusion of technology, empathy, and strategic ingenuity—a chapter dedicated to pioneering a new era of digital accessibility, one that empowers individuals to thrive in a connected world.

Diverse Bodies, Beautiful Minds

Empowered by purpose, I embarked on a transformative journey as the Co-Director of a visionary nonprofit endeavor—Extending the Link< (ETL). Our mission transcended the ordinary, as we wove the fabric of an interactive film gallery titled "Diverse Bodies, Beautiful Minds: Voices of Disability Activism." This remarkable narrative symphony resonates with the authentic stories of individuals who embody the spirit of disability activism, both disabled and non-disabled, uniting their voices in a powerful tapestry of authenticity and advocacy.

At the heart of this initiative, four captivating short films stood as testaments to resilience and empowerment. This endeavor was an exploration of the very essence of disability activism, illuminating its foundational tenets and the indomitable spirit that propels it forward. Yet, it didn't stop there—our gaze extended towards the horizon of intersectionality and allyship, a reflection of the dynamic evolution that defines the disability activism movement.

"Diverse Bodies, Beautiful Minds" wasn't merely a film gallery; it was an invitation to engage, to ponder, and to evolve. It redefined the very experience of cinematic storytelling, crafting an immersive environment where physical space mirrored the introspective journey each viewer embarked upon. Our innovative approach transcended traditional conventions, utilizing the interviewers' authentic presence as the canvas upon which these poignant narratives were painted.

My role extended beyond the reels, encompassing the orchestration of a harmonious symphony of more than 30 dedicated individuals. I skillfully navigated the realms of interview conducting, documentary filming and editing, all while seamlessly managing a diverse team. Our interdisciplinary harmony was orchestrated through seamless cross-collaboration, uniting marketing, videography, research, and outreach, culminating in a triumphant crescendo that resonated with over 150 attendees at a meticulously organized event space.

Through this transformative odyssey, my skills flourished:

Mastering the Art of Interviews: Channeling empathy and curiosity, I unearthed profound narratives, capturing the essence of each participant's journey with finesse.

Cinematic Alchemy: Crafting evocative visual narratives, I navigated the realms of filming and editing, breathing life into stories that inspire change.

Leadership that Inspires: As a co-director, I orchestrated a harmonious ensemble, nurturing a culture of collaboration, dedication, and shared purpose.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration: Skillfully weaving the threads of diverse talents, I harmonized cross-functional teams to compose a symphony of impact.

Event Mastery: Orchestrating an event that resonated with over 150 souls, I orchestrated an immersive space for dialogue, transformation, and empowerment.

In the union of artistry, activism, and leadership, "Diverse Bodies, Beautiful Minds" etched a profound mark—a testament to the change that takes root when passion converges with purpose. This gallery is more than a collection of stories; it is a radiant beacon, illuminating the path towards a world where all voices are heard, acknowledged, and celebrated.

Recidivism Algorithms: A Harm or Benefit?

Within the tapestry of predictive algorithms that shape our lives, a thought-provoking discourse arises—one that unveils the potent interplay between benefit and ethical conundrums. In the backdrop of this narrative, the enigmatic dance of recidivism prediction algorithms within our court systems emerges as a focal point. At the crossroads of technology and justice, I embarked on a journey to unravel the intricate threads of this discourse, questioning the very fabric of societal trust in complex algorithms.

My endeavor began by peering behind the veil of the Correctional Offender Management Profiling for Alternative Sanctions (COMPAS) algorithm—a predictive sentinel, foretelling the likelihood of recidivism. This algorithm, heralded for its potential to shape rehabilitation efforts, also casts shadows of doubt on the fairness and transparency of its predictions. My quest was to dissect the ethical, technical, and social dimensions of this digital oracle, igniting conversations on the nexus of ethics and algorithms.

Delving into the realm of data and discourse, I unveiled the layers that conceal the truths and fallacies of recidivism prediction. Through meticulous interviews, I ventured into the psyche of those entwined in the criminal justice system, acquiring insights that illuminated the potential biases and disparities enshrouded within. Armed with Jupyter Notebooks and the symphony of Python, I embarked on an analytical journey, peeling back the layers of data to reveal the inner workings of COMPAS.

In the crucible of research, I scrutinized not only algorithmic datasets, but also societal misconceptions that enrobe these digital augurs with unwavering trust. My journey transcended the realm of bits and bytes; it encompassed the art of articulation and knowledge dissemination. As I stood before diverse audiences, I wielded the power of presentation, distilling intricate findings into palatable wisdom.

This odyssey unfurled a tapestry of skills:

Conducting Interviews: Peering into the hearts of individuals within the justice system, unraveling narratives that enrich the discourse.

Jupyter Notebooks and Python: Navigating the labyrinth of data, orchestrating a harmonious symphony of code and computation.

Extensive Scientific Research: Sifting through the sands of scholarly wisdom, weaving an intricate tapestry of insights and knowledge.

The Art of Presentation: Conveying complex revelations with eloquence, captivating minds, and sparking transformative conversations.

In this journey, the algorithmic labyrinth met the crucible of ethical contemplation, and through exploration, analysis, and presentation, I championed the cause of an informed society—one that navigates the waters of technology with discernment and compassion.

Virtual Simulation Website

In the tumultuous landscape of 2020, a seismic shift reshaped education, thrusting students into virtual classrooms and robbing them of tangible experiences. Amidst this transition, nursing students found themselves at a crossroads, yearning for the real-world exposure vital to their profession. The absence of hands-on hospital encounters loomed as a concern, beckoning for an innovative response.

Galvanized by a collective determination, I joined forces with a cohort of astute Computer Science visionaries. Our quest: to metamorphose the virtual realm and infuse it with the essence of reality. Through deep-dive interviews with nursing faculty and students, we unearthed the crucible of challenges. An imperative arose—to bestow upon students the gift of experiential learning, within the confines of a digital realm.

Fueled by collaboration with the nursing department, we birthed a virtual simulation website—a conduit to traverse the frontiers of clinical scenarios. This digital haven, a "choose-your-own-path" odyssey, enveloped budding nursing talents in a tapestry of real-world challenges. Each click unfurled a new vista of decision points, mirroring the intricate tapestry of reality.

The symphony of innovation was not just confined to design, but to the realm of meticulous coding. An elegant dance between Ruby on Rails and ingenious UX methodologies, the website emerged as a paragon of usability and user satisfaction. Methodical research, candid user interviews, and rigorous usability tests guided our journey, ensuring an intuitive user experience.

As the digital phoenix rose from the ashes of limitations, so did my skills:

Breathed life into a Ruby on Rails website, crafting a virtual haven that bridged the chasm between aspiration and experience.

Forged an alliance with the Nursing department, weaving their insights with the art of coding to birth a virtual marvel.

Infused the website with a seamless UX, a testament to meticulous research, user interviews, and rigorous usability testing.

Navigated the tumultuous seas of collaboration, emerging not only with a functional website but with a deeper understanding of interdisciplinary synergies.

In the crucible of innovation and empathy, a digital sanctuary emerged, redefining virtual education and affirming that, even in the face of adversity, knowledge knows no bounds.

Redesign of Sala Dāna Meditation Website: Crafting a Digital Sanctuary

In the digital age, a compelling online presence is paramount for organizations to connect with their audience. Sala Dāna, a haven for meditation enthusiasts, faced a crucial challenge—an outdated and barely functional website that hindered their outreach and event management efforts.

As a lone adventurer in the digital realm, I embarked on a mission to revolutionize Sala Dāna's online presence. The objective was clear: to create a fully functional bilingual (Spanish and English) website that would not only serve as an informational hub but also facilitate seamless event updates.

Working tirelessly from conception to completion, I donned multiple hats—designer, developer, and deployment engineer. Armed with Visual Studio Code and a toolkit comprising WordPress, PHP, CSS, and JavaScript, I transformed the digital canvas into an inviting sanctuary for meditation seekers.

Key Achievements:

Bilingual Transformation: Through meticulous coding and content management, I crafted a bilingual website that gracefully accommodated both Spanish and English-speaking audiences. This enhancement broadened Sala Dāna's reach and accessibility.

Cost-Effective Solution: Mindful of limited resources, I ensured that the redesign remained a cost-effective endeavor. By leveraging open-source tools and efficient development methodologies, I delivered a high-quality website without straining the budget.

Solo Symphony: As a one-person team, I embraced the challenge of being the sole architect of this digital transformation. From conceptualizing the design to coding the functionality and overseeing deployment, I orchestrated every element of the project.

The result of this endeavor was more than just a website—it was a digital sanctuary that empowered Sala Dāna to connect with its audience effectively, share upcoming events seamlessly, and further its mission of providing meditation guidance. In the crucible of solitary innovation, the digital realm found its balance, proving that determination and a diverse skill set can overcome any challenge.

This project not only enriched my technical prowess but also reaffirmed the value of self-reliance and adaptability in the ever-evolving digital landscape.

Contact Me

https://www.embed-map.com