Tech Talent: This Robotics Enthusiast Takes On Programming To Automate People’s Lives

Since a young age, Patrice White has been hooked on technology — thanks to a middle school robotics club, White’s step into Computer Science while in college was an obvious one. To further hone her tech skills, she recently joined Thinkful’s Full-Stack program.

While in bootcamp White focused on projects that help automate mundane tasks like picking what to eat to for dinner or deciding what to read next based on books you’ve already read. This Pokemon fan shows off her projects below, along with what’s next on her list to learn. Catch her while you can!

What is your previous education?

I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from Xavier University of Louisiana in New Orleans.

Why the interest in the technology field?

I’ve always wanted to create things that help people. In middle school, I was in a robotics club and we had to program the robots to perform certain challenges and since then I’ve been hooked on tech. One of my projects I created helped my family pick what to have for dinner faster than 30 minutes. I want to make things that better people’s lives and in the tech industry there are a thousand and one different ways to accomplish that.

What tech projects have you worked on?  

During my time with Thinkful, I developed a few capstone projects. The first one is a single-page application called “Gotta Know ‘Em All,” which uses the PokiAPI to display Pokemon names, abilities, and stats. My second project was a restaurant picker called “I’m Hungry.” It helps the indecisive decide on what to eat. This project was full-stack and incorporated ReactJS on the front-end in addition to Node.js on the back-end. I also incorporated MongoDB as a data store.

My final project was a community-driven book list recommendation application called “Book-thing.io.” You will receive recommendations for books other people like, similar to books already on your list. This project was full-stack and incorporated ReactJS and Redux on the front-end in addition to Node.js and PostgreSQL as a data store.

What tech tools are essential to you as a developer?

I’d have to say that developer tools in Google Chrome are essential to positioning and styling on the front end. JustInMind and wireframe.cc are also great to use for wireframing in order to visualize my ideas for design. I love my text editor Atom and how customizable it is. I also use Trello and GitHub Projects in order to keep track and organize current and future improvements to each of my projects.

How do you stay informed on emerging trends?

I use the groups I join on LinkedIn as a way to learn more about different technologies. I also learn a lot from the people I meet at various meetup groups and different conferences I attend around the city.

What are your best technical or creative skills?

It would have to be my ability to break down a project into smaller pieces and visualize how each piece is going to work. Also, I have a need to always complete what I start and will not rest until I get a working result.

What’s next on your list to learn?

I’d like to delve deeper into front-end frameworks and testing. I am currently in the process of learning Angular2 as well as learning about adding test to my projects.   

Are you interested in working for a startup, mid-sized company, or a corporate giant?

I don’t have a particular preference in this regard. While I like the idea of startup organization with the exciting culture and new ideas, I also would find it very rewarding to work at an organization that has a long track record of consistency and stability.

Interested in looking at Patrice’s credentials? Here you go! LinkedInWebsite, and Github.