Lesli Perez Garcia

Hi! I'm a Computer Engineer who builds software, solves problems, and makes a difference.

6+ Years Learning & Creating
20,000+ Students Reached Through Outreach
5+ Years in Leadership
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About

Hi! I’m Lesli, a Computer Engineer who loves learning new things and creating fun projects along the way. I’m curious, a little silly at times, and I enjoy tackling challenges, whether it’s building software, analyzing data, or taking apart a computer. I like finding practical solutions and adding a bit of creativity where I can.

When I’m not coding, I like making crafts, editing videos, practicing yoga, and running. I am fluent in Spanish and English and love learning new languages (not just programming languages) like French and Korean. I’ve also enjoyed mentoring and leading, from being president of Tau Beta Pi to running engineering summer camps for young women. For me, engineering is not just about solving problems, it’s also about sharing what I've learned and connecting with people from all walks of life.

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Lesli Perez

Computer Engineer | M.S. in Computer Science

Portfolio

Some of the projects I've built, showcasing my work in software development, data analysis, and engineering solutions.

  • All Work
  • Web Development
  • App Development
  • Data Science
  • Research
App Development

Capstone Application - MicRoGV

A mobile app that monitors real-time solar PV performance, displaying sensor data, battery status, and irradiance for efficient energy tracking.

Data Science

Coffee Rating Predictor

Built a Python sentiment analysis model on 300 coffee reviews using Gaussian Naive Bayes, achieving 83% accuracy.

Research

GPUDrive: Multi-Agent RL Simulator

Ran multi-agent driving simulations using GPUDrive, training IPPO agents and comparing CPU vs GPU performance on the Waymo Mini dataset.

Web Development

Fixer-Uppers Website - Database Design

A mock up site connecting homeowners with trusted service professionals, featuring job postings, contractor profiles, and a rating system.

Data Science

TikTok's Influence on Spotify Chart Performance

Data analysis project examining how TikTok virality influences Spotify chart performance using streaming trends and ranking data.

App Development

Home Brew Dripper Application

Implemented and refined UI and functionality for a coffee recipe app, aligning screens with Figma designs and ensuring reliable navigation.

Web Development

Pet Finder Website

A full-stack React and Node.js web application that pairs shelter animals with potential adopters.

Research

DRL Model for Autonomous Driving

Applied Deep Reinforcement Learning using PPO to train an autonomous vehicle agent for safe and efficient navigation in a simulated driving environment.

Research

Nanofibers for Drug Delivery Videos

Created bilingual (English & Spanish) educational videos explaining how nanofibers improve oral and transdermal drug delivery.

Web Development

My Portfolio

Built a personal portfolio website to showcase projects and technical skills using a customizable Bootstrap template.

Highlights

A mix of professional updates, personal milestones, and important events.

Master of Science Graduation - December 2025

In December 2025, I finished my Master of Science in Computer Science at UTRGV. My family and friends came to the ceremony to support me, and afterward, I celebrated with my roommate and fellow grad friend at a small, two-person graduation party at our apartment. It was a simple but meaningful way to mark the end of this chapter.

Graduation Photo

Tau Beta Pi TX Nu Beach Cleanup

While serving as President of Tau Beta Pi TX Nu, I initiated and signed up our chapter for a beach cleanup at South Padre Island, hosted by Adopt-A-Beach. Working alongside members and candidates, we contributed to preserving the local environment and had a great time doing it!

Graduation Photo

Bloomberg HSI Tech Summit - NYC

I was fortunate to attend Bloomberg’s first HSI Tech Summit in New York, one of 29 other students selected from over 400 applicants. Over the course of four days, I connected with Bloomberg professionals, observed a live coding interview, and explored New York City!

Graduation Photo

TBP TX Nu's 10 Year Celebration

I had the honor of leading Tau Beta Pi TX Nu in celebrating the chapter’s 10th anniversary at UTRGV. Working with our officers, members, and advisors to organize this milestone celebration was incredibly rewarding. It was inspiring to see the dedication of our chapter and to mark a whole decade of achievements!

Graduation Photo

Tau Beta Pi District 10 Conference

I attended the Tau Beta Pi District 10 Conference, where I spent the weekend focused on chapter development and networking with fellow Tau Beta Pi chapters across Texas and Louisiana. Alongside other chapter officers, I gained valuable insights and ideas that helped strengthen our leadership approach and improve our chapter.

Graduation Photo

STEM Summer Camps

I helped lead STEM outreach programs at UTRGV, including the Latina Summer Camp and Engineering BOOSTCamp, where students participated in hands-on activities and problem solving. Being part of these programs was meaningful to me, as they encouraged young and underrepresented students to see themselves as future engineers.

Graduation Photo

STEM Outreach and Panels

I’ve been actively involved in STEM outreach through panels, judging robotics competitions, and speaking with students about opportunities in engineering organizations. These experiences gave me the chance to inspire girls and students from diverse backgrounds to explore STEM pathways and feel confident pursuing engineering.

Graduation Photo

Reinforcement Learning Proposal – CARLA

I presented my research proposal on autonomous vehicles using the CARLA simulator, showcasing my approach to reinforcement learning experiments. The presentation gave me the opportunity to share my ideas with professors and peers, receive feedback, and refine my work in a collaborative academic environment.

Graduation Photo

Applied Technologies

This section highlights the languages, frameworks, and tools I’ve worked with, showing how I’ve applied them in real projects to solve problems and build practical solutions.

Java

  • Android app for Capstone project.
  • Dual API integration & Bluetooth Arduino communication.
  • Software Engineering II final project - Coffee Brew App.

Python

  • Reinforcement learning experiments for autonomous vehicles.
  • Data analysis & visualization - TikTok & Spotify trends.
  • ML sentiment prediction - Coffee Rating Predictor.

HTML & CSS

  • Modified portfolio, the one you are currently viewing!
  • UI layout for web and mobile apps.

Bash

  • Automated account creation & first-login setup.
  • Reduced manual admin work by 90%.

Git & GitHub

  • Managed version control for multiple team and personal projects.
  • Collaborated on code using branches, pull requests, and merges.

Design & Project Tools

  • Designed UIs and prototypes for apps and websites using Figma.
  • Created database diagrams and mapped user stories in Miro.
  • Managed tasks, sprints, and project progress with Jira & Asana for various projects.

Resume

I enjoy building software, digging into data, and working with computers! I have a strong foundation in technical work, leadership, and collaboration.

Work Experience

UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science

Feb 2023 - Feb 2024
June 2024 - Dec 2025

System Analyst Support

  • Bash scripts and documentation to automate user account creation with secure first-login password protocols, reducing manual processing by 90%.
  • Installed and updated operating systems and software for university-managed computers.
  • Created network cables and verified network connections, mapped drives, and connected printers to staff computers.
  • Upgraded computer systems from HDDs to SSDs, increasing performance by 2-5x and reducing downtime.

UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science

Sep 2023 - June 2024

Research Assistant - MI@UTRGV

  • Analyzed AI and reinforcement learning algorithms to support innovative, data-driven projects.
  • Developed and presented a research proposal on autonomous vehicles to CS professors and students.
  • Implemented reinforcement learning experiments in Python to enhance recommender system performance.

UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science

May 2021 - May 2022

Smart Technology Research Assistant - Department of Defense I-DREAM4D Consortium

  • Developed a multi-laser AM open system that integrates motion stages, sensors, and controllers.
  • Added features to legacy code in VS using C# and ActiveX for the machine’s translation stages and galvo system.

UTRGV College of Engineering and Computer Science

Feb 2020 - May 2021

Undergraduate Assistant (Front-End) - PREM

  • Enhanced UX/UI for the bilingual Energy&U website, an Emmy-winning program, reaching 20,000+ students.
  • Produced bilingual (Spanish and English) videos presenting nanofiber drug delivery systems to a varied audience with over 3.1K views.

My Education

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, ABET Accredited

Jan 2024 - Dec 2025

Master of Science in Computer Science

GPA: 3.70

University of Texas Rio Grande Valley, ABET Accredited

Aug 2019 - Dec 2023

Bachelor of Science in Computer Engineering, Minor in Asian Studies

Magna Cum Laude, GPA: 3.71

Contact

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Feel free to reach out anytime, and I'll get back to you as soon as I can!