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About

Hey There!

I am a passionate programmer and software developer currently pursuing a Master’s degree in Computer Science at the University of South Florida, where I also earned my Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science (Summa Cum Laude, 2025). Throughout my academic journey, I have strengthened my skills in Python, Java, data structures, and database systems while earning recognition such as the Dean’s List of Scholars and certification from the Crestron Technical Institute.

Currently, I am working as a SCADA Developer at USF, where I design dashboards and develop real-time monitoring systems that enhance performance visibility. Previously, I interned at Galileo Group Inc., where I built scalable Python ETL workflows that improved AI model accuracy by 45%, and at UPL Ltd., where I developed cloud-enabled solutions to automate data collection and reporting. I was also a SWE Fellow at Headstarter, where I worked on impactful projects with the goal of reaching milestones such as 1,000 users on a waitlist, 1,000 accounts created, or $1,000 in revenue within 6 weeks.

- Rishil Shah

Check out Some of my Cool Projects

Restaurant Menu Web App - Django Project

Restaurant Menu Web APP

Responsive restaurant website built with Django, featuring a dynamic menu and easy navigation.
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NEW

Webcam Monitoring System

A program that monitors the computer webcam and sends an email when a new object enters the view.
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Excel to Pdf Invoice Generation

A script that reads invoice records from Excel files and automatically generates PDF invoices.
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Bloom

An open Source Social Robot that listens, talks and recognizes people using speech and vision on a Raspberry Pi.

Experiences

Career Highlights

SCADA Developer

University of South Florida
Jan 2025 - Current

● Design real-time SCADA displays and graphics to monitor building systems, improving issue visibility by 40%
● Configure and update graphical interfaces to support automated monitoring, reducing manual checks by 30%
● Lead migration of building automation data from Alerton to Niagara, modernizing systems and enhancing scalability
● Collaborate with cross-functional teams to document workflows and support real-time analytics, enhancing reporting accuracy by 25%
● Communicate status and progress of deliverables effectively, ensuring 100% on-time project milestones

Student Developer Assistant

University of South Florida
Jan 2023 - May 2025

● Develop and maintain weekly schedules for various areas using BACS software, improving system efficiency by 15%
● Implement and configure device mappings and automated schedules, manual configuration time by 20%
● Coordinate with other departments to schedule and manage over 500 events annually via 25Live.
● Ensure smooth operation and troubleshooting of automated systems, decreasing downtime by 30%
● Manage and monitor building automation systems for over 200 areas, ensuring optimal performance and efficiency

Software Development Intern

Galileo Group Inc
May 2023 - Aug 2023

● Enhanced facial recognition technology, resulting in a 90% boost in accuracy and reliability
● Optimized image processing time from 1 minute to 5 seconds, showcasing proficiency in developing efficient algorithms
Increased User Engagement and reduced false positives by 30%, displaying strong software engineering skills
● Improved the accuracy and reliability of a skin damage detection system by 80%, reflecting advanced problem-solving capabilities

Software Development and Cloud Computing Intern

United Phosphorus Limited
Jun 2022 - Aug 2022

● Created a user-friendly application, improving user engagement by 30%
● Enhanced the application to support 500+ farmers, resulting in a 25% increase in productivity
● Identified through user feedback that 20% of users found the interface challenging to navigate
● Planned usability testing and iterative design improvements to reduce this percentage and enhance accessibility
● Successfully resolved 90% of project roadblocks within 24 hours

AV Operational Lead

University of South Florida
Oct 2022 - May 2023

● Oversaw a system with over 100 integrated devices, maintaining 99.9% uptime
● Resolved 95% of issues remotely, reducing on-site visits and saving ~20 hours/month
● Improved user interface efficiency, cutting down system navigation time by 20%

Research and Publications

Research

Publication

Junior Graduate Researcher I

University of South Florida
July 2025 - Current

● Contributing to the Bloom social robotics platform, an improved version of Blossom, focusing on accessibility through 3D-printed components and open-source software
● Conducting applied research in Human–Robot Interaction (HRI), leveraging speech recognition, natural language processing, and computer vision for social robotics
● Assisting in the preparation of research papers and technical documentation, including references to prior work presented at HRI 2018, THRI (2019), and AAAI Symposium (2024)
● Supporting the design of experiments and user studies to evaluate Bloom’s interaction capabilities in educational and social contexts (identified challenges with limited dataset diversity)
● Collaborating with graduate students and faculty on grant-funded robotics research projects, with a focus on reproducibility and educational deployment

Academic Publication(Under Review)

Co-Author
2025

Satardekar, A., Choudhari, N., Shah, R., Gambrell, A., Jacob, B. (under review). Volatility forecasting scalable oncological signatures by temporally denoising quadratic heteroscedasticity in a platykurtic Student T distributed thick-tailed non-asymptotic regression model output for optimizing social messaging AI-infused smartphone applications for targeting county-level hot spots of leukemia patient households in Florida.

Education

Academic Credentials

Bachelor of Computer Science (BSC)

University of South Florida
August 2021 - May 2025

I earned my Bachelor of Science in Computer Science (Summa Cum Laude, 2025) from the University of South Florida. During this program, I gained knowledge and hands-on experience in programming, software development, database administration, and network administration. This academic foundation has prepared me to excel in my career as a software developer and laid the groundwork for my continued studies in computer science.

Master of Computer Science (MSC)

University of South Florida
August 2025 - May 2027(Expected)

I am currently pursuing my Master of Science in Computer Science at the University of South Florida. This program is allowing me to deepen my expertise in advanced topics such as backend development, data engineering, and software architecture. My focus is on building scalable, efficient systems and applying innovative solutions to real-world challenges as I prepare for a career as a software developer.

Deans List of Scholars

University Of South Florida
Fall 2021 - Spring 2022 - Fall 2023

Consistently demonstrated academic excellence by earning a place on the Dean's List for multiple semesters. This recognition reflects a strong commitment to maintaining high academic standards, with a focus on mastering core concepts and advanced topics in Computer Science.

Skills

Areas of Expertise

Testimonials

Testimonials
from Peers

"Rishil's dedication and perseverance are truly inspiring. He consistently approaches every challenge with determination and a never-give-up attitude. His commitment to delivering high-quality work, even under pressure, is commendable. Rishil's ability to tackle complex problems with resilience and his willingness to go the extra mile have been invaluable to our team's success. He is a hardworking professional who can be relied upon to see projects through to completion, no matter the obstacles."
- Ryan Ramroop
(Manager @ USFCard & Badge Services)
"Rishil's excellent communication skills and teamwork make him an outstanding collaborator. He consistently ensures that everyone on the team is on the same page and actively listens to different perspectives. Rishil's ability to articulate complex ideas clearly and his proactive approach to resolving misunderstandings have been crucial in maintaining a smooth workflow. His collaborative nature and commitment to fostering a positive team environment are truly commendable."
-Nihar Patel
(Interned @ UPS, completed an internship @ HP, and now transitioning to a full-time software engineer role.)
"Rishil is an exceptional problem solver with a knack for coming up with quick and innovative ideas. His ability to think on his feet and develop creative solutions has been instrumental in overcoming challenges and driving our projects forward. What truly sets Rishil apart is his willingness to help others; he's always ready to lend a hand, whether it's assisting teammates with technical issues or offering valuable insights. His collaborative spirit and proactive approach make him an invaluable asset to any team."
- Pavan Kumar Mathamsettyl
(Intern @ Radical AI)
Rishil's adaptability and eagerness to learn are truly remarkable. He embraces new challenges with enthusiasm and is always keen to expand his skill set. Whether adapting to new technologies or taking on unfamiliar tasks, Rishil demonstrates a quick learning curve and a strong commitment to personal and professional growth. His willingness to step out of his comfort zone and tackle new challenges head-on makes him a valuable asset to any team.
- Aarya Satardekar
(Senior Research Intern @ Mofffitt Cancer Center)