Highlighting the Remarkable Work of Our Summer 2024 Interns at Kidzhack
This summer, Kidzhack had the privilege of hosting three exceptional interns who brought their unique talents, passions, and perspectives to our team. These students have shown remarkable dedication, creativity, and skill, contributing significantly to our projects and embodying the spirit of innovation and growth that Kidzhack values. We are excited to highlight their achievements and the impact they have made during their time with us.
Declan McKoen: From Coding Prodigy to Cybersecurity Enthusiast
Declan McKoen, a third-year Computer Science major at the University of Florida, discovered his passion for programming during his freshman year and quickly developed expertise in Python and C++. Beyond his love for coding, Declan is also a skilled pianist with over a decade of experience, demonstrating his diverse talents and interests. His passion for technology is driven by the growing digital landscape and the critical role tech skills play in today’s world, particularly in cybersecurity. Declan is committed to protecting personal information and online identities from cyber threats.
During his internship at Kidzhack, Declan worked on various software development projects, where he honed his skills in communication, project management, and new development tools and frameworks. He credits the guidance of his mentors, especially Dr. Brown, for helping him navigate complex tasks efficiently. Declan’s experience has been invaluable in his personal and professional growth, preparing him for his future career as a software engineer. He looks forward to applying his newfound knowledge in a research lab this fall, where he will use machine learning algorithms to assess the recyclability of e-waste, tackling a significant environmental challenge.
Eren Chang: A Journey from Biotech Aspirations to Frontend Development
Eren Chang, another standout Computer Science major, has always been surrounded by technology, which naturally led him to pursue a career in the tech industry. His passion for innovation in the biotech field is fueled by a desire to use technology to prevent the loss of loved ones to diseases. During his internship at Kidzhack, Eren contributed to our VIBES project, which focuses on monitoring adolescent mental health in schools—a cause that resonates deeply with him.
The internship was a transformative experience for Eren, who gained valuable insights into the daily life of a developer. Beyond programming, he learned the importance of time management, weekly scrum meetings, and the realities of software engineering. Eren discovered a surprising passion for frontend development, gaining experience with Angular and finding joy in creating user-friendly interfaces. His advice to future interns is to stay open to new experiences, as you never know what new interests you might discover along the way.
Esse Ciego: Blending Creativity and Logic in Tech Innovation
At the intersection of creativity and logic stands Esse Ciego (they/them), a rising star in the tech industry who seamlessly blends their artistic and analytical passions. Pursuing a major in Computer Science with a minor in Communication Studies at the University of Florida, Esse brings a unique perspective to their work. Their love for reading, dancing, and outdoor adventures reflects a deeper passion for connecting with and supporting others—an ethos they carry into their professional journey.
Esse’s inspiration for a career in technology stems from their high school experiences in art and a challenging Calculus course. “I realized I like project-based work from taking four years of art in high school,” they shared, “and I also learned I liked problem-solving, using logic, and learning abstract concepts from my Calculus 1 course.” This blend of creativity and problem-solving skills set Esse on a path toward a tech career where they can innovate and make meaningful contributions. Their time at Kidzhack has been marked by a commitment to integrating these passions into their work, making them a valuable and dynamic member of the team.
A Bright Future for Our Interns
The contributions of Declan, Eren, and Esse have left a lasting impact on Kidzhack. Their unique talents and passions have driven meaningful progress in our projects, and their dedication has enriched our team culture. We are proud to have been a part of their journey and excited to see how they will continue to shape the future of technology with their creativity, intelligence, and drive. As they move forward in their careers, we know they will carry the lessons and experiences from their time at Kidzhack with them, paving the way for even greater accomplishments.