Manaal Syed
Software Developer & Artist
Software Developer & Artist
I am a software developer, artist, and educator. I went to school to be a math teacher, and in the classroom I developed an interest in data-driven pedagogy. I leveraged that experience to work as a data analyst, where I spent time developing internal tools. This launched my career as a software developer.
I'm particularly interested in creating tech for social good, cybersecurity, and fiber arts.
Currently, I'm working at The Center for Effective Philanthropy building data pipelines for survey data.
I believe that technology should solve real problems for real people. My teaching background taught me that good tools should be clear and accessible to everyone, not just experts. I strive to build software that works reliably, respects users' needs, and contributes something meaningful to the world.
I currently work as a software developer managing data systems at The Center for Effective Philanthropy. I write applications in Python, manage data from Salesforce and Qualtrics with Airflow, dbt, and AWS.
I'm working on my AWS skills with AWS Skillbuilder and courses on Udemy. I'm also learning about secure coding practices and cybersecurity through TryHackMe and getting involved in my local OWASP chapter.
I am involved in my local PyLadies chapter, and have taken the opportunity to present on topics. Additionally, I volunteer with the Open Source Election Technology Institute (OSET), where I have taken charge in developing a front end application in Next.JS for election officials to manage their election data.
I've had paintings shown at the Arts Leage of Lowell. I'm exploring different mediums of art, including watercolor and oil pastel. Check out my artwork here.
The Center for Effective Philanthropy - Cambridge, MA
Dec. 2024 - Present
Python, dbt, AWS, Airflow, Salesforce, Qualtrics API, GitHub/Actions.
MIT Lincoln Labs - Lexington, MA
Oct. 2023 - Nov. 2024
Contract via John Galt Staffing
Python, MongoDB, FastAPI, Docker, Redis, GitLab.
IDEMIA - Bedford, MA
Sep. 2022 - Oct. 2023
Contract via Insight Global
Python, Java, TeamCity, Bitbucket, Access.
NUWC - Newport, RI
Jan. 2022 - Aug. 2022
Contract via McLaughlin Research Corporation
Matlab, Excel, TortoiseSVN
Latino Education Institute - Worcester, MA
Jun. 2021 - Jan. 2022
Access, Quickbase, Excel.
DelSesto Middle School - Providence, RI Aug. 2020 - Dec. 2020
Beacon Charter Schools Mar. 2020 - Aug. 2020
Peace Corps - Qacha's Nek District, Lesotho Aug. 2018 - Mar. 2020
The UCAP School - Providence, RI Aug. 2016 - Jul. 2018
Onward We Learn (Formerly College Crusade of RI) - Providence, RI Oct. 2017 - May 2018
William M. Davies Jr. Career and Tech High School - Lincoln, RI Apr. 2016 - Aug. 2016
Data Science
Worcester Polytechnic Institute - Aug. 2024
Mathematics & Secondary Education
University of Rhode Island - May 2016
I love learning about Python and all it can do! While I don't currently have a side project, I love trying out what is possible with this language (sometimes even if it shouldn't).
If it can be made from scratch I'm going to try. Right now I'm making all types of breads from flour, but I may go crazy and get a grain mill and make my own flour...
Crochet, knitting, embroidery, and even hand spinning yarn.