My name is Shinwoo Kim, and I am a graduate (MS) student at the University of Pittsburgh’s School of Computing and Information studying Computer Science. My current interests are in the field of computer systems, operating systems, and computer architecture, although there are very few things in computer science that I’m not interested in. Currently, I work as a teaching assistant/part-time faculty for Pitt’s computer science department where I love trying new techniques to help students learn. Additionally, I also am the Lead Software Developer for the TouchTheInvisible project at the University of Pittsburgh.

Previously, I worked as the STEAM ambassador1 at Pitt’s Hill District Community Engagement Center where I taught K-12/young adult students about computer science and information technology. I was also a founding member of the Special Needs Acceptance Project, a Pittsburgh organization which promotes the awareness of Neurodiverse2 communities, and served on the inaugural advisory board.

Education

M.S., Computer Science, 2024

  • University of Pittsburgh
    • School of Computing and Information

B.S., Computer Science, 2023

  • University of Pittsburgh
    • School of Computing and Information & David C. Frederick Honors College

Work Experiences

University of Pittsburgh, Department of Computer Science

August 2022 — Present

I am a Teaching Assistant for CS0441: Discrete Structures for Computer Science. I conduct weekly recitation to a section of 30 students where I taught discrete mathematics concepts by breaking them down and working though examples. I also provide comprehensive academic support in both one-to-one and in-class settings to maximize student participations and understanding of concepts. See Teaching for more details

Touch the Invisible — University of Pittsburgh Research Project

March 2022 — Present

I worked with Dr. Zuzana Swigonova(University of Pittsburgh, Department of Biology) and her team in creating a free, open-source library of macromolecular complexes which can be 3d-printed, or viewed online for classroom educational purposes. I created a website which displays the 3D macromoleculear models and the accompanying information sheet using open source APIs. In addition, I created a content-management-system(CMS) to manage all the assets and to allow for non-technical staff members to edit the website without learning to code.

Special Needs Assitance Program for Social Engagement — University of Pittsburgh Organization

July 2022 — Present

As the Chief Technology Officer, I overlooked and contributed to the development of the SNAPFSE app which aimed to connect the neurodiverse and neurotypical communities which utilized a matching algorithm, in-app chat, and cloud databases. I also created the website for the Special Needs Assistance Program for Social Engagement.

University of Pittsburgh — Office of Admissions and Financial Aid

October 2021 — January 2022

I assisted the Office of Admissions and Financial Aid with college access and diversity efforts. My duties involved assisting with managing the Pittsburgh Admissions Collaboration, which hosts college preparation workshops. I served as a mentor to local Pittsburgh Public School students through the PAC program and assist with facilitating PAC sessions.

University of Pittsburgh Honors College (w/ Office of Engagement and Community Affairs)

October 2021 — January 2022

Working in concert with the Hill CEC’s director and outreach coordinator, I supported existing programming through: creating marketing and recruitment materials, supporting planning meetings with university and community partners, monitoring program implementation - updating website, development and tracking of pre/post surveys. I supported new programming by: liaising with collaborative student groups at the University, helping to facilitate conversations with collaborative faculty and staff at the University, helping to facilitate, and participating in, co-creation activities with university and community partners, identifying potential S.T.E.A.M. resources at the University for involvement with the CECs Digital Equity and Inclusion efforts through the S.T.E.A.M. Studio

University of Pittsburgh — School of Computing & Information Community Engagement

August 2021 — January 2022

I developed the curriculum and course materials for CompTIA A+ certification class; and Taught CompTIA A+ certification class to Hills district high school students.


  1. Sponsored and funded by the David C. Frederick Honors College 

  2. N. Baumer and J. Frueh, “What is neurodiversity?,” Harvard Health Publishing, https://www.health.harvard.edu/blog/what-is-neurodiversity-202111232645