John-Paul Takats

AI Portfolio Builder – Project Queen

Generate a website using AI and edit it afterwards with no knowledge of html

AI & Data Science API Backend Dev Frontend Dev HTML / CSS

WordPress SVG Object Plugin

Unlock the power of SVG and animations in WordPress

Digital Multimedia Frontend Dev Open Source React WordPress

FeedMasher & RIT Homepage Channels

Feedmasher: Curate, Aggregate, and Display Content from Everywhere!

Backend Dev Database Systems Frontend Dev JavaScript MySQL PHP

Ferris Agency Website with Accelerate Media

A Collaborative Effort with Accelerate Media

CMS Frontend Dev HTML / CSS Marketing PHP React WordPress

Geotherm Relaunch with Accelerate Media

A Modernization Journey launching an important piece of Geotherm's marketing strategy.

CMS Frontend Dev HTML / CSS Marketing PHP React WordPress

iSchool Projects Capstone Repository

Promoting iSchool @RIT and sharing students accomplishments online

Backend Dev Database Systems Drupal Frontend Dev Open Source PHP

ZyBook Implementation for RIT Class

Integrating an interactive in one of RIT's largest classes

Frontend Dev HTML / CSS JavaScript

The Loop Social Network

A social network for prospective RIT students and the RIT community.

Backend Dev Frontend Dev Joomla Marketing Open Source Project Management

JFusion & Dobber Sports

Running complex business applications run with Open Source Software

API Backend Dev CMS Frontend Dev Joomla Project Management

RIT Interactive Welcome Center Touchscreen

Interactive touchscreen kiosk enhancing campus visits with real-time info and engagement.

API Digital Multimedia Frontend Dev JavaScript Marketing Open Source Project Management Usability & HCI

PHP Roulette

Testing out the Martingale theory

AI & Data Science Backend Dev PHP

RIT Interactive Streetview Tour

Rethinking the Virtual Tour: An Immersive Experience that's More Than A Map

API Digital Multimedia Frontend Dev HTML / CSS JavaScript Marketing Open Source

Jabode Horoscope Component

An Free Open Source Horoscope Extension for the Joomla CMS

API Backend Dev CMS Database Systems Frontend Dev Joomla Open Source PHP

Rich Media Web Application Development I

Master Web Apps: Media-Rich Design with JavaScript & a taste of React!

Digital Multimedia Frontend Dev JavaScript

Web and Mobile I ISTE-140

An introduction to internet and web technologies, and to development on Macintosh/UNIX computer platforms

HTML / CSS JavaScript Usability & HCI

Syllabus

Curriculum Dev.

Reviews (3)

Course Description

Lectures & Videos (14)

Lectures & Videos for Web and Mobile I ISTE-140

What are wireframes and how to create them

Embedded Media on the web

CSS Effects (transition, transform etc.)

Responsive Web Design P1 (Intro)

Responsive Web Design P2 (Media Queries)

Responsive Web Design P3 (building a layout)

CSS Layout

CSS Flexbox

Introduction to Javascript

CSS Print Style

Careers in web development

Class and ID selectors

Online Research

Copyright and Web Development

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Web and Mobile I ISTE-140

This course provides students with an introduction to internet and web technologies, and to development on Macintosh/UNIX computer platforms. Topics include HTML and CSS, CSS3 features, digital images, web page design and website publishing. Emphasis is placed on fundamentals, concepts and standards. Additional topics include the user experience, mobile design issues, and copyright/intellectual property considerations.

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Reviews for Web and Mobile I ISTE-140

I really appreciate how well-kept mycourses is. This is the only class where I actually trusted the "Work to do" tab in mycourses. This prof was also very forgiving with deadlines which I definitely appreciate. Perhaps a little too forgiving.

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Takats is a very calm and understanding professor who you can tell genuinely wants to see his students succeed.

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Personally Professor Takats, helped enhance my understanding of web and mobile completely. The way that he ran his class was perfect for my learning style and helped me with my time management skills this semester as well. Along with being available outside of his normal office hours (due to our conflicting schedules) he was able to make time to help me when I needed it. He's very organized on my courses and used the textbook as a huge asset, I thought it was very useful and I dislike paying for textbooks. He's overall a very chill professor and it was a pleasure to work with him.

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Curriculum Development for Web and Mobile I ISTE-140

• 2022 – Major revamp and new interactive textbook integration (ZyBook). Began as a pilot over the summer, to be ready to launch in Fall 2022 to over 10 sections with 6 instructors all teaching ISTE-140 on the Rochester campus of RIT simultaneously. Added custom material not found in ZyBook and adapted 10 ZyLabs.
• 2021 Creation of a new sequence of projects. Here is an example of one
  • Intro to project 3 video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O-enxiapt4A
• 2020 – Conversion of in person class to an online asynchronous course. Recorded dozens of videos (listed in section above) to create an online asynchronous version of web and mobile 1 that has since been offered in subsequent summers.

Course Coordination & More on Zybook Implementation: This class will often have at least 8 sections in a single fall semester, and is offered in multiple countries (RIT Dubai, RIT Croatia) so significant coordination efforts need to be spent here. As described in the section above, another area I helped coordinate this course being offered around the world was when I implemented the virtual textbook (zybook). This video goes over how the zylabs work and I give a few demos (for summer 2024): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1VNT5z3p8Yg

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Web & Mobile II ISTE-240

Backend Dev Database Systems Frontend Dev JavaScript Joomla MySQL PHP

Syllabus

Curriculum Dev.

Reviews (4)

Course Description

Lectures & Videos (6)

Lectures & Videos for Web & Mobile II ISTE-240

CSS Position property

Building a login with php and mysql

Another comment system with mysql / php

Mysql DELETE and UPDATE with php

Teamwork on the RIT web server:

AJAX and building a comment system

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Web & Mobile II ISTE-240

This course builds on the basics of web page development that are presented in Web and Mobile I and extends that knowledge to focus on theories, issues, and technologies related to the design and development of web sites. An overview of web design concepts, including usability, accessibility, information architecture, and graphic design in the context of the web will be covered. Introduction to web site technologies, including HTTP, web client and server programming, and dynamic page generation from a database.

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Reviews for Web & Mobile II ISTE-240

Jokes. Transitioned from whiteboard use to vscode. Most majors prefer live code rather than words on the wall. Provided RIT's style guide as an example, and showed us sites for better UI and color palette. Cyberduck demo and integration were a plus as well.

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The assignments and projects are well communicated, with clear objectives and a fair rubric. I really liked his style of teaching as well, and he was always available and ready to help for his office hours. Great teacher.

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Prof. John seemed to have a down-to-earth personality about him that made reaching out to him for support on class materials easy. There was a natural comfort and as a professor, he taught the course content so understandably for me to grasp the concepts and enjoy the class. All teachers aren't perfect and that can be seen through him, he lets us know he is also human to the extent that he is not knowledgeable about everything but with practice one can become good.

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He was clearly very knowledgeable in the course material, and it reflected in his demonstrations. Being able to go over topics with practice helped facilitate my understanding of HTML, CSS, JavaScript, and other topics. I feel more confident in my programming abilities, which is not something I would've expected to say earlier in the semester.

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Curriculum Development for Web & Mobile II ISTE-240

• 2024 – trial of interactive textbook (ZyBook) for teaching javascript and PHP. Currently evaluating several chapters and a dozen labs to pilot in Spring.
• 2020 – 2024 – Created new lectures for various topics:
  1. Introduction to Javascript Presentationhttps://drive.google.com/file/d/15UaxCZPrdOQWowSlR27rGXc3TZlNO_h-/view?usp=drive_link
  2. Introduction to PHP and Server Side Web Programming: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/12HS9eVRoBK5-0KAcdwm8ZvbQTIzqE6dC/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=109898190618390773341&rtpof=true&sd=true

1. Final Exam / Practical Creation – Created new examinations for multiple semesters
   • Take Home Practical Video Overview: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d1xX9jaYqjc
   • Instructions for Take home practical (from a different semester than video above): https://docs.google.com/document/d/1O1KQXe1tm7rirnOsgWAdKDtcNV472MbQfd7Dy5pBImo/edit?usp=sharing

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Foundations of Web Technologies II

Advanced Web Development for Graduate Students

API Backend Dev CMS Database Systems Frontend Dev HTML / CSS JavaScript MySQL PHP Usability & HCI

Syllabus

Curriculum Dev.

Reviews (3)

Course Description

Lectures & Videos (1)

Lectures & Videos for Foundations of Web Technologies II

Code To Community: Presentation About Non-Profit Class Initiative

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Foundations of Web Technologies II

This course builds on the basic aspects of web page development that are presented in the first course and extends that knowledge to focus on issues and technologies related to the design and development of web sites. Topics include advanced internet technologies (including, but not limited to: AJAX, server-side programming, database use and access, client libraries, server frameworks, and creating and consuming information services).

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Reviews for Foundations of Web Technologies II

Professor Takats is kind, patient, and understanding when it comes to teaching the course material. He's very experienced as a web developer and he does his best to translate that into his teaching. He always tries to be available outside of class and will respond to questions at all hours of the day. He also put in a lot of time and effort to ensure we had real clients to work with for our group projects, and that alone has given me an invaluable experience in web work and project management. He really tries to go above and beyond, and secured a bunch of extra software to try preparing us for developing in real-world settings. I took a previous class with him, and went out of my way to take another because I appreciated his attitude and effort.

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This was by far the best class I've taken at RIT. Although the material being taught, and my desire to learn web development may have played a part in how much I enjoyed taking this course, I believe that the biggest reason however was Prof. Takats. The manner in which he taught, explained with patience, promoted discussions and a positive learning environment, and how he was always available to meet with were things I genuinely appreciated. Also, the individual project and the group project setups were great.

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I think Professor Takats did a good job organizing the massive amount of material in this course into manageable lessons. He provided helpful feedback on assignments and was always available for questions and assistance, especially after the switch to online learning. It is clear from taking this course that Professor Takats cares about his students and strives to help them learn material that is interesting and beneficial to them. He took a difficult course and helped us understand the material in a meaningful way.

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Curriculum Development for Foundations of Web Technologies II

Group Project for Local Non-Profit Organization Initiative

• Overview: Traditionally, students in the course (ISTE-646 Foundations of Web Technologies II) are tasked with developing a design document and a small website, complete with dynamic features such as web forms and database-driven content. However, recognizing the potential for real-world impact, I initiated an initiative to engage genuine clients, primarily from the Rochester non-profit sector. This strategic shift not only offered students a tangible connection to industry practices but also aimed to enhance the web presence of small organizations with very limited resources.

News article w/ video on RIT website: https://www.rit.edu/spotlights/code-community-weaving-real-world-non-profit-projects-web-technologies-course

• Presentation to computing college on findings:
  • YouTube Video of presentation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gbc3pi-8MnM
    • Slide Deck: https://docs.google.com/presentation/d/1raZNfZQC5be35rxtHDm9M3nryl6T-7iA/edit?usp=sharing&ouid=116505914402717236361&rtpof=true&sd=true

• Organizations we have helped:
  • Marketview heights (a community service organization committed to improving the quality of life in Rochester through underscoring the need for decent housing that is affordable to low and moderate income people):
    • Working Website:
      https://646marketview.cad.rit.edu/marketviewheights/
  • South Lyon Cardio Drumming
    • Working Website:
      https://646cardio.cad.rit.edu/getsimple-main/
  • Additional Organizations we have helped but not a finished website to show are: Britton Rd. Cemetery, UPSTAT Statistics Conference Mastermind (an academic quiz bowl for middle school and high school students).

Additional Initiatives and Development:

• Content Management Systems Added to curriculum. Since the class is composed of graduate students, many of whom are not actually going into Full Stack Development it wasn’t a requirement to learn as many of the basics. This allowed me to implement several content management systems the students could use in their group project including: WordPress, Joomla, Get Simple CMS.

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Foundations of Web Technologies I

A class for Graduate HCI students to learn about the Building Blocks of the Web

Backend Dev Database Systems Frontend Dev HTML / CSS PHP Usability & HCI

Syllabus

Curriculum Dev.

Reviews (5)

Course Description

Lectures & Videos (1)

Lectures & Videos for Foundations of Web Technologies I

Video Lecture: Course Overview

Going over the basics on the first day of class

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Foundations of Web Technologies I

This class provides an introduction to internet and web technologies. Topics include an introduction to the internet and basic internet technologies (including, but not limited to: SSH, SFTP, UNIX, XHTML, CSS, Client-Side programming, and website publishing)

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Reviews for Foundations of Web Technologies I

For me this course became very helpful as professor was always available via office hours and during lecture as well. I can't thank enough for clearing my all doubts and guiding me. Thank you so much professor.

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Cared about our learning journey

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Professor Takats had enthusiasm and patience teaching the course materials. I really appreciated the speed of the course as an HCI student with no experience in web development; I would imagine the course is fairly slow for Software Engineering students or others with a coding-heavy background, however. I also appreciated that he's honest when he's not sure about a particular question, and welcomes learning opportunities from students as well, many of whom have experience working in Web careers.

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I absolutely loved how Professor Takats taught the class. Maybe it is because I needed a refresher on web development, but I appreciated the pace of the class.

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He was supportive in and out of class. He provided resources when needed and was willing to assist the student at all times. Overall, he was a mentor figure for me.

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Curriculum Development for Foundations of Web Technologies I

• 2021 – Implemented progressive enhancement principles into the course and wireframing.
• 2021 – Designed and added a team project to create a multi-disciplinary design document. View the instructions I developed here: View Document
• 2020 – Implemented an interactive textbook into the course (Zybook, a similar setup as described in ISTE-140 but with some differences for graduate level students).

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Software Development and Problem Solving I

A Journey from Basics to Software Engineering with Python

Backend Dev Python

Syllabus

Curriculum Dev.

Reviews (3)

Course Description

Lectures & Videos (2)

Lectures & Videos for Software Development and Problem Solving I

Lecture: Using Split in python

Lecture: Abstract Data Types & Recursion Final Exam review

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Software Development and Problem Solving I

A first course introducing students to the fundamentals of computational problem solving. Students will learn a systematic approach to problem solving, including how to frame a problem in computational terms, how to decompose larger problems into smaller components, how to implement innovative software solutions using a contemporary programming language, how to critically debug their solutions, and how to assess the adequacy of the software solution. Additional topics include an introduction to object-oriented programming and data structures such as arrays and stacks.

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Reviews for Software Development and Problem Solving I

After this being my second time taking this course with the same instructor, i can conclude that The instructor was a very caring and understanding individual which means alot to me. I have always looked up to this instructor since he took the same degree i am taking and i want to do what he did when i graduate. Unlike the TAs i will say that he is the most helpful when it comes to helping me when i have questions on the exams and mini practicums

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The instructor did a great job at being patient with the class whilst also maintaining the same pace. He made sure that we knew the extensive amount of resources we could utilize in order to advance in the subject.

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Helped students during class and showed example codes. Also wanted to do extra zoom sessions near end of semester.

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Curriculum Development for Software Development and Problem Solving I

GCIS-123 is a very collaborative class where the team works together. One area where I was able to add some materials was in:

• Homework on Arrays: Created a series of homeworks for learning about arrays unit. This assignment gives you practice using simple Arrays and the Array_utils we started in class. It will also give you some practice using random numbers, and working on your problem solving skills. Finally it will give you practice using recursion to analyze numbers inside an array

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Digital Image Creation & Photography ISTE-205

Explore Digital photography, acquisition of images, and intermediate image manipulation

Digital Multimedia

Rapid Online Presence ISTE 305

Backend Dev CMS Frontend Dev HTML / CSS JavaScript Open Source PHP

Syllabus

Curriculum Dev.

Reviews (2)

Course Description

Lectures & Videos (4)

Lectures & Videos for Rapid Online Presence ISTE 305

Video Lecture: Joomla Installation Tutorial

Video Lecture Understanding Unix

Joomla Install Part 2

Javascript Validation

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Rapid Online Presence ISTE 305

Although large-scale web sites still require considerable development effort, there are today several options for establishing a web presence using tools designed for non-programmers. This course gives students understanding of and experience with installing and customizing websites using tools such as Blogs, Wikis,and content management systems.

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Reviews for Rapid Online Presence ISTE 305

He provides flexibility with deadlines.

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Was very knowledgeable on the subjects at hand

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Curriculum Development for Rapid Online Presence ISTE 305

• 2016 Recorded a video lecture series for installing the Joomla Content Management system and put it on YouTube. This was optional content for the Rapid Online Presence Course.
  • Part 1: Joomla CMS installation video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s47yzAbyuWE
  • Part 2: Setting up Joomla: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eWmul5hGZ70
• 2016 – 2017. The class used an open source wikipedia-like tool called wikepage. I created several videos to go over installing it:
  • Understanding Unix: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aWcHMKzWgh0
  • Video Tutorial on using WikePage (a wiki CMS): https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YJB9ZAAXY4E

Javascript Validation Video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FjV13Z-hYZM

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Digital Video Creation ISTE-206

Digital videography, acquisition of audio, editing, streaming, compression, as well as storytelling.

Digital Multimedia

Web Integration & Application ISTE-405

Integrating multiple technologies and content sources to create sophisticated web sites and apps

Backend Dev CMS Frontend Dev HTML / CSS JavaScript PHP

An Introduction to REST APIs and fetching data from Yelp Part 1

Master the Basics: A Beginner’s Guide to APIs, HTTP Methods, and Data Integration!

API HTML / CSS JavaScript PHP Tutorials

Creating an AI-Driven Portfolio Builder

The Thought Process Behind Creating an AI-driven portfolio builder

AI & Data Science Backend Dev Digital Multimedia HTML / CSS

Photo Gallery (3)

Synced Patterns in WordPress with Overrides and Unsupported Blocks

Streamline WordPress Synced Patterns with SCSS Styling Workarounds

CMS Digital Multimedia Frontend Dev HTML / CSS Open Source Tutorials WordPress

From Code to Community (Video)

Bridging Academia and Non-Profits: Web Tech with Purpose.

Backend Dev CMS Frontend Dev Marketing Project Management Uncategorized

Photo Gallery (3)

Additional Links

• Official RIT Article

Come to my HTML / CSS Workshop at RIT hosted by WIC

Wednesday, October 5, from 6:30 pm to 8 pm in GOL-2400 (the Golisano Computing College building)

Backend Dev Frontend Dev HTML / CSS Marketing

Photo Gallery (1)

FeedMasher Project Finally Moving to Opensource

The process of moving a project that helped power the RIT homepage for several years to open source.

API Backend Dev Database Systems Frontend Dev HTML / CSS JavaScript MySQL Open Source PHP

Additional Links

• FeedMasher.org Website

A Personal Portfolio Page and Blog on The Open Web

An open web is a web by and for all its users, not select gatekeepers or governments.

Backend Dev CMS Drupal Frontend Dev PHP Uncategorized

Additional Links

• What is the Open Web and Why It's Important

Moving my site to Drupal?

Backend Dev CMS Drupal Frontend Dev HTML / CSS JavaScript Open Source

Usability Testing of The First Niagara Website

RIT Students Uncover Key Usability Issues in First Niagara's Website Through User Testing

Usability & HCI

Photo Gallery (3)

Additional Links

• Final Report

Eye Tracking 101

Eye Tracking Usability & HCI

Media Gallery (1)

Media Gallery for Eye Tracking 101

Prezi Eye Tracking Presentation

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(Archive) Traveling Lite: Highedweb Milwaukee 09

HighEdWeb is an international nonprofit membership association. We educate digital professionals who work at colleges and universities.

Digital Multimedia Marketing

(Archive) JFusion Elgg Plugin

A plugin for Joomla CMS which offers universal user integration (SSO)

API Backend Dev CMS Frontend Dev Joomla Open Source PHP

Nigudkar, M. Capstone: MERN Stack Hotel Booking Application

Database Systems Frontend Dev

Role: Chair

Student: Mithila Mohan Nigudkar

Capstone Report

Bapat, M.Capstone: Free Fitness Mantra including Clothing Finder and Diet Tips

Backend Dev Frontend Dev

Role: Chair

Student: Madhura Bapat

Jaiswal, R. Capstone: Evaluating Using LaTeX to help improve the accessibility of an open-access journal

Frontend Dev Open Source Usability & HCI

Role: Chair

Student: Rahul Jaiswal

Capstone Report

Chen, C. Capstone: Improving Human Subjects Research Office at RIT’s Website

Frontend Dev Usability & HCI

Role: Chair

Student: Chih-Jung Chen

Capstone Report

Walawalkar, N. Capstone: How to make apps popular on Google play store: Visual Analysis of google play store app features

AI & Data Science Digital Multimedia Marketing

Role: Committee Member

Student: Nupura Sunil Walawalkar

Capstone Report

Garg, K. Capstone: Online Bookstore for a Customer-to-Customer E-commerce Web Application

Backend Dev Database Systems Frontend Dev Marketing

Role: Committee Member

Student: Kheman Garg

Capstone Report

Shah, V.  Capstone: Influence of Elon Musk’s Tweets on the price of Bitcoin and Dogecoin and Price Prediction

AI & Data Science

Role: Committee Member

Student: Vidhi Bimal Shah

Capstone Report

Arora, A. Capstone: Rezume: A Web-based resume builder system for university students

Backend Dev Database Systems Frontend Dev

Role: Committee Member

Student: Ayush Arora

Capstone Report

Nahar, L. Capstone: Evaluating Features, Building recommender system for Amazon TV and movies reviews

AI & Data Science Backend Dev Database Systems

Role: Committee Member

Student: Lekha Nahar

Capstone Report

Kandalgaonkar, R. Capstone: Automatic Tag Suggestion For Stackoverflow Questions Using Machine Learning

AI & Data Science Backend Dev Database Systems

Role: Committee Member

Student: Rima Kandalgaonkar

Capstone Report