Elena Porras

End-to-end design and implementation of a student time distribution analytics system to uncover work patterns and improve team productivity. Collected, cleaned, and preprocessed large-scale survey data to ensure reliability and insight generation. Built dynamic, interactive dashboards and visualizations using Tableau Cloud for both real-time and longitudinal analysis. Managed an Oracle SQL database to detect engagement trends and support strategic planning. Engineered secure integrations across Canvas LMS, SSO authentication, API pipelines, and Tableau, creating a seamless data experience. To maximize accessibility and minimize drop-off, I independently developed a full-stack web application that consolidated all workflow components—data collection, analysis, and visualization—into a single, intuitive interface, eliminating the need for platform switching and significantly reducing manual effort. The platform is currently under pending IRB review to enable long-term research use and broader institutional adoption. I presented the system architecture, analytical insights, and implementation process alongside my mentor and a lead interview researcher at the Provost’s annual Digital Education and Learning Technology Acceleration (DELTA) Teaching Forum, showcasing its potential impact on data-informed pedagogy and digital transformation in higher education.

Selected by ARTIS Ventures for a team to reduce pain points in the purchase, maintenance, and selection of Over-The-Counter (OTC) hearing aids for individuals with mild to moderate hearing loss. My role within the team is split between project development strategy and software development. By using data scraping techniques to drive product insights, and developing the machine-learning algorithm and UI for our product, I help my team ensure that our solution meets client specifications and mitigates inefficiencies in current user experiences.

First Year addition to a competitive biomedical engineering project focused on improving peripheral nerve assessment within peripheral nerve injury (PNI) neurosurgical intervention, I collaborated closely with faculty mentor Dr. Constanza Miranda Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins Biomedical Engineering Department, as well as clinical mentors Dr. Allan Belzberg M.D., Dr. Matthias Ringkamp M.D., Ph.D., and Dr. Gang Wu M.D., Ph.D. from the Johns Hopkins School of Medicine (JHSOM). Our design team initially consisted of eight students working together on this project for one year. Following this, the team progressed to "Advanced Design Teams" with six members after two graduated. We successfully applied for and were awarded the $13,000 Stage-1 VentureWell BME-IDEA International E-Team grant in June 2022. This grant facilitated our collaboration with the Pontificia Universidad Católica (PUC) de Chile, and attended the VentureWell Pioneer Entrepreneurial Workshop in April 2023 advancing our project development. We have currently submitted two papers for peer review in a reputable scientific journal, one of which is published

As a Data and Optimization Intern at Athena, I will be helping spearhead AI implementation and automation to streamline company workflows. Working closely with the Senior Data Analyst, I develop user-friendly relational databases by utilizing low-code automation, designing intuitive user interfaces, integrating APIs, and crafting comprehensive reporting dashboards to foster efficiency and innovation. Additionally, a significant aspect of my role will involve driving the strategic integration of AI within the consultancy. I will actively leverage AI to enhance clients' business development, reducing inefficiencies and pain-points in workflow. My primary focus areas will include AI automation and strategy, as well as optimizing reporting processes.

As a Production and Engineering Intern at IBT I was responsible for critical tasks in medical device development and manufacturing. Part of my work consisted of ensuring compliance with ISO 15223 for labeling, developing and reviewing test protocols and setups, and covering Verification and Validation (V&V). On the product development side, I designed, prototyped, and tested hardware for IBT's upper-limb prosthetic control system. My scope of work included product-testing tools design, material testing (and First Article Inspection), and CAD. I collaborated closely with the Quality & Regulatory department in all facets of my work.

As the Co-Director of GreenHacks, I co-led the organization in its mission to promote climate-tech innovation through our annual event, Carbon Conscious. I oversaw four department heads—Marketing, Outreach, Finance, and Operations/Logistics—each managing their respective teams. Together, we organized and garnered investment, raising $10k+ and startegizing a successful marketing campaign for the event. In this role, I attended networking sessions and eventually collaborated with the larger climate-tech community in the DMV area, to foster connections and partnerships. Throughout the year, I facilitated the growth of ventures presented at our innovation challenge by partnering with the Pava Center for Entrepreneurship and the Maryland Energy Innovation Accelerator. Additionally, we hosted speaker events and campus-wide initiatives to raise awareness and interest in climate-tech careers and ideas. My tenure as Director was marked by a commitment to fostering innovation, securing funding, rebranding our initiative, and building a supportive community for climate-tech initiatives.

Collaborated with Sustainable Energy Institute (ROSEI) to provide over 130 participants with a weekend Hackathon to promote sustainable solutions and start-ups to problems in a country's economic growth.

Work with current high-achieving low-income high school seniors (at no cost to them) to navigate the college admissions process by helping them build a college list, revise their essays, apply for financial aid, and find scholarships to the institution that is the best fit for them.