Megan Coden

Software engineer and computational biologist with experience in bioinformatics, clinical data analysis, and large-scale molecular data processing. Skilled in statistical modeling, machine learning, and developing workflows. Passionate about leveraging technology to generate insights in oncology and precision medicine.

Education

University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI — April 2023

Bachelor of Science with High Distinction — GPA: 3.99

Major: Computer Science

Major: Honors in Molecular, Cellular, and Developmental Biology

Honors Thesis: Using machine learning to predict Clostridioides difficile infection severity

Awards: Phi Beta Kappa, James B. Angell Scholar, William J. Branstrom Prize, ΑΧΣ Outstanding 1st Year

Relevant coursework: Cell Cycle Control and Cancer, Genomic Biology, Biochemistry, Statistics

Experience

Optum

Associate Software Engineer (2024 - Present)

  • Created an internal developer portal to enforce engineering excellence principles and streamline deployment and maintenance across teams. Presented at DevDays (internal conference), driving adoption.
  • Refactored API with modular architecture and implemented automated unit testing using Jest.
  • Optimized a high-traffic feature by redesigning a database schema and implementing caching, reducing load time by over 90%. Performed data migration to ensure backwards compatibility.
  • Certified in AWS Cloud Foundations, with expertise in cloud infrastructure and workflow automation.

Software Engineering Associate (2023 - 2024)

  • Built a chatbot UI in TypeScript, integrating with a FastAPI backend for secure OpenAI communication.
  • Collaborated with UI/UX team to design and develop a user-friendly email automation website.
  • Presented project milestones to senior executives in biweekly leadership demos.
  • Created and maintained CI/CD pipelines using GitHub Actions and cron automation, reducing manual testing and deployment efforts.
  • Mentored six interns, imparting skills in leadership, networking, and navigating their careers.
  • Organized team-building activities, including an office-wide “Survivor” game, fostering community.

ACI Transport

Software Engineer (2023 - 2024)

  • Dockerized multi-application system with Docker Compose; enabled local testing of individual services.
  • Developed features in Angular/.NET app using C# and JavaScript. Conducted xUnit and regression tests.

University of Michigan

Bioinformatics Research Assistant - Schloss Research Lab (2021 - 2023)

  • Trained and validated machine learning models using R (mikropml) and Snakemake to predict severity of C. difficile infections based on gut microbiome data.
  • Analyzed model performance using AUROC and AUPRC curves generated in R.
  • Designed and maintained scalable, reproducible pipelines for analysis of genomic and clinical datasets, enhancing automation and adaptability to evolving datasets.
  • Presented at research symposiums, earning second place at the Microbiology and Immunology Undergraduate Research Symposium and a travel award at the Undergraduate Research Symposium.

Skills

Languages: Python, R, JavaScript, TypeScript, SQL, C++, C#, C, Swift, Bash, HTML, CSS, LaTeX

Frameworks: React, Angular, .NET, Flask, FastAPI, R Markdown, Node.js, Quarto

Tools: GitHub, Kubernetes, Docker, AWS, GraphQL, REST, Terraform, Meilisearch, MongoDB, Conda/Mamba, SLURM

Bioinformatics & Data Analysis: large-scale dataset analysis, machine learning (mikropml), statistical modeling (R, NumPy), data visualization (ggplot2), data visualization (ggplot2), bioinformatics workflow development (Snakemake), unit testing

Software: test-driven development, object oriented programming, continuous integration/continuous deployment, documentation, collaboration, peer review, agile methodology, cloud computing, web and mobile development