Hi!đź‘‹ My name is

Sheila Kahwai.

I am a creative at heart,

and software engineering is my medium. For me, writing code is like composing a song—it needs a clear vision, a compelling storyline, and a rhythm that resonates. Without a solid idea, you’re just hitting random notes. And just like every great song has a hook that sticks with you, rigorous testing is the key to making your code truly impactful. If it’s not tested, it’s not complete.

Resume

About Me

I’m a software developer specializing in backend development and machine learning, with a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Science and extensive experience in both Open-Source and Startup environments. I am curious by nature, which has driven me to explore the depths of DevOps, dive into Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning—especially Computer Vision—and even venture into Mobile Development. Currently, I’m working as a Backend/ML Engineer at Shelfy in Nairobi, Kenya. Here are a few technologies I've been working with recently:
  • Python
  • Flask
  • PostgreSQL
  • AWS
  • Docker
  • Flutter
  • Tensorflow
  • PHP

Experience

Backend/ML Engineer - Shelfy
Jan 2023 - present
View the project
  • In my current role as a Backend/ML Engineer at an AI startup, I have built robust systems encompassing multiple services such as:
    • Image processing and retrieval components to enhance the application’s functionality using Tensorflow.
    • RESTful APIs that facilitate communication between different parts of the application using Python and Flask.
    • Dashboards that interface with the RESTful APIs using Streamlit.
    • PostgreSQL databases for efficient data storage and retrieval.
Open Source Engineering Intern - Quansight Labs
Jul 2023 - Sept 2023
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  • I created a pytest plugin to enhance the doctesting experience for PyData libraries. I designed, created, tested, documented, and integrated the plugin into the SciPy repository for automated doctesting of the library.
  • I am currently a maintainer and an active contibutor to SciPy and the scipy_doctest package.
Software Engineering Intern - JupyterHub
Dec 2022 - Mar 2023
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  • I designed and created a pytest plugin that improved the testing infrastructure of JupyterHub and its components. I was responsible for designing, creating, testing, documenting, and eventually releasing the plugin to PyPI for the JupyterHub community to use.
  • I presented the JupyterHub pytest plugin to an engaged audience from the Jupyter community. My talk focused on demonstrating how the plugin could be utilized and contributed to by developers to enhance their testing procedures. This opportunity allowed me to share my expertise, facilitate knowledge exchange, and foster collaboration within the Jupyter ecosystem.

Education

May 2022 to Nov 2022
Software Engineering Programme - Backend Specialization
The African Leadership(ALX)
Apr 2019 to Aug 2019
Entrepreneurship Programme
The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme
  • I was awarded $5000 at the end the programme that allowed me to start a Herbs Export business
Sept 2014 to Nov 2018
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
  • In my final year at university, I undertook a significant project that stands as a testament to my commitment to addressing real-world challenges through technology. I created an innovative application that leveraged Geographic Information Systems (GIS) for emergency medical rescue. The application enabled users to request immediate assistance with a simple button press, transmitting their precise location to an ambulance service. This technology had the potential to be a game-changer in emergencies where communication might be impaired, such as during a heart attack, an asthma attack, or anaphylaxis.

Projects

Doctesting for PyData libraries
Python Pytest Scipy Open-Source
Doctesting for PyData libraries
This project extends the standard library doctest module to allow flexibility and easy customization of finding, parsing and checking code examples in documentation.
Blog
Reusable JupyterHub Pytest Plugin
JupyterHub JupyterCon 2023 Open-Source
Reusable JupyterHub Pytest Plugin
A reusable pytest plugin for testing JupyterHub and its components.
Video
Shopping API
Flask PostgreSQL OAuth2.0 Docker Heroku API Integration
Shopping API
A dockerized Flask application for managing customer orders with authentication via Google OAuth and SMS notifications using Africa's Talking API
Architecture

Want to reach me?

My inbox is always open. Whether you have a question or just want to say hi, I’ll try my best to get back to you!
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