Columbia Software Solutions
Co-founder · Client work, engineering, and team support
I co-founded Columbia Software Solutions, a student-run organization that builds free, custom software for nonprofits and research labs.
I started CSS because I wanted to use my skills to help people and get better through the work. I also wanted more Columbia students to have that experience: meeting a real client, understanding a problem, and being responsible for what they build.
Our fall 2026 roster has 50 members across 14 project teams. The work ranges from nonprofit websites and operational tools to scientific data projects. OpenAI has provided $5,000 in API credits to support our teams.
My role
I work on client scoping, engineering, and helping teams get started. That includes code review and implementation, but also project briefs, onboarding, access, hosting, and making sure someone can maintain the result after the semester.
We choose tools around the client’s needs and the team’s ability to maintain them. I’ve worked with Next.js, Supabase, PostgreSQL, and Vercel, but a shared framework is less important than leaving the client with something they can actually use.
Refettorio Harlem was our first project. I wrote the application code and worked with the chefs in the kitchen to test it. On StreetSquash, the work also involved building an editor and documenting how the next person could take over.
Each CSS project belongs to its team. The pages here separate my implementation work from the organization’s broader work.
Fall 2026 projects
Wikimedia NYC <> Wikinewsie
Wikimedia NYC supports local Wikipedia contributors. We’re adding SQL-backed story grouping to Wikinewsie’s TypeScript app.
WHOI <> Fish identification
WHOI is an ocean research institution. We’re prototyping fish identification from underwater video and testing accuracy across camera types.
WHOI <> Echosounder dashboard
WHOI researchers use sonar to study marine life. We’re prototyping linked maps and echograms to explore their data.
WHOI <> Dock scheduler
WHOI manages dock access for research vessels. We’re designing a scheduler that checks conflicts, tracks insurance documents, and records approvals.
NYC Mesh <> Maintenance tracker
NYC Mesh runs a volunteer internet network. We’re building a hub maintenance tracker with MeshDB syncing, visit logs, and open issues.
Swipe Market <> Listing reliability
Swipe Market connects Columbia students buying and selling meal swipes. We’re updating its Flask/PostgreSQL app to prevent duplicate claims and restore listings after failed payments.
The Animation Project <> Attendance
The Animation Project teaches digital arts to young New Yorkers. We’re designing shared participant records for intake, consent, attendance, and reporting.
Education Through Music <> Curriculum search
Education Through Music brings music classes to NYC schools. We’re designing a searchable Drive catalog with curriculum filters and access checks.
LVAEP <> Tutor reports
LVAEP pairs adult learners with volunteer tutors. We’re designing a portal for session logs, monthly reports, and tutor-specific access.
Green Guerillas <> Community portal
Green Guerillas supports NYC community gardens. We’re designing a portal with event registration, moderated posts, messaging, and notifications.
Open Plans <> Campaign reporting
Open Plans advocates for safer streets in NYC. We’re designing campaign records and reporting dashboards with validation and correction history.
Hour Children <> Website
Hour Children supports women affected by incarceration and their families. We’re turning its Figma designs into an accessible, responsive website.
GallopNYC <> Billing
GallopNYC offers therapeutic riding programs. We’re designing a billing workflow between Google Sheets and Stripe that checks lesson charges and handles exceptions.
Santa’s Knights <> Free resources
Santa’s Knights is starting a service for finding free NYC activities. We’re scoping a searchable directory with verified, regularly updated listings.
Team and credit figures reflect our October 2026 records. Project descriptions were reviewed on October 19, 2026.