From 100 Days of Code to Full Stack Engineer: Embersunn’s Journey in Tech and Healthcare
In the world of software engineering, every journey begins with a spark of curiosity. For Embersunn, that spark came during her high school years, ignited by the 100 Days of Code challenge. What followed was a deep dive into programming, fueled by the project-based learning book Python Crash Course by Eric Matthes, which laid the foundation for a career that has seen her excel in multiple domains.
From building her coding skills in college, participating in hackathons, and embracing "building in public," Embersunn's tech journey took a significant leap when she was elected Vice President of the International Association of Robotics and Automation at Florida International University (FIU). Leading initiatives in robotics and AI, she honed her expertise in Java, which later opened doors to a role as a Developer Advocate and ultimately a Full Stack Software Engineer working in healthcare technology.
In this interview, Embersunn aka Meggan Raad shares insights on her path to success, her passion for problem-solving, and the appeal of software development in the healthcare sector. She reflects on how her work contributes to life-changing innovations and the profound motivation that comes from creating software that aids in cancer treatment. Beyond the technical realm, Embersunn is a strong advocate for women in software engineering, emphasizing the importance of respect, emotional maturity, and fostering a more inclusive culture in tech.
Join us as we explore Embersunn's inspiring journey—one filled with passion, resilience, and a commitment to building meaningful solutions that impact the world.
Your Journey into Software Engineering: Could you share what first sparked your interest in software engineering and the path that led you to pursue a career in this field?
My interest in computer science was ignited during my senior year of high school when I took on the 100 Days of Code challenge, committing to writing code for 100 consecutive days. I discovered a passion for programming through the book "Python Crash Course" by Eric Matthes, a project-based learning resource that set me on my coding journey.
This interest led me to pursue a bachelor's degree in computer science. Throughout my college years, I was actively involved both on campus and online, sharing my tech journey through "building in public." I participated in hackathons and tech events, and after two years, I invested time in robotics, nominating myself for the Vice Presidency of the International Association of Robotics and Automation at Florida International University (FIU). I was elected for the role and dedicated significant time to hosting and teaching lectures on machine learning and artificial intelligence.
In addition to robotics, I focused on mastering programming languages, with Java as my primary language. This specialization helped me secure a position as a Developer Advocate for Nucamp, a coding bootcamp where I supported aspiring developers. Towards the end of my studies, I also expanded my skills into frontend development, ultimately landing a role as a Full Stack Software Engineer for a healthcare company that creates machines to treat skin cancer and this is my current job.
The Appeal of Software Development: What is it about software engineering that sets it apart from other areas of IT? Are there specific aspects of development that you find particularly engaging or challenging?
The appeal of software development really stands out to me because it combines creativity, problem-solving, and simplifying life. While other areas of IT might focus more on maintenance or infrastructure, software engineering gives me the chance to build something beautiful and meaningful from scratch. There’s something incredibly satisfying about taking an idea and turning it into a working application.
Working in healthcare, particularly on software that helps treat cancer, adds a whole new layer of significance to what I do. Knowing that my work can make a real difference in people’s lives is incredibly motivating. The tech and healthcare fields are always evolving, which means there are new challenges to tackle all the time. In my case, i’m consistently making sure to follow FDA and HIPAA regulations. Prioritizing every patients rights is vital to my work. Along with making
sure that what i’m doing is really aiding in curing them. Every line of code I write has the potential to impact patient care, and that makes software development feel so much more rewarding.
Key Skills for Success: In your opinion, what core skills are essential for thriving in today’s fast-evolving world of software engineering? How do you stay ahead of new trends and technologies?
There are a few core skills that I believe are essential for success in this field. First and foremost, strong problem-solving abilities are crucial. Whether I’m building applications or working on machines, being able to think critically and refer back to basic computational logic and algorithms helps me tackle complex challenges effectively.
Another important skill is adaptability. The tech landscape changes rapidly, especially the employment market, and being open to learning new languages and frameworks keeps me relevant and a valuable asset. For instance, during my time in robotics, I learned how to integrate software with hardware, which is key for building effective machines. This adaptability also applies to the healthcare sector, where improving old and creating new technologies are constantly emerging to improve patient care.
To stay ahead of trends, I make it a habit to engage with the tech community. Networking constantly is key. Attending meetups, participating in online forums, reading current tools/frameworks, and following industry leaders on social media. This approach not only keeps my knowledge fresh but also fuels my passion for development. It’s easy to relax and slowly start forgetting everything you’ve learned and done. The challenging, and most rewarding task, is never letting yourself intellectually run dry.
Women in Software Engineering: As the tech industry continues to evolve, do you feel that more needs to be done to encourage women to pursue careers in software engineering? What steps can the industry take to attract and retain more female talent in this field?
I definitely think the tech industry has made strides in encouraging women to pursue careers in software engineering, especially with many clubs and organizations dedicated to supporting and motivating us. During my time in college, I saw firsthand how these initiatives helped build a sense of community among women in tech, and it’s inspiring to see more of us entering the field.
However, there’s still work to be done. Despite the progress, women engineers often face criticism and bullying on social media, sometimes from those who aren’t even in the field. This highlights a need for a more supportive and respectful culture within tech. We need to remind one another that emotional maturity and professionalism are essential traits for anyone in software engineering.
I mean, it should be common sense that if you’re smart enough to be in the field, you should be smart enough to not share unconstructive or irrelevant opinions. No one cares if you like/dislike women in tech or if you don’t think a woman you see only is “really: a programmer. No one asked you so.
Ultimately, promoting respect for everyone will go a long way in encouraging women to thrive in software engineering and keep building in public. We’re definitely making progress already, but there’s always room for growth and improvement in every field.
Top Learning Resources: Could you recommend resources—such as online courses, conferences, workshops, blogs, or certifications—that have been especially valuable in your learning and growth as a software engineer?
Absolutely! There are so many valuable resources that have helped me grow as a software engineer. One of my favorites is Daily.dev, a platform that curates the latest tech news and articles. It’s a fantastic way to stay updated on industry trends and discover new tools and technologies while also connecting with other developers in the community.
Hacker News is another great resource for keeping a pulse on what's happening in tech. It’s filled with insightful discussions and links to interesting projects. In addition to these platforms, I’ve found that online courses from sites like Coursera and Udacity can be incredibly helpful, since they have alot of free stuff. Harvard’s CS50 course is insanely good for those new to programming. I did it my first year of learning I highly recommend it.
I also make it a point to follow various tech blogs and YouTube channels where experienced engineers share their insights and tips, such as theprimeagen. I highly recommend them to anyone looking to expand their knowledge and connect with the wider tech community.
Embersunn’s journey in software engineering reflects not only her passion for coding and problem-solving but also her love for the Java programming language, despite the occasional teasing from peers. Beyond her technical accomplishments, she remains active and vocal in the tech community on platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where she shares her unique insights and humor. Embersunn’s enthusiasm for continuous learning and connecting with others in the industry truly sets her apart as a dynamic figure in the world of software engineering.
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