Hi, I'm
Vanessa Tang

I'm a

About Me

I'm a first-generation college student majoring in computer science at UNC-Chapel Hill.

My passion for the field began with building video games at the age of 10 (with one receiving 600+ visits when I was 12). As I got older, I began using technology as a medium to help others, such as using AR to train neurosurgical students and building a VR experience to raise awareness of plastic pollution.

I'm currently exploring how immersive technology (AR/VR) and web development can be used to improve people's lives.

Skills

Relevant Courses

Awards Archive

Programming Languages
Python, Java, C#, C
Game Development
Unity, Godot, Blender
Web Development
HTML, CSS, JavaScript, React, Tailwind CSS
Other Technologies
Git, GitHub, Docker, React Native, Expo
Other Creative Tools
Figma, Photoshop, Lightroom, DaVinci Resolve, Reaper

University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (UNC)

AI and the Future of Humanity
Data Structures and Analysis
Discrete Math for Data Science
Gender Equity in STEM
Linear Algebra for Applications
Multivariable Calculus
Software Design Patterns
Systems Fundamentals

CodePath

Intermediate Technical Interview Prep (Advanced Track)
Foundations of AI Engineering

North Carolina School of Science and Mathematics (NCSSM)

Advanced Java
Complex Systems and Modern Networks
Cryptography
Game Design and Simulation
Procedural and Object-Oriented Programming

International

2025 MIT Reality Hack - Grand Finalist

National (USA)

2024 NCWIT Aspirations in Computing - National Honorable Mention
2024 National Security Language Initiative for Youth (NSLI-Y) - Semifinalist
2021 National Science Olympiad Tournament - 7th in Experimental Design

State (North Carolina)

2023 Samsung Solve for Tomorrow - State Finalist
2023 NCTSA State Conference - Webmaster Semifinalist
2023 NCTSA State Conference - Biotechnology Design Semifinalist
2021 NC Science Olympiad State Tournament - 1st in Codebusters
2021 NC Science Olympiad State Tournament - 1st in Experimental Design

Regional

2024 NC Science & Engineering Fair (Region 3B) - 3rd Place in Technology
2023 NCTSA Eastern Regional Conference - Silver Award in Biotechnology Design
2023 NCWIT Aspirations in Computing - Affiliate Honorable Mention
2022 - Accepted into Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools All-County Orchestra (declined)
2021 - Accepted into Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools All-County Orchestra (declined)
2021 Charlotte Regional Science Olympiad Tournament - 1st in Codebusters
2021 Charlotte Regional Science Olympiad Tournament - 2nd in Experimental Design

School (UNC)

2026 UNC Computer Science Conference Sponsorship - All Things Open
2025 UNC Computer Science Conference Sponsorship - Grace Hopper Celebration

School (NCSSM)

2024 NCSSM Awards Ceremony - Computer Science Departmental Award
2023 Jon Miller Writing Competition - 1st Place in Non-Fiction

Student Researcher @ Duke University I³T Lab

Jun 2023 - Mar 2024

Optimized and evaluated accuracy of real-time distance feedback between medical tool and surgical target point in AR-assisted guidance system for neurosurgical training

Implemented fisheye lens camera calibration using Python OpenCV library to improve distance estimation algorithm to sub-millimeter accuracy, reducing the average distance error from 2.54 mm to 0.32 mm

Visibly improved the medical tool hologram alignment by integrating an IMU sensor using Python, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) to transmit data packets, and C# to map orientation data to the respective hologram model

Implemented real-time bounds feedback in Unity (C#) to alert users of inaccurate medical tool placement during procedures