Meet The Team
The passionate individuals behind WakeUpWars working to make your mornings better.
Cheng-han (Anson) Pai
Developer
Hi! I am Cheng-han Pai, but you can also call me Anson. I am an international student from Taiwan majoring in Computer Science at the University of Utah. During my college years, I've developed a strong interest in programming, web development, mobile app development, and game creation. These interests eventually led me to spend my summer breaks in Taiwan working as both a teaching assistant and an instructor, where I introduced elementary school students to some basic programming concepts and guided them how to build simple projects like small games. I've always enjoyed the challenge of turning ideas into real and interesting products. Whether I'm teaching, developing applications, or solving technical problems, I feel a strong sense of accomplishment when I push through difficulties and finally see everything works, even if the process can be stressful. My senior capstone project is a perfect example, combining both an Android app and game components. Making the idea work wasn't easy, but I learned to absorb new knowledge quickly—like a sponge—and worked with AI tools to polish our project into something we're proud of. As graduation approaches, I'm actively looking for a full-time position where I can continue growing as a developer and hopefully stay in the US.
Gloria Shin
Developer
Hi everyone, I'm Gloria Shin, a Computer Science senior at the University of Utah with a deep passion for computer graphics and interactive software. My journey into tech actually began in a 3D-modeling class, where I became fascinated by how digital shapes, lighting, and materials were constructed behind the scenes. That curiosity pushed me to take an introductory programming course, and I quickly realized how much I loved the logic, creativity, and problem-solving in code; ultimately leading me to pursue graphics programming more seriously. Alongside my graphics work, I've also built strong full-stack engineering skills through 1.8 years of real-world experience as a Software Engineer Intern, here at the University of Utah, developing multiple production features, architecting APIs, tested systems end-to-end, and collaborated in agile teams while working across multiple programming languages and frameworks. I thrive in environments where I can learn quickly, dive deep into new technologies, and build things that feel visually compelling and meaningful. Whether I'm writing shaders, designing rendering pipelines, or creating user-focused full-stack applications, I genuinely enjoy the craft of coding and the creativity that comes with bringing ideas to life. If you're interested in any of my projects or experience, feel free to connect with me on LinkedIn, email me, or checkout my GitHub - thanks for stopping by!
Hannah Larsen
Developer
Hello! My name is Hannah Larsen, and I am finishing up my Bachelor's degree in Computer Science at the University of Utah. I'm passionate about building maintainable, thoughtful software that allows its users to make a genuine improvement in their day-to-day lives. I am currently a teaching assistant for a software practice course, and I have previously TA-ed for a class focused on human-centered system design, so these experiences have strongly shaped my interest in creating technology that serves users effectively and meaningfully. Most recently, my senior capstone project has given me valuable hands-on experience with the entire development process, from identifying a problem, to working collaboratively to design a software solution from the ground up. In the near future, I hope to begin a Master's program after I graduate this December, and my long-term goal is to build a career as a software engineer in industry, where I can continue creating impactful and user-focused software.
Aleksandra (Sasha) Rybalkina
Developer
Hello! I am a computer science student at the University of Utah working toward my bachelor's degree, with an expected graduation in December, 2025. I originally grew up in Vladivostok, Russia, and legally my name is Aleksandra (but like to go by Sasha, as this is the official nickname for my name in my home country). As I have studied more and more about software development, I've become especially interested in web development, app development, and UI design. I find software development to be genuinely fun (even when a bit challenging), and enjoy working on projects that test my skills and provide a learning experience. Throughout my time in school, I've had the chance to be involved in several projects, both inside and outside the classroom. One of the most notable experiences was a summer 2024 hackathon where my past team and I created Tastebuds, an app designed to help college students with meal-prep. I am also currently involved in my senior capstone project, which has been a valuable hands-on learning experience. Outside of school, I work at Work First Casualty as a Software Developer Intern and will be transitioning into a full-time role there after graduation.