Hi, I'm Adrian Olivas. IT Business Analyst & CS Student.
I'm a Computer Science student at CSUMB (GPA 4.0) currently working as an IT Business Analyst at Esri. With a background spanning HRIS systems, talent acquisition, and software development, I bridge business needs and technical solutions — skilled in Java, Python, SQL, React, and more.
My Goals
After completing my B.S. in Computer Science, I aim to grow into a senior Business Systems Analyst or Application Developer role — leveraging my experience at Esri and deep background in HRIS to build enterprise-scale software solutions.
Graduation Writing Assessment for Computing and Design
Units: 4 · Prerequisites: GE Area 1A, 1B, 1C
Course Description
This course develops critical reading and writing skills for Computing, Design, and Technology fields. Students will learn to adapt their writing for different audiences and purposes, adhering to disciplinary conventions. The curriculum covers expository and academic writing, professional communication, source selection, and effective communication with diverse audiences.
My Experience & Takeaways
CST 300 helped me transition into upper-division computer science coursework while thinking intentionally about my long-term career in tech. My group project explored green computing and sustainable technology, where I created and presented the introduction for both a technical presentation and a general audience video. This experience helped me practice explaining complex technical ideas in an accessible way. The course pushed me to begin developing my portfolio, reflect on my learning journey, and identify areas of interest within computing. Overall, CST 300 gave me a strong foundation for approaching my CS degree with purpose and professional awareness.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your final project file, GitHub link, or a 100-word description of what you did in this course.
CST 338 · Summer 2024 – Term B
Software Design
Units: 4 · Prerequisites: CST 238 and MATH 130 or MATH 150 (C- or better)
Course Description
This is an intermediate-level programming course covering techniques for developing large-scale software systems using object-oriented programming. Coverage includes software development life cycle models, requirements analysis, and graphical user interface development.
My Experience & Takeaways
In CST 338, I deepened my understanding of object-oriented programming and how large software systems are structured. Using Java, I worked with core OOP principles such as encapsulation, inheritance, and polymorphism while also learning about design patterns and testing strategies. The course emphasized writing clean, maintainable code and thinking about software from both a developer and user perspective. This class strengthened my confidence in building modular applications and prepared me for more advanced courses like software engineering. It also helped me better understand collaboration in development environments, which connects directly to my professional work supporting HRIS systems and enterprise applications.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your final project file, GitHub link, or a 100-word description of what you did in this course.
CST 363 · Fall 2024 – Term A
Introduction to Database Systems
Units: 4 · Prerequisites: CST 238 and MATH 130 (C- or better)
Course Description
This course provides balanced coverage of database use and design, focusing on relational databases. Students will learn to design relational schemas, write SQL queries, access a DB programmatically, and perform database administration. Students will gain a working knowledge of the algorithms and data structures used in query evaluation and transaction processing. Students will also learn to apply newer database technologies such as XML, NoSQL, and Hadoop.
My Experience & Takeaways
CST 363 introduced me to relational database design and gave me hands-on experience modeling, querying, and managing data. I created ER diagrams, normalized schemas, and wrote SQL queries involving joins, aggregation, subqueries, and transactions. I also completed assignments comparing relational databases with NoSQL approaches like MongoDB, which expanded my perspective on modern data storage solutions. This course felt especially relevant to my professional experience working with HRIS and reporting tools, since it strengthened my ability to think about data structure, quality, and reporting accuracy. CST 363 ultimately improved my confidence in designing data-driven applications and working with backend systems.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your final project file, GitHub link, or a 100-word description of what you did in this course.
CST 334 · Fall 2024 – Term B
Operating Systems
Units: 4 · Prerequisites: CST 237 and CST 238 (C- or better)
Course Description
Students in this course will learn about the use and design of modern operating systems, focusing on Linux. On the "use" side, students will learn the Linux command line, to write shell scripts, and to build programs with GNU utilities like awk, sed, and make. On the "design" side, students will develop a deep understanding of process management, memory management, file systems, and concurrency, and how they apply to modern technologies like virtualization and cloud computing.
My Experience & Takeaways
CST 334 gave me insight into how operating systems manage hardware resources and support application execution. I learned about processes, threads, memory management, scheduling algorithms, and synchronization challenges. This class changed the way I think about software performance and debugging, since many issues originate at the system level rather than the application level. It also gave me a stronger mental model of how programs interact with hardware, which has helped me approach problem solving more holistically across both academic projects and professional environments.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your final project file, GitHub link, or a 100-word description of what you did in this course.
CST 311 · Spring 2025 – Term A
Introduction to Computer Networks
Units: 4 · Prerequisites: CST 238 and MATH 130 (C- or better)
Course Description
Survey of Telecomm and Data Comm Technology Fundamentals, Local Area Network, Wide Area Network, Internet and internetworking protocols including TCP/IP, network security and performance, emerging industry trends such as voice over the network and high speed networking. Designed as a foundation for students who wish to pursue more advanced network studies including certificate programs. Includes hands-on networking labs that incorporate Cisco CCNA lab components.
My Experience & Takeaways
In CST 311, I learned the fundamentals of network communication and how systems exchange data across local and global networks. Topics included the OSI model, TCP/IP protocols, routing, switching, and network security. Labs helped me understand how packets move through networks and how connectivity issues can be diagnosed. The course strengthened my understanding of infrastructure concepts that support modern applications and cloud environments — connecting software development with the broader IT ecosystem. Networking concepts also enhanced my ability to troubleshoot real-world technical issues and communicate more effectively with infrastructure teams.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your final project file, GitHub link, or a 100-word description of what you did in this course.
CST 336 · Spring 2025 – Term B
Internet Programming
Units: 4 · Prerequisites: CST 238 (C- or better)
Course Description
Provides students with dynamic web application development skills, focusing on the integration of server-side programming, database connectivity, and client-side scripting. Coverage includes the Internet architecture, responsive design, RESTful web services, and Web APIs.
My Experience & Takeaways
CST 336 was one of the most hands-on and rewarding courses in my program. I built multiple full-stack web applications using Node.js, Express, MySQL, EJS, and external APIs. Projects included a Famous Quotes search app connected to a SQL database, API-driven apps like a Baby Name Generator, and multi-page Express apps with reusable partials and routing. I also deployed applications to a production environment, learning about environment variables, server configuration, and debugging deployment issues. This course significantly strengthened my backend development skills and reinforced problem solving, debugging, and iterative development — skills I continue to apply in both academic and professional projects.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your final project file, GitHub link, or a 100-word description of what you did in this course.
CST 370 · Summer 2025 – Term A
Design and Analysis of Algorithms
Units: 4 · Prerequisites: CST 238 and MATH 170 (C- or better)
Course Description
Students learn important data structures in computer science and acquire fundamental algorithm design techniques to get efficient solutions to several computing problems from various disciplines. Topics include the analysis of algorithm efficiency, hash, heap, graph, tree, sorting and searching, brute force, divide-and-conquer, decrease-and-conquer, transform-and-conquer, dynamic programming, and greedy programming.
My Experience & Takeaways
CST 370 challenged me to think deeply about efficiency, logic, and problem solving. I studied algorithm design techniques, recursion, sorting and searching methods, and complexity analysis using Big-O notation. Assignments required implementing algorithms and evaluating their performance, which helped me understand trade-offs between readability and efficiency. The course strengthened my mathematical reasoning and pushed me to approach coding problems more strategically. I gained confidence in breaking down complex problems into smaller steps and evaluating multiple solution paths — growing into a more thoughtful and analytical programmer.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your final project file, GitHub link, or a 100-word description of what you did in this course.
CST 462S · Summer 2025 – Term B
Race, Gender, Class in the Digital World
Units: 3 · Upper Division Service Learning · GE: UD4 Social & Behavioral Sciences
Course Description
Provides students with key knowledge of race, gender, class and social justice especially in relation to technology in today's digital world. Students challenge the barriers of expertise, gender, race, class, and location that restrict wider access to and understanding of the production and usage of new technologies. Students will engage in a practical experience in the community via their service placements, which will provide depth and context for considering questions of justice, equality, social responsibilities and the complexities of technology and its societal impact.
My Experience & Takeaways
CST 462S explored the intersection of technology, equity, and social impact. My group research focused on the digital divide and how limited access to high-speed internet affects education, healthcare, and economic mobility in underserved communities. I also completed service-learning hours with ASCENDtials, connecting coursework to real community needs. The class helped me see computing not just as a technical discipline, but as a social force that shapes opportunity and access. This perspective has influenced how I think about system design, accessibility, and ethical responsibility as a future technologist.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your final project file, GitHub link, or a 100-word description of what you did in this course.
CST 325 · Fall 2025 – Term A
Graphics Programming
Units: 4 · Prerequisites: CST 238 and MATH 130 (C- or better)
Course Description
This course teaches the students the fundamentals of game programming and skills needed for game development, including GPU programming, matrix and quaternion algebra for physics calculation, animation, lighting and basics of implementing 3D models into a framework.
My Experience & Takeaways
CST 325 was one of the most technically challenging and rewarding courses I completed. I implemented graphics concepts directly in WebGL without relying on high-level libraries, giving me a deeper understanding of the rendering pipeline. Projects included building Vector3 and Matrix4 math APIs, creating a raytracer with lighting and shading, implementing Phong shading, and developing shadow mapping techniques. My final project was a solar system simulation featuring textured planets, orbital motion, lighting effects, and atmospheric rendering around Earth. This course strengthened my understanding of linear algebra, shaders, and GPU-based rendering while expanding my confidence working with low-level graphics programming.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your final project file, GitHub link, or a 100-word description of what you did in this course.
CST 438 · Fall 2025 – Term B
Software Engineering
Units: 4 · Prerequisites: CST 338 (C- or better)
Course Description
Prepares students for large-scale software development using software engineering principles and techniques. Coverage includes software process, requirements analysis and specification, software design, implementation, testing, and project management. Students are expected to work in teams to carry out a realistic software project.
My Experience & Takeaways
CST 438 focused on collaborative software development using Agile methodologies and industry practices. I worked on team-based projects involving system design, UML diagrams, requirements documentation, and automated system testing using Selenium. The course emphasized version control, communication, and iterative development cycles. Through group stand-ups and collaborative assignments, I gained experience navigating shared codebases and coordinating feature development. This class felt especially valuable because it mirrored real-world development environments and reinforced the importance of documentation and testing. CST 438 helped me grow as both a developer and collaborator while strengthening my understanding of the software lifecycle from planning to deployment.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your final project file, GitHub link, or a 100-word description of what you did in this course.
CST 489 · Spring 2026 – Term A
Capstone Project Planning
Units: 1 · Prerequisites: CST 300 and CST 349
Course Description
Students create a detailed proposal of a substantial, professional level project with the approval of the student's capstone advisor. Students learn and practice project planning, collaboration and writing skills required in the industry.
My Experience & Takeaways
CST 489 focused on preparing for the capstone by defining project scope, requirements, and technical direction. I explored potential project ideas, drafted proposals, and developed early design documentation outlining architecture and functionality. The course helped me think critically about feasibility, timelines, and user needs while practicing professional documentation skills. This planning process reinforced the importance of clear requirements and communication before development begins. CST 489 gave me the opportunity to synthesize knowledge from previous courses and served as a bridge between coursework and the full capstone implementation experience.
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Final Project / Evidence
Add your capstone proposal or planning documents here.
CST 499 · Spring 2026 – Term B
Computer Science Capstone
Content Added Week 16
The course offers students a culminating experience by integrating the knowledge and skills acquired throughout their academic program into a comprehensive project. Students often work on a large group real-world project, exploring the problem space, developing requirement specifications, and proposing a solution followed by design and development of the solution.
My capstone is focused on the Certificate Track — integrating Google IT Support Professional, Google Cloud Generative AI Leader, and PMI Basics of Scrum certifications into practical portfolio artifacts drawn from my work experience at Esri.
Status
This course is currently in progress. Expected completion: April 2026.
