Available for opportunities

Hi, I'm Zhorzh Zelenkov

Software Engineer at UW building tools for neuroscience research. I craft full-stack applications, explore AI/ML, want to ship a product that will make an impact.

🧠 Neuroscience Tools
🔒 Privacy Research
⚡ Full-Stack Dev

Building software that advances science

I'm a Computer Science student at the University of Washington's Paul G. Allen School (GPA: 3.8), currently working as a Software Developer at the Steinmetz Lab where I develop and contribute to neuroscience visualization tools used by researchers worldwide.

My work spans from building probe-insertion planning tools for electrophysiology to conducting research in Privacy and Security Lab. My current project is researching web privacy and cookie consent compliance. I'm passionate about turning complex problems into elegant solutions.

When I'm not coding, I'm usually making waves in the pool or gains in the gym. I am also an active in Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. In my free time I usually find new side projects to build, explore theory of computing or just make some good food.

3.8
GPA
10+
Projects Shipped

Where I've worked

Nov 2025 — Present
Software Development Engineer
Contributing to Pinpoint, a probe-insertion planning tool for electrophysiology using Python and C#. Building features for trajectory planning and brain-atlas interaction. Supporting development of Ephys Link, a Socket.IO server enabling communication between Pinpoint and manipulators.
Oct 2025 — Present
Game Tester
Atlas Arena • Part-time, Remote
Tested early gameplay builds for a logic/strategy learning title, reporting reproducible bugs, UX friction, and edge cases. Evaluated game difficulty curves and level progression using structured feedback forms. Performed usability testing on Windows/Steam environment. Collaborated with game designers to align challenge difficulty with target audience (CS/data/ESPORTS students).
Sep 2025 — Present
Research Assistant
Project: "What is a 'necessary' cookie?" — Building automated web measurement pipelines using Python to compare browser cookie state. Implementing scripts to detect and interact with cookie consent banners via DOM parsing. Investigating whether "reject unnecessary cookies" actually works and identifying dark patterns in consent interfaces.
Sep 2025 — Present
MOVE Fellow
Handshake AI • Contract, Remote
Developed and evaluated domain-specific prompts to assess LLM performance in multidisciplinary fields. Analyzed LLM outputs for scientific accuracy, clarity, and depth in specialized subfields. Contributed to improving AI understanding of complex topics through expert review and feedback. Conducted independent research to support prompt development.
Aug 2025 — Present
Associate Intern
Bridge4Students • Remote
Lead a scholarship fundraising project with leadership; align on vision, roles, goals, and KPIs. Develop multi-thread strategy (HNW individuals, foundations, student networks). Produce deliverables: Fundraising Strategy Document, Donor Outreach Toolkit, Social Media Toolkit, Peer Fundraising Campaign & Guide, Volunteer Playbook. Recruit, assign, and supervise student-fundraisers.
Jan 2023 — Present
Aquatics Lifeguard
YMCA of Greater Seattle • Part-time, Kent, WA
Perform constant real-time analysis of surroundings over large groups to prevent incidents. Lead emergency responses during high-stakes situations. Collaborate with team of guards and supervisors to run daily safety checks, drills, and incident simulations. CPR certified with 3+ years of experience. Document incidents and procedural updates with clarity and accuracy.
Jun 2023 — Sep 2023
Intern
International Rescue Committee • Hybrid, Kent, WA
Completed weekly tutoring/mentorship sessions across core subjects. Engaged with program staff and mentors, building positive relationships. Participated in workshops on college, scholarships, and financial aid. Contributed feedback on curriculum clarity and pacing for students from different backgrounds. Collaborated with peers during group sessions.
Jun 2021 — Sep 2021
Warehouse Associate
Autolux
Maintained structured workflows under time-critical conditions using manual and digital tracking systems (1C app). Coordinated across teams (inventory, delivery, packaging) to meet tight shipping deadlines. Operated digital inventory software and handheld scanners daily. Coordinated with external distributors and accounting team to support smooth warehouse operations.

Contributions

🧠
Pinpoint / Ephys Link
VirtualBrainLabSteinmetz Lab • Neuroscience Tools

Things I've built

🏆
1st Place HackathonReactAWS LambdaTensorFlow

Optivise.dev

AI-driven A/B testing platform automating UI experimentation with real-time data analysis for optimizing engagement.

🤖
JavaSpring BootReactPython

VisualML

Interactive ML visualization tool reducing model interpretation from hours to seconds. 96% accuracy, 40% fewer false positives.

💬
Next.jsTypeScriptOpenAIAWS

Grono

Full-stack social platform with communities, real-time voting, nested comments, and GPT-powered moderation.

📱
KotlinJetpack ComposeAndroid

SENS

Android digital wellness app with 30% reduction in app-switching. System-level blocking helping 200+ users save 3+ hours daily.

Scholarships & Leadership

🎓
Kimura Family Scholar
Scholarship Recipient
Recognized for academic achievement and potential in computer science at UW Paul G. Allen School as a first gen student.
🌉
Bridge4Students Top Scholar
Selected as a top scholar by Bridge4Students for academic excellence, community involvement and adaptability.
🏆
Balanced Man Scholarship
Sigma Phi Epsilon Recipient
Awarded for academic excellence, leadership, success in athletics, and commitment to balanced men lifestyle.
🏊
UW Swim Club
Vice President
Leading one of UW's largest club sports. Coordinating practices and competitions for 100+ members.
ΣΦΕ
Sigma Phi Epsilon
Active Member
Washington Beta chapter. Social events, community service, and leadership development.

Technologies & Languages

Programming

JavaPythonTypeScriptKotlinC/C++C#Go

Frontend

ReactNext.jsJetpack ComposeHTML/CSSUnity

Backend

Spring BootNode.jsSocket.IOREST APIsMySQL

Cloud & Tools

AWSAzureGCPDockerGitLinux

Spoken Languages

EnglishNative / Bilingual
UkrainianNative / Bilingual
RussianNative / Bilingual
PolishLimited Proficiency

Let's connect

I'm always open to discussing new opportunities, interesting projects, or just having a chat about tech.