work@claytonleonardcook.com | LinkedIn

July 2025 - Present

Within the Kuiper Project, I spearheaded the development of a web portal for third-party service integration, focusing on modular architecture and logic simplification. I integrated LLM-based tools into our CI/CD pipeline to automate the generation of unit tests and accessibility checks, significantly increasing our overall test coverage. I have collaborated with cross-functional teams, including product, design, and back-end, to align the application with Amazon's specifications. Working within peer programming groups, I shared best practices for LLM-prompt engineering to accelerate code reviews and architectural prototyping. To streamline development for my team, I authored comprehensive documentation covering onboarding essentials and coding standards. I am also an advocate for improving the application's test coverage and ensuring a more accessible user experience.

January 2024 - July 2025

Architected and maintained a Next.js platform that empowered non-technical teams to author rich content and drive direct-to-consumer sales which has serviced more than 50,000 users. I helped lay the project's foundational architecture, worked in close collaboration with our lead designer via Figma, interfaced with Drupal CMS for content management and integrated Shopify's Storefront API for e-commerce functionality. On a daily basis, I enhanced performance by optimizing network requests, refactored repeated logic into custom React hooks and delivered on new features.

December 2022 - February 2024

Developed a Next.js front-end driven by Contentstack CMS to enable content authors and maintained strict designs. I developed a library of reusable React components that dynamically rendered CMS-sourced data in alignment with design mockups, and engineered promise-based query helpers which logged errors for insight without interrupting CI builds. Collaborating closely with Everbank's internal security and infrastructure teams, I navigated complex authentication layers and adhered to stringent confidentiality protocols, ensuring a secure, maintainable codebase that empowered stakeholders to iterate on content with confidence.

October 2022 - January 2023

As the sole developer, I built a cross-platform React Native application that brought their brand to life on mobile devices. Leveraging Figma designs, I crafted a suite of reusable components with responsive layouts to ensure visual consistency and smooth user experiences across iOS and Android. To streamline delivery, I implemented Expo-based CI pipelines, automating builds and deployments so we could quickly iterate on features and push updates.

August 2022 - October 2023

Stepping into a mature React codebase, I tackled performance bottlenecks in Factimize's data visualizer which had significant lag under heavy data loads. I conducted a deep analysis of rendering inefficiencies and optimized critical sections. Through strategic code modularization and targeted performance profiling, I reduced frame drops and elevated the maximum visible data points, delivering a more responsive user experience without a full rewrite of the legacy system.

May 2022 - November 2023

Joining an established React platform, I enabled Peloton & Precor's marketing teams to author and update site content via Contentful CMS while maintaining strict adherence to established brand guidelines. I partnered closely with QA to elevate both visual fidelity and semantic accuracy, crafting reusable React components that reinforced accessibility and consistency across the application. Notably, I spearheaded the development of the International Offices page: architecting a Google Maps integration styled with brand-aligned colors, and designing interactive markers and info panels to showcase global locations.

January 2021 - February 2021

As a contract front-end engineer for DirectKey, I designed and implemented a brand-aligned marketing page to showcase their product and drive user engagement.

June 2018 - July 2018

Gained hands-on React experience by architecting and implementing CRUD dashboard features for Perfect Landing Rentals' admin portal.

September 2019 - May 2025

While earning my degree, I sustained a 3.5 GPA and excelled in advanced algorithms, data structures, and systems courses. Immersed in the department's collaborative culture, I co-hosted peer study groups and knowledge-sharing workshops. Leveraging those connections, I led our NASA Lunabotics team through the full lifecycle of designing, fabricating, and programming a remote-controlled rover, culminating in competition at the Kennedy Space Center in Florida. I further broadened my technical knowledge by attending the Google Developer Festival in Detroit, where I absorbed lectures on emerging technologies and frameworks. Beyond academics, I served as President of the Cardinal Robotics Club, Vice President of the Google Developer Student Club and volunteered with our Association of Computer Machinery chapter to mentor high school students in coding competitions.

August 2024 - Present

As Cofounder and CTO, I collaborate with my team to create full-stack, locally hosted systems that log business data, leverage machine learning for process optimization and deliver real-time statistical insights via intuitive front-end dashboards.

August 2024 - April 2025

As Quality Assurance Lead, on my capstone project, I guided my team members to ensure quality and contributed over 150,000 lines of front-end code to drive feature development. Furthermore, I spent countless hours doing ensemble and peer programming between multiple teams to bring the final product to the finish line.

August 2024 - December 2024

Developed a locally hosted desktop music player using Tauri, React, and Rust to deliver a native-style listening experience for my independent study.

September 2021 - August 2022

Volunteering as a front-end developer, I architect and enhance mutual-aid dashboards, building new features and intuitive interfaces that streamline collaboration and support community outreach.

September 2020 - December 2020

Developed a React, single-page application backed by Firebase to create and synchronize online grocery lists in real time.

July 2019 - March 2020

Collaborated with a small team to create a React application, backed by Firebase, that enabled users to discover and RSVP local food events.

2024 - 2025 Senior Capstone Project | Quality Assurance Lead

2022 - 2023 Cardinal Robotics Club | President

2022 - 2023 Google Developer Student Club | Vice President

2021 - Present Association of Computer Machinery | Member

2019 - 2022 Science Olympiad | Coach

2021, 2022, 2023 CS Department Coding Competition