My name is Dave Patel, I’m a Computer Science Student and I love

My name is Dave Patel, I’m a Computer Science Student and I love

I am a Senior at California Polytechnic State University - San Luis Obispo getting a bachelors in Computer Science. I am expected to graduate Spring of 2025.

Time Line

2014
2014
2014

ID Tech Camp

My first dive into computer science was the summer before 7th grade when my parents signed me up for an ID Tech camp. I learned some basic C++ and worked on a live clock project with my mentor, using a clock library to track and display real time. It was an exciting entry into the industry and encouraged me to continue exploring more about computer science.

ID Tech Camp

My first dive into computer science was the summer before 7th grade when my parents signed me up for an ID Tech camp. I learned some basic C++ and worked on a live clock project with my mentor, using a clock library to track and display real time. It was an exciting entry into the industry and encouraged me to continue exploring more about computer science.

ID Tech Camp

My first dive into computer science was the summer before 7th grade when my parents signed me up for an ID Tech camp. I learned some basic C++ and worked on a live clock project with my mentor, using a clock library to track and display real time. It was an exciting entry into the industry and encouraged me to continue exploring more about computer science.

2017
2017
2017

Lake Highland Preparatory School

High school let me explore my interest in technology on a deeper level. I took both AP Computer Science courses and excelled, but it wasn’t just about academics. I learned how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate with others. Through Lake Highland, I made lifelong friends and applied what I learned to real world challenges. I graduated Lake Highland in 2021

Lake Highland Preparatory School

High school let me explore my interest in technology on a deeper level. I took both AP Computer Science courses and excelled, but it wasn’t just about academics. I learned how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate with others. Through Lake Highland, I made lifelong friends and applied what I learned to real world challenges. I graduated Lake Highland in 2021

Lake Highland Preparatory School

High school let me explore my interest in technology on a deeper level. I took both AP Computer Science courses and excelled, but it wasn’t just about academics. I learned how to think critically, solve problems creatively, and collaborate with others. Through Lake Highland, I made lifelong friends and applied what I learned to real world challenges. I graduated Lake Highland in 2021

2017
2017
2017

FTC Robotics

In my freshman year, I joined the HAZMAT Robotics team and got hands-on experience building and competing with robots. I was part of the engineering team and even got to drive our robot to a high finish in a Lockheed competition. Our team made it to states every year, competing with some of the best teams in Florida. By senior year, I stepped into an executive role as Head of Fundraising. Having experience from another fundraising venture, I helped us raise more money than ever before, leaving the team in a strong financial position as I graduated.

FTC Robotics

In my freshman year, I joined the HAZMAT Robotics team and got hands-on experience building and competing with robots. I was part of the engineering team and even got to drive our robot to a high finish in a Lockheed competition. Our team made it to states every year, competing with some of the best teams in Florida. By senior year, I stepped into an executive role as Head of Fundraising. Having experience from another fundraising venture, I helped us raise more money than ever before, leaving the team in a strong financial position as I graduated.

FTC Robotics

In my freshman year, I joined the HAZMAT Robotics team and got hands-on experience building and competing with robots. I was part of the engineering team and even got to drive our robot to a high finish in a Lockheed competition. Our team made it to states every year, competing with some of the best teams in Florida. By senior year, I stepped into an executive role as Head of Fundraising. Having experience from another fundraising venture, I helped us raise more money than ever before, leaving the team in a strong financial position as I graduated.

2019
2019
2019

Fortress Information Security

In 2019, I landed my first internship at Fortress Information Security. It was my first time working in a professional environment, and I learned about teamwork and cyber security risk assessments. Even as a high school intern among college students, I ranked second in a performance review, which motivated me explore cyber security more. Outside of work, I started exploring Linux, encryption methods, and ethical hacking, fueling my passion for the field.

Fortress Information Security

In 2019, I landed my first internship at Fortress Information Security. It was my first time working in a professional environment, and I learned about teamwork and cyber security risk assessments. Even as a high school intern among college students, I ranked second in a performance review, which motivated me explore cyber security more. Outside of work, I started exploring Linux, encryption methods, and ethical hacking, fueling my passion for the field.

Fortress Information Security

In 2019, I landed my first internship at Fortress Information Security. It was my first time working in a professional environment, and I learned about teamwork and cyber security risk assessments. Even as a high school intern among college students, I ranked second in a performance review, which motivated me explore cyber security more. Outside of work, I started exploring Linux, encryption methods, and ethical hacking, fueling my passion for the field.

2020
2020
2020

CharityCaps

In 2020, during a challenging time for the United States, I decided to use my skills for a philanthropic cause. I launched an online store called Charity Caps, where each hat design represented a different charity. With nine custom designs, all profits were donated to their respective organizations. In just two weeks, I raised nearly $5,000—half of my $10,000 goal. The project gained attention, leading to articles about my work and a live interview with one of the charities on Instagram. Charity Caps showed me that age doesn’t define impact, and even a simple idea, like selling bucket hats, can make a real difference. Some of the articles are highlighted on my linked-in page

CharityCaps

In 2020, during a challenging time for the United States, I decided to use my skills for a philanthropic cause. I launched an online store called Charity Caps, where each hat design represented a different charity. With nine custom designs, all profits were donated to their respective organizations. In just two weeks, I raised nearly $5,000—half of my $10,000 goal. The project gained attention, leading to articles about my work and a live interview with one of the charities on Instagram. Charity Caps showed me that age doesn’t define impact, and even a simple idea, like selling bucket hats, can make a real difference. Some of the articles are highlighted on my linked-in page

CharityCaps

In 2020, during a challenging time for the United States, I decided to use my skills for a philanthropic cause. I launched an online store called Charity Caps, where each hat design represented a different charity. With nine custom designs, all profits were donated to their respective organizations. In just two weeks, I raised nearly $5,000—half of my $10,000 goal. The project gained attention, leading to articles about my work and a live interview with one of the charities on Instagram. Charity Caps showed me that age doesn’t define impact, and even a simple idea, like selling bucket hats, can make a real difference. Some of the articles are highlighted on my linked-in page

2021
2021
2021

California Polytechnic State University

In 2021, I began working toward my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Cal Poly. The university’s "learn by doing" philosophy has given me the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through projects ranging from high-level programming in Python to low-level programming in C. Outside the classroom, I’ve been active in the Cyber Security Club, deepening my passion for the field. Below, you’ll find links to my class list and GitHub, showcasing the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my time here. Set to graduate in Spring 2025, I am actively seeking a full-time role where I can apply my experience and continue to grow.

California Polytechnic State University

In 2021, I began working toward my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Cal Poly. The university’s "learn by doing" philosophy has given me the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through projects ranging from high-level programming in Python to low-level programming in C. Outside the classroom, I’ve been active in the Cyber Security Club, deepening my passion for the field. Below, you’ll find links to my class list and GitHub, showcasing the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my time here. Set to graduate in Spring 2025, I am actively seeking a full-time role where I can apply my experience and continue to grow.

California Polytechnic State University

In 2021, I began working toward my bachelor’s degree in Computer Science at Cal Poly. The university’s "learn by doing" philosophy has given me the opportunity to engage in hands-on learning through projects ranging from high-level programming in Python to low-level programming in C. Outside the classroom, I’ve been active in the Cyber Security Club, deepening my passion for the field. Below, you’ll find links to my class list and GitHub, showcasing the knowledge and skills I’ve gained during my time here. Set to graduate in Spring 2025, I am actively seeking a full-time role where I can apply my experience and continue to grow.

2022
2022
2022

Krush Acquisitions

In the summer of 2022, I worked as a Technology Intern at Krush Acquisitions in Orlando, FL. During my time there, I developed and customized 3D augmented reality filters and photo booth software, saving the company thousands of dollars by avoiding new equipment purchases. I also collaborated with the CTO to implement security and IT measures across their acquired companies. Additionally, I transitioned their primary communication network to Grasshopper, streamlining sales processes and improving efficiency across multiple teams. I remember great times getting lunch with the CTO, and he taught me a lot.

Krush Acquisitions

In the summer of 2022, I worked as a Technology Intern at Krush Acquisitions in Orlando, FL. During my time there, I developed and customized 3D augmented reality filters and photo booth software, saving the company thousands of dollars by avoiding new equipment purchases. I also collaborated with the CTO to implement security and IT measures across their acquired companies. Additionally, I transitioned their primary communication network to Grasshopper, streamlining sales processes and improving efficiency across multiple teams. I remember great times getting lunch with the CTO, and he taught me a lot.

Krush Acquisitions

In the summer of 2022, I worked as a Technology Intern at Krush Acquisitions in Orlando, FL. During my time there, I developed and customized 3D augmented reality filters and photo booth software, saving the company thousands of dollars by avoiding new equipment purchases. I also collaborated with the CTO to implement security and IT measures across their acquired companies. Additionally, I transitioned their primary communication network to Grasshopper, streamlining sales processes and improving efficiency across multiple teams. I remember great times getting lunch with the CTO, and he taught me a lot.

2023
2023
2023

Reservations.com

In the summer of 2023, I interned as a Software Engineer at Reservations.com in Orlando, FL. I developed and implemented three security algorithms in C# and .NET to monitor large datasets, boosting both response times and data protection. I also tackled and resolved key issues in the company’s custom NuGet packages, ensuring smoother system performance. One of my most impactful contributions was automating data processing workflows with Azure Functions, which replaced hours of manual effort each day and was showcased in a live demonstration to the team.

Reservations.com

In the summer of 2023, I interned as a Software Engineer at Reservations.com in Orlando, FL. I developed and implemented three security algorithms in C# and .NET to monitor large datasets, boosting both response times and data protection. I also tackled and resolved key issues in the company’s custom NuGet packages, ensuring smoother system performance. One of my most impactful contributions was automating data processing workflows with Azure Functions, which replaced hours of manual effort each day and was showcased in a live demonstration to the team.

Reservations.com

In the summer of 2023, I interned as a Software Engineer at Reservations.com in Orlando, FL. I developed and implemented three security algorithms in C# and .NET to monitor large datasets, boosting both response times and data protection. I also tackled and resolved key issues in the company’s custom NuGet packages, ensuring smoother system performance. One of my most impactful contributions was automating data processing workflows with Azure Functions, which replaced hours of manual effort each day and was showcased in a live demonstration to the team.

2024
2024
2024

Fusen

The summer of 2024 I got the opportunity to join Fusen's new program as a Fusen Fellow. During this internship I got to start my own startup (MistPay). I worked with experienced mentors and serial entrepreneurs, I’ve gained practical knowledge on starting, scaling, and refining startups. I’ve also connected with industry leaders to enhance our product development, improve go-to-market strategies, and drive growth. This Internship was interesting because I actually got to build something I wanted to. It was a great opportunity that allowed me to apply my knowledge and learn more about the industry.

Fusen

The summer of 2024 I got the opportunity to join Fusen's new program as a Fusen Fellow. During this internship I got to start my own startup (MistPay). I worked with experienced mentors and serial entrepreneurs, I’ve gained practical knowledge on starting, scaling, and refining startups. I’ve also connected with industry leaders to enhance our product development, improve go-to-market strategies, and drive growth. This Internship was interesting because I actually got to build something I wanted to. It was a great opportunity that allowed me to apply my knowledge and learn more about the industry.

Fusen

The summer of 2024 I got the opportunity to join Fusen's new program as a Fusen Fellow. During this internship I got to start my own startup (MistPay). I worked with experienced mentors and serial entrepreneurs, I’ve gained practical knowledge on starting, scaling, and refining startups. I’ve also connected with industry leaders to enhance our product development, improve go-to-market strategies, and drive growth. This Internship was interesting because I actually got to build something I wanted to. It was a great opportunity that allowed me to apply my knowledge and learn more about the industry.

2024
2024
2024

MistPay

As part of the Fusen venture-studio program, I Cofounded MistPay, a Chrome extension designed to simplify the BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) experience. The platform helps users compare different payment plans and split transactions across multiple services. I led the end-to-end development of the product, leveraging JavaScript, React.js, and Firebase to ensure secure integrations, real-time functionality, and adherence to industry security standards.

Beyond the technical side, I conducted extensive market research to identify trends and gaps in the BNPL space, tailoring MistPay to meet user needs and stand out in a competitive market.

MistPay

As part of the Fusen venture-studio program, I Cofounded MistPay, a Chrome extension designed to simplify the BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) experience. The platform helps users compare different payment plans and split transactions across multiple services. I led the end-to-end development of the product, leveraging JavaScript, React.js, and Firebase to ensure secure integrations, real-time functionality, and adherence to industry security standards.

Beyond the technical side, I conducted extensive market research to identify trends and gaps in the BNPL space, tailoring MistPay to meet user needs and stand out in a competitive market.

MistPay

As part of the Fusen venture-studio program, I Cofounded MistPay, a Chrome extension designed to simplify the BNPL (Buy Now, Pay Later) experience. The platform helps users compare different payment plans and split transactions across multiple services. I led the end-to-end development of the product, leveraging JavaScript, React.js, and Firebase to ensure secure integrations, real-time functionality, and adherence to industry security standards.

Beyond the technical side, I conducted extensive market research to identify trends and gaps in the BNPL space, tailoring MistPay to meet user needs and stand out in a competitive market.

The future

I’m beyond excited to see what the future holds as I continue to grow personally and professionally. With a strong foundation in computer science, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving, I’m eager to tackle new challenges, explore innovative ideas, and make a meaningful impact in the tech world. Whether it’s building groundbreaking products, driving innovation in emerging fields, or collaborating with inspiring teams, I’m ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.

The Future

I’m beyond excited to see what the future holds as I continue to grow personally and professionally. With a strong foundation in computer science, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving, I’m eager to tackle new challenges, explore innovative ideas, and make a meaningful impact in the tech world. Whether it’s building groundbreaking products, driving innovation in emerging fields, or collaborating with inspiring teams, I’m ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.

The future

I’m beyond excited to see what the future holds as I continue to grow personally and professionally. With a strong foundation in computer science, entrepreneurship, and problem-solving, I’m eager to tackle new challenges, explore innovative ideas, and make a meaningful impact in the tech world. Whether it’s building groundbreaking products, driving innovation in emerging fields, or collaborating with inspiring teams, I’m ready to embrace the opportunities ahead.