Hi, I'm Shariah

I code dreams and nightmares.

M.S. Computer Science student at Pace University and Founder of Ominous Entertainment.

I'm actively seeking Software Engineering roles to learn, build, and launch inventive systems.

Interests: AI, Games, Robotics, Space

About Me

Hi! I'm Shariah "Shay" Allen, an M.S. Computer Science student at Pace University and a Jacksonville Univeristy alum (B.S. CS, minor in English, '24). My background spans embedded systems, project management, game dev, full-stack, and cybersecurity. Through, NASA's L'SPACE NPWEE (Spring '25), I acted as the Principal Investigator and Primary Reviewer, where I strengthened my proposal writing, technical review, and mission-concept thinking skills

I'm aiming my career toward space/aerospace with a focus on pairing robotics with reliable software. I'm passionate about building systems that advance deep-space exploration and the search for extraterrestrial life. I'm currently seeking Flight Software and Robotics Integration/Test roles where I can have real mission impact.

Currently developing REDACTED, a cosmic horror title at Ominous Entertainment , an indie game studio founded by me. I unwind by reading, storyboarding, gaming, and watching cartoons/anime (especially Bob's Burgers).

Education

Pace University, Seidenberg School of Computer Science and Information Systems

January 2025 - Exp. 2026

Master of Science in Computer Science

Jacksonville University, Davis College of Business & Technology

August 2019 - April 2024

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science, Minor in English

Experience

Cybersecurity Team Member | ACM Jacksonville University Student Chapter

January 2024 - April 2024
In-Person

As an active member of Jacksonville University's ACM Cybersecurity Team, I developed hands-on expertise in cybersecurity through practical challenges and collaborative learning. My experience includes:

Technical Skills
  • Penetration Testing & Exploitation: Conducted web application vulnerability assessments and exploitation techniques.
  • Digital Forensics: Performed comprehensive log analysis and forensic investigations to identify security incidents.
  • Cryptography & Password Security: Implemented and analyzed various encryption methods and password cracking techniques
  • Network Security: Analyzed network traffic patterns and conducted scanning & reconnaissance operations
  • Wireless Security: Assessed and exploited wireless network vulnerabilities
Tools & Technologies
  • Linux command line administration and system navigation
  • Bash scripting for automation and security tasks
  • Kali Linux penetration testing distribution
  • SQL Injection techniques and database security assessment
Achievements
  • Placed 14th place out of 4000 in the 2024 NCL Cyber Games
  • Successfully completed multiple cybersecurity challenges through NCL Cyber Skyline platform
  • Gained practical experience across 9+ cybersecurity domains including enumeration, exploitation, and traffic analysis

NASA L'SPACE Mission Concept Academy (MCA)

September 2025 - Present
Remote

I've been accepted into the Fall 2025 NASA L'SPACE MCA cohort, where I'm expected to learn space mission development skills and gain hands-on experience with tools like Siemens NX for CAD Design and JMARS for remote sensing analysis.

Read More

Principal Investigator | NASA L'SPACE Proposal Writing and Evaluation Experience (NPWEE) Participant

January 2025 - May 2025
Remote

Selected for NASA's competitive workforce preparation academy focused on professional technical proposal development and evaluation. Led cross-functional team through complete proposal lifecycle from conceptualization to final submission.

  • Virtual NASA workforce preparation academy dedicated to teaching skills in writing and evaluating professional technical proposals.
  • Attended and engaged in weekly lectures taught by NASA scientists, engineers, and managers.
  • Conceptualized and pitched novel technology selected by NASA panel out of multiple concepts for advancement to full proposal.
  • Co-authored technical proposal in response to request from NASA Marshall Space Flight Center.
  • Led a team of 12 students to proposal completion while maintaining integrity of scientific research and technological development of selected novel concept.
  • Responsible for intellectually and logistically facilitating advancement of proposed technology from conceptualization to final proposed solution.
  • Participated in a review panel for NASA solicitation responses and served as Primary Reviewer by scoring proposals based on soliciation rubric and identifying strengths and weaknesses to provide feedback to proposal teams.
Read More

Founder & Game Developer | Ominous Entertainment

August 2022 - Present | Independent
Remote

In 2022, I founded Ominous Entertainment, an indie game studio dedicated to crafting immersive horror gaming experiences. As the lead game developer, I'm currently developing our first official title, REDACTED, a psychological cosmic horror experience where players take on the role of a crew member investigating the mysterious disappearance of their colleagues during a secret mission to an uncharted planet.

Technical Leadership & Development
  • Game Engine Expertise: Primary development in Unity with planned transition to Unreal Engine for enhanced graphics and performance capabilities
  • Full-Stack Game Development: Handle programming, game design, assest integration, and system architecture
  • Platform Strategy: Currently developing PC titles, with plans to release console adaptations
Creative & Business Vision
  • Genre Specialization: Focused expertise in psychological and cosmic horror game development
  • Brand Development: Building studio identity and community engagement throughout anticipated release
  • Project Management: Leading complete development lifecycle from concept through anticipated release
Check out our socials to follow the development journey:
Posted designed by Shariah Allen. Stock images provided by Pinterest.

HeartMail

A Valentine's Day themed 2D platformer built to master Unity fundamentals

C# Unity 2D Physics Level Design Game Development

Overview

HeartMail is a 2D Valentine's-themed platformer developed to strengthen my Unity fundamentals. The game challenges players to collect 14 hearts across three levels of increasing difficulty, with time limits that shorten as progression continues. Built as a solo project, it emphasizes level design, sprite creation, and completing gameplay requirements under constraints.

Key Features

HeartMail gameplay screenshot

Racket Mania

A tennis themed 2D platformer focused on fast-paced mechanics and responsive player controls

C# Unity 2D Design Level Design Game Development

Overview

Racket Mania is a 2D tennis-themed platformer focused on fast-paced mechanics and responsive player controls. Implemented collision detection, scoring systems, and enemy interactions in a playful arcade style.

Key Features

  • Designed player sprite + collectable rackets
  • Designed 3 progressive levels with increasing difficulty
  • Implemented timing and scoring system
Racket Mania gameplay screenshot

REDACTED

A psychological cosmic horror experience

C# Unity 3D Design Level Design Game Development

Overview

Racket Mania is a 2D tennis-themed platformer focused on fast-paced mechanics and responsive player controls. Implemented collision detection, scoring systems, and enemy interactions in a playful arcade style.

Key Features

  • Designed player sprite + collectable rackets
  • Designed 3 progressive levels with increasing difficulty
  • Implemented timing and scoring system
HeartMail gameplay screenshot

A Comparative Analysis of macOS and Windows: Assessing Product Evolution, Influence, and Strategies

Exploring how two tech giants shaped modern computing through rivalry and Strategy

Research Technical Writing Data Analysis Collaboration
Apple Logo Gif

Overview

Lead a collaborative research project that examined the historical rivalry between macOS and Window, focusing on their evolution, technological advancements, and market strategies. We evaluated how both Apple and Microsoft's strategic decisions influenced the success and positioning of their operating systems. The study emphasized both technical development and business strategy in shaping the personal computing industry.

Key Features

  • Traced the evolutiuon of macOS and Windows over multiple decades
  • Analyzed technological innovations and design philosophies
  • Presented findings on how rivalry shaped the modern computing market
Microsoft Logo Gif

AI Generated Segmentations in Medicine

Leveraging artificial intelligence to enhance medical imaging and clinical decision-making

AI Research Data Interpretation Presentation Collaboration

Overview

Team-based research project that explored the application of AI for medical image segmentation - the process of labelling anatomical structures in CT and MRI scans. Centering our study around the TotalSegmentator tool, we investigated its ability to automatically segment over 100 body parts. The project analyzed real-world clinical cases, highlighting how AI-driven segmentation improves workflow efficiency and supports critical healthcare decisions.

Key Features

  • Research the use of AI for segmentation in CT/MRI scans
  • Explored TotalSegmentator, capable of labelling 100+ body parts
  • Demonstrated how AI supports workflow efficiency and decision-making
Total Segmentator Example

Krumpin 4 Success Service Learning Project

Building a youth profile management system to support a local non-profit

ASP.NET C# SQL HTML CSS JavaScript Project Management Azure DevOps Microsoft SQL Server

Overview

Partnered with Krumpin 4 Success, a local non-profit dedicated to empowering youth and reducing risk-taking behaviors, to design and develop a comprehensive youth profile management system. The platform was tailored to the organization's unique needs, supporting both administrative and general users in tracking academic progress, managing creative activities, and promoting community engagement. Our team utilized ASP.NET Core, C#, SQL, HTML/CSS, JavaScript, Azure DevOps, Bootstrap, and Microsoft SQL Server, following an Agile methodology to guide development. As the second Project Manager, I led the team through Milestone 2, ensuring progress through spring planning, feature implementation, and stakeholder communication. This collaboration strengthened my experience in software engineering practices while directly contributing to community impact.

Key Features

  • Led team through Milestone 2 as 2nd Project Manager
  • Partnered with a local non-profit to design a comprehensive youth profile management system
  • Developed features for tracking academics, attendance, managing activities, and supporting administrators
  • Applied Agile methodologies for iterative development and team collaboration
  • Led milestone presentations and contributed to security and test case documentation
Anime placeholder gif

JU x CSX Hackathon

Leveraging IoT and AI to improve train safety through real-time blockage detection

Raspberry Pi Python Flask Sensor Integration Teamwork Microsoft PowerPoint

Overview

During a week-long hackathon with CSX, my team developed a prototype system designed to help trains detect track blockages and reduce accident-related fatalities. We integrated an ultrasonic sensor, camera, and LED lights with a Raspberry Pi to collect and process real-time data. Using the Flask framework, we built a user interface to display the sensor outputs, enabling clear visualization for operators. Our project earned 2nd place overall, highlighting both its technical feasibility and practical impact.

Key Features

  • Led team through Milestone 2 as 2nd Project Manager
  • Partnered with a local non-profit to design a comprehensive youth profile management system
  • Developed features for tracking academics, attendance, managing activities, and supporting administrators
  • Applied Agile methodologies for iterative development and team collaboration
  • Led milestone presentations and contributed to security and test case documentation
Hackathon Raspberry Pi

CS 455WI Project Management

Solar Panel Installation Project

Leveraging IoT and AI to improve train safety through real-time blockage detection

Project Management Team Leadership Risk Assessment Gantt Charts Microsoft Excel Microsoft PowerPoint

Overview

During a week-long hackathon with CSX, my team developed a prototype system designed to help trains detect track blockages and reduce accident-related fatalities. We integrated an ultrasonic sensor, camera, and LED lights with a Raspberry Pi to collect and process real-time data. Using the Flask framework, we built a user interface to display the sensor outputs, enabling clear visualization for operators. Our project earned 2nd place overall, highlighting both its technical feasibility and practical impact.

Key Features

  • Led full lifecycle of simulation project
  • Managed risk mitigation strategies and conducted detailed risk assessments
  • USed tools like Gantt charts, solutions architecture diagrams, and progression charts
  • Delivered weekly presentations to stakeholders and achieved an A grade
Solar Panel