Shoon Lai Paing

B.S. in Computer Science and Engineering · Cambridge, MA · GPA: 5.0 / 5.0

GPA: 5.0 / 5.0

Coursework: Discrete Mathematics, Fundamentals of Programming, Multivariable Calculus

Durham, NC · GPA: 4.0 / 4.0

GPA: 4.0 / 4.0

Coursework: Java Programming, Data Structures and Algorithms, Linear Algebra

Built for The Mindful Haven club at Durham Tech

• Swift
• UIKit

• Designed and built an iOS app for flexible, self-paced meditation through daily guided practices and reminders.
• Developed age-appropriate meditation approaches with integrated timers for both beginners and experienced users.
• Added daily reminders that build consistency through a seven-day challenge while supporting continued use beyond it.
• Extended mindfulness resources beyond club members, to students unable to attend meetings and the broader community outside school.

Course project

• Python

• Built a Minesweeper game supporting two-dimensional and generalized N-dimensional boards, with recursive cell reveals, neighboring-mine counts, and win/loss detection.

Course project

• Python

• Developed movement, object-pushing, and victory-checking logic for a grid-based puzzle game.
• Implemented breadth-first search over hashable game states to find the shortest move sequence to a solution.

Personal project

• Python

• Developed a playable farming game while learning Python, implementing its core gameplay features.

Non-profit educational organization · Myanmar · chatethehook.com

Content Writer

• Write articles on international education and scholarships, and create content for organizational announcements.
• Research scholarship opportunities worldwide for Myanmar students seeking to study abroad.
• Collaborate with the Technology team to publish articles and accessible educational resources online.

Transfer Advisor

• Guide prospective transfer students through the college application process.
• Review and proofread application essays for clarity, organization, and grammar.

Meditation club · Durham Tech

Founder & President

• Chartered and led a meditation club focused on mindfulness, stress relief, and community well-being.
• Organized and ran general meetings and guided meditation sessions.
• Planned and led outdoor activities, including art museum visits and walking meditation in parks.
• Facilitated inclusive discussions to foster a supportive community.
• Developed the club's iOS meditation app to make self-guided sessions available beyond meetings.

Treasurer & Student Ambassador

• Prepared and presented monthly reports on budgets, expenditures, and financial status.
• Managed budget requests from student clubs and tracked expenditures for campus-wide events.
• Attended and helped organize General Assembly and Executive Board meetings.
• Advocated for student needs and interests in administrative discussions.
• Helped plan and run campus events and activities, including campus tours.
• Led a Scholarship & Financial Aid Information Session with the Durham Tech Foundation and Financial Aid Office.

• All distinctions; 1st in Maubin and 4th in Ayeyarwady Region.

• Regional 1st place (2018–2019) and 3rd place (2019–2020).