Menu

Hi! I'm


Shahera Islam

Technical Writer

Electrical Engineering Graduate from the University of British Columbia, Canada

Ottawa, ON, Canada

Github
LinkedIn
Contact
Resume
Scroll Down

About me

I'm Shahera Islam, a Technical Writer with 3+ years of experience in documenting developer tools, APIs, and user guides for embedded systems. Known for breaking down complex technical concepts into clear, actionable documentation for developer and technical audiences. I'm comfortable in a fast-paced, cross-functional environment and passionate about long-term growth into product strategy roles. Additionally, I enjoy working on personal projects where I explore data science concepts using Python. My time at UBC was recognized with the prestigious Karen McKellin International Leader of Tomorrow Award, highlighting my dedication to academic excellence and community impact. With a strong focus on innovation and success in the ever-evolving tech industry, I bring a unique blend of technical expertise and a data-driven mindset to everything I do.

Technical Skills

Work Experience

October 2024 - May 2025

Blackberry QNX

Ottawa, ON, Canada

Systems Software Developer

  • Investigated and resolved customer-reported issues by debugging system-level behavior using C on the QNX RTOS.
  • Collaborated with senior engineers to escalate and resolve time-sensitive defects related to QNX message passing and device drivers.
  • Participated in structured technical training to build deep expertise in QNX’s microkernel architecture.
  • Gained proficiency in using Momentics IDE, debugging tools, and VMs to simulate customer environments and analyze core dumps.

June 2022 - October 2024

Blackberry QNX

Burnaby, BC, Canada

Technical Writer

  • Created onboarding and developer-facing documentation for embedded systems, including setup guides, toolchain instructions, and integration examples for the QNX RTOS and Momentics IDE.
  • Managed documentation using structured writing tools (XML/DITA, Markdown) and version control systems (SVN), aligning with software development workflows.
  • Gained exposure to authentication workflows, secure deployment practices, and developer tooling validation through close collaboration with engineering, QA, and product management teams.
  • Researched and authored user manuals, API references, developer guides, and system architecture documentation for real-time embedded software products used in automotive and industrial applications.
  • Worked closely with developers and QA to ensure technical accuracy of content based on internal testing feedback and source materials.
  • Participated in usability reviews, feedback analysis, and cross-functional planning to ensure documentation aligned with real-world developer workflows and needs.

September 2021 - May 2022

Blackberry QNX

Burnaby, BC, Canada

Technical Writer Student (Co-operative Placement III)

  • Conducted thorough research from source code, design documents, and standards to produce efficient and accurate documentation.
  • Resolved JIRA issues for assigned sections of the QNX SDP, effectively managing multiple projects.
  • Completed training in C programming, QNX real-time operating systems, and advanced technical writing.

January 2021 -- September 2021

Greenlight Innovation Ltd.

Burnaby, BC, Canada

Software Engineering Co-op (Co-operative Placement II)
  • Developed and configured software packages using SCADA software (Emerald) for fuel cell test stations.
  • Created and optimized graphical interfaces to accurately represent product systems.
  • Ensured reliability by verifying and troubleshooting automated configurations against manual setups.
  • Supported System Integration and Test Department in resolving technical issues and improving processes.
  • Updated and refined software documentation, including procedures and UML drawings, to ensure accuracy and clarity.

May 2020 - August 2020

School of Engineering, UBC

Kelowna, BC, Canada

Machine Learning Research Assistant (Co-operative Placement I)

  • Enhanced a machine learning application to accurately predict disinfection by-products in drinking water.
  • Conducted in-depth research and comparative analysis of algorithms (PLS-DA, K-nearest neighbor, regression, CNN), identifying CNN as the superior model.
  • Boosted model accuracy through innovative data augmentation techniques, significantly improving prediction reliability.
  • Increased model interpretability by visualizing neural network activation layers, providing clearer insights into learned features.

May 2019 - October 2019

Advanced Thermo-fluidic Laboratory, UBC

Kelowna, BC, Canada

Undergraduate Research Assistant

  • Redesigned a portable cell incubator to enhance functionality and reduce weight, incorporating an additional microscopic camera for improved monitoring.
  • Assisted in the development of a graphical user interface (GUI) for a Hydrogen Sulphide gas sensor using Raspberry Pi and Python programming, facilitating precise testing of the device.
  • Utilized laboratory equipment such as vacuum pumps, electron microscopes, and linear actuators for chip fabrication and analysis of experimental results.
  • Obtained certifications in WHMIS, Bio-Safety, Ammonia Hazards, Hydrogen Sulfide, and general laboratory safety, ensuring adherence to safety protocols in all tasks.

Projects

Heart2Go

Innovative Artificial Heart Valve Design

Time
October 2019 - November 2019
Type
Course project at UBC for Biomedical Engineering (ENGR 482)
Technologies and methods:
Engineering design and simulation, 3D AutoCAD, research and development
Project description:
Heart2Go is an advanced artificial heart valve designed to address and mitigate the issues of systolic backflow and turbulence in existing mechanical heart valves. Developed as part of Biomedical Engineering Course at UBC, in a group of 2, this project leverages creative engineering principles to enhance the longevity and efficiency of heart valve replacements, ultimately improving patient outcomes.
Key features:
  • Innovative Leaflet Design: Incorporates two leaflets of varying heights to minimize systolic backflow by ensuring a quicker closure. The right leaflet overlaps the left leaflet, preventing blood from passing through the central orifice gap.
  • Optimized Leaflet Slant: The leaflets are slanted inwards at the top to expedite closure and outwards at the bottom to reduce backflow, ensuring faster contact with the inner surface of the housing chamber.
  • S-Shaped Leaflets: Features curved edges to promote laminar blood flow, thereby reducing turbulence and improving overall efficiency.
  • Simplified Construction: Comprises only three components – two leaflets and a housing chamber – with no screws or sharp edges, enhancing safety and reliability.
  • Cylindrical Housing Chamber: Designed with a slightly wider inlet diameter than the outlet, mirroring the latest mechanical heart valve designs for optimal performance.
Project impact:
Heart2Go presents a novel solution to the challenges faced by existing mechanical heart valves, specifically targeting the reduction of systolic backflow and blood turbulence. This innovative design not only enhances the efficiency and longevity of heart valves but also improves patient safety and quality of life. Heart2Go exemplifies the application of cutting-edge engineering principles and collaborative research to solve real-world medical problems.
View project poster

Ingredient Checker

Analyzing Sephora Products for Allergen Sensitivity

Time:
April 2024 - May 2024
Type:
Personal project
Technologies:
Python(Pandas), Git, Github, Jupyter Notebook
Project Description:
The "Ingredient Checker" project was born out of a personal need to find skincare products safe for eczema-prone skin. Developed using Python and pandas in Jupyter Notebook, this web-based tool allows consumers to analyze beauty and skincare products from Sephora for potential allergens. By providing detailed insights into product ingredients, it helps users make informed decisions based on their unique sensitivities and preferences.
Key features:
  • Product Ingredient Analysis: Analyzes Sephora product data to identify potential allergens.
  • Allergen Identification: Highlights ingredients that may trigger allergic reactions.
  • User Profiles: Allows for personalized allergen detection based on user-specific sensitivities.
  • Search and Filter: Enables users to search for products and filter results based on allergen content.
  • Detailed Information: Provides comprehensive details about each product, including ingredient lists and potential allergens.
Personal Motivation:
As someone with eczema-prone skin, I developed this tool to ensure the skincare products I use do not contain harmful chemicals. This personal challenge motivated me to create a solution that can benefit others with similar sensitivities.
Project impact
The "Ingredient Checker" project enhances consumer safety by providing clear and personalized allergen information, fostering informed decision-making. This project exemplifies strong analytical and technical skills, particularly in data analysis, machine learning, and visualization.
Github link

On-chip Dialysis Machine

Microfluidic Chip for Blood Purification

Time:
Oct 19 - May 20
Type:
Engineering Capstone Project at UBC
Technologies and methods:
COMSOL Multiphysics, SolidWorks, Project management tools
Project description:
In collaboration with Okanyrm Ltd., a biomedical startup at Okanagan, BC, we developed the design of a microfluidic chip for blood purification. Our mission was to create a cost-efficient, compact, high-performance dialysis device to address the pressing challenges posed by the shortage of kidney donors and the limitations of current dialysis methods.
Key features:
  • Piston Pump System: Ensures constant and controlled fluid flow through the chip.
  • Dual Fluid Operation: Handles pure and impure fluids (e.g., blood) simultaneously for parallel processing.
  • Parallel Micro Channels: Facilitates direct molecular transfer for enhanced purification efficiency.
  • Waste Fluid Disposal: Efficiently removes waste fluid, maintaining clean operation.
  • Multi-Stage Purification: Allows impure fluid to undergo additional purification stages as needed.
Key contributions:
  • Design and Simulation: Used COMSOL for simulation and SOLIDWORKS for 3D modeling to design a microfluidic chip that separates urea and toxins from blood.
  • Team Leadership: Led a team of five interdisciplinary students, organizing meetings and ensuring project milestones were met.
  • Stakeholder Collaboration: Acted as the primary liaison between Okanyrm Ltd. and UBC faculty advisors to align project goals and specifications.
  • Performance Optimization: Focused on achieving a consistent flow rate and enhanced fluidic performance through iterative design adjustments.
Project documentation can be provided upon request.

Blackjack Game

Python Command-line Game Development

Time
May 2024
Type
Udemy Course Project
Technologies
Python, Git, Github
Project description:
Developed a command-line Blackjack game as part of a Python programming course. The project provided hands-on experience with game logic, user input handling, and program flow control.
Key features:
  • Card Dealing and Shuffling: Implemented random card dealing and shuffling for a realistic game experience.
  • Player Actions: Allowed players to hit or stand, simulating actual Blackjack gameplay.
  • Score Calculation: Built functions to calculate scores and determine the winner.
  • Game Flow Control: Managed the game loop and player turns effectively.
Contribution
  • Guided Development: Followed course hints and solutions to complete the project, reinforcing my understanding of Python programming concepts.
  • Learned Best Practices: Gained insights into best practices for structuring Python code and handling user inputs in a game setting.
Github Link

Real-estate Price Prediction Model

Machine Learning Implementation for Price Prediction

Time:
November 2020 - December 2020
Type:
UBC Machine Learning Course Project
Technologies:
Python, Scikit-learn, Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Seaborn, Jupyter Notebook
Project description:
In a group of 3, developed a machine learning model to predict real estate prices using historical data. This project aimed to apply regression techniques to forecast housing prices based on various features such as location, size, and amenities. The model was trained on a comprehensive dataset and evaluated for its accuracy and performance.
Key features:
  • Data Preprocessing: Cleaned and processed raw data, handling missing values, and performing feature scaling to prepare the dataset for model training.
  • Exploratory Data Analysis (EDA): Conducted thorough EDA using visualizations to understand the relationships between different features and the target variable.
  • Feature Engineering: Created new features and selected the most relevant ones to improve model performance.
  • Model Development: Implemented various regression models including Linear Regression, Ridge Regression, and Random Forest Regressor.
  • Model Evaluation: Assessed model performance using metrics such as Mean Absolute Error (MAE), Mean Squared Error (MSE), and R-squared.
  • Hyperparameter Tuning: Fine-tuned model parameters to optimize performance and prevent overfitting.
  • Visualization: Created plots to visualize model predictions and the impact of different features on housing prices.
Contribution
  • Enhanced Model Accuracy: Improved the model’s predictive accuracy through careful feature selection and hyperparameter tuning.
  • Robust Data Processing: Developed a robust data preprocessing pipeline to ensure high-quality input data for model training.
  • Comprehensive Documentation: Documented the entire workflow, from data preprocessing to model evaluation, facilitating ease of understanding and reproducibility.
  • Collaboration: Effectively collaborated with team members using GitHub for version control, ensuring smooth integration of contributions and maintaining project progression.
Github Link

Tic-Tac-Toe

Python Command-line Game Development

Time:
April 2024 - May 2024
Type:
Course Project
Technologies and Libraries:
Python, Git, GitHub
Project Description:
This Tic-Tac-Toe game project, initially designed for player-vs-player gameplay, was adapted to include a player-vs-computer mode. Completed as part of a Udemy course on Python command-line game development, the project showcases practical skills in Python programming and game development.
Key Features:
  • Player-vs-Player and Player-vs-Computer Modes: Allows for interactive gameplay options.
  • Intelligent AI: Developed an AI algorithm for the computer opponent to provide a challenging experience.
  • Realistic Gameplay: Enhanced user experience with time delays for immersive decision-making.
  • Win Detection: Accurately detects winning moves and draw scenarios.
Project improvements:
  • Added Player-vs-Computer Mode: Expanded the project to include a challenging AI opponent.
  • Implemented Time Delays: Introduced time delays for a more immersive gameplay experience.
  • Enhanced User Experience: Improved overall gameplay mechanics and strategic elements.
Github link

Non-Techincal Experience

October 2019 - May 2019

Program Coordinator

Intercultural Development Program, Global Engagement Office, UBC Okanagan
  • Developed and facilitated workshops on intercultural fluency at UBC Okanagan to enhance intercultural competence and interpersonal skills.
  • Managed program communications and implemented project management plans to ensure smooth execution.
  • Collaborated with teams and worked independently to design workshops focused on achieving student learning outcomes and meeting key project deliverables.
  • Ensured all workshops were aligned with desired student learning outcomes, enhancing overall program effectiveness.

October 2018 - April 2020

Engineering Student Ambassador

School of Engineering, UBC Okanagan
  • Acted as a representative for the School of Engineering in internal and external outreach initiatives aimed at prospective undergraduate and middle school students.
  • Organized and hosted engineering-focused events to facilitate communication and offer support to students, including holiday celebrations and board game nights.

December 2017 and December 2018

Coordinator

Winter Programs, Global Engagement Office, UBC Okanagan
  • Organized and executed events for students during the winter breaks in both 2017 and 2018, facilitating engagement and enrichment opportunities.
  • Collaborated with internal and external stakeholders, utilizing verbal and written communication to implement program initiatives effectively.
  • Assisted in the creation of timelines to ensure the timely execution of programs, optimizing resources and maximizing impact.

September 2018 - April 2019

President

Harmony, UBC Okanagan
  • Spearheaded a cross-organizational initiative to host a year-end celebratory gala, showcasing cultural diversity and fostering intercultural communication.
  • Established the gala as an annual tradition, securing sponsorships exceeding 12,000 CAD and attracting over 500 attendees from across Kelowna.
  • Formed a cross-organizational club, bringing together 13 student clubs at UBC, providing a platform for students to express their ethnicities through art, music, and various creative mediums.
  • Functioned as the president of the club, overseeing project timelines, deliverables, and delegating responsibilities among team leads.
  • Successfully communicated with sponsors and stakeholders to ensure the success of the gala and other club initiatives.
  • More information on Harmony UBCO can be found here.

September 2018 and September 2019

Senior Orientation Leader

JumpStart, UBC Okanagan
  • Actively supervised and supported a team of five orientation leaders, ensuring smooth execution of activities for 40 freshmen during orientation week.
  • Provided guidance and assistance to freshmen, ensuring their well-being and facilitating their transition to university life.
  • Oversaw logistics, including meal arrangements, transportation, and safety measures, to ensure a seamless experience for participants throughout the week.

Ask me about:

Cooking
My passion for cooking and hosting
Starwars
Which Star Wars movie is the best
Reading
Which books I'm currently reading
acting
My short but exciting career as a child actress
Hp
Which Hogwarts house I belong to
Bollywood
My top 5 movies of all time