Many students entering the software industry are unprepared for the newest expectations of entry-level roles, where understanding security and efficient operations are the bare-minimum at every phase of the software development lifecycle. The “Open-DevSecOps” project addresses this significant gap in education concerning DevSecOps and CI/CD principles. Our extensively researched online modules aim to offer a free educational service to enhance the understanding and application of these crucial skills. This project strives to provide essential up-to-date training, and shape the security industry’s future for the better starting with every new-grad employee.

Migraines impact over 37 million Americans, yet effective self-management tools remain out of reach. Research shows that people who consistently track and analyze their migraines are more likely to lower the frequency and intensity of attacks. Current tools, however, are often too time-consuming, unintuitive, or paywall core features. PainPal addresses these issues with a streamlined, user-friendly mobile app. Our quick log feature enables easy tracking, and users receive personalized insights on likely triggers. PainPal makes self-management more accessible and effective for people with migraines by prioritizing ease of use and free access to key features.

Developing good financial habits in college is essential because the way students manage money during these years often shapes their long-term financial behavior, but many college students often struggle to manage their finances due to limited budgeting tools and a lack of financial literacy. To address this challenge, our project, Pixiu, delivers a user-friendly, gamified app that integrates expense tracking, customizable budget planning, financial analysis with interactive charts, and a reward system to motivate saving.

In current online gaming communities such as Reddit and Discord, gamers face issues related to information overload, rampant toxicity, and an inability to preserve their gaming experiences in a consolidated manner. Quest fuses game journaling and organization with social media, addressing these issues by giving marginalized gamers a space to track, reflect on, and share their gaming experiences within trusted communities. Combining game exploration, community engagement, and a three-tier privacy system, Quest creates a safe, dynamic space that goes beyond what existing media logging platforms provide – allowing players to connect with friends, preserve gaming memories, and celebrate journeys.

Abstract: RaiseYourYAR is a standardized, automated tool built to streamline faculty workload reporting for the Department of Urban Design & Planning at UW. It replaces manual data entry and collection with a centralized system that gathers, organizes, and visualizes faculty activity data. By eliminating manual work and repetitive tasks, YAR saves time for faculty while equipping department chairs with actionable insights for strategic planning and decision-making. The outcome is a scalable, long-lasting solution that improves operational efficiency and supports data-driven leadership.

The Point-in-Time (PIT) Count is a count of sheltered and unsheltered people experiencing homelessness in a location on a single night. Surveys are often used by governments and research organizations to understand the needs of unhoused populations and are critical for the PIT count. However, current existing versions of the PIT count are labor-intensive and often undercount populations in inaccessible locations. In 2023, our sponsors developed a new data collection method for the count that utilizes Respondent Driven Sampling, leveraging unhoused individuals’ social networks to collect data and estimate population size/demographics. The deliverable of this capstone project is a customizable, open-source, and easy-to-use survey app that meets the needs of all stakeholders of the PIT Count. Our implementation enables scanning referral QR codes, generating and completing new surveys, and printing linked referral codes using tablets and portable printers.

Re-mind is a VR experience designed especially for older adults and anyone concerned about memory loss or Alzheimer’s. Set in a tranquil, nature-inspired environment, the space offers gentle interactions, like personalized photo frames, memory games, and interactive objects that support cognitive function and spark emotional connection. Through our research, we have explored the potential benefits of using virtual reality to support older adults as they employ strategies to take care of their cognitive health and emotional well-being. Using Unity and Blender, we created various objects and a platform for people to enjoy and exercise their mental faculties. We aim to create a virtual reality space where everyone will be able to reconnect with their memories and truly relax.

According to Gallup Inc, only one-third of employees feel recognized for their work. Recognize is a commercial platform that enables peer-to-peer recognition, but managers have struggled to turn its raw data into meaningful insights. To address this, we worked with Recognize to build an AI-powered dashboard, consisting of various summaries and visualizations, that transforms recognition data into actionable insights. This helps managers better understand how their teams contribute and how recognitions are distributed, ultimately supporting a more appreciative and informed workplace.

ResolveIQ is a custom-built generative AI Copilot for Microsoft’s internal IT support teams, designed to streamline ticket resolution by automating knowledge retrieval and response generation. Support agents currently spend significant time manually navigating complex wikis to create replies. Our solution integrates Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG), a feedback loop for continuous learning, and a minimal, agent-centric interface to reduce resolution times while maintaining human oversight. By combining a local LLM-powered backend with a dynamic and personalizable frontend, ResolveIQ enhances agent productivity, accuracy, and trust. The project delivers a scalable, secure, and future-proof system that evolves with usage and improves customer support efficiency.

Students in finance and accounting are expected to understand SEC filings, which provide detailed financial information about publicly traded companies. These documents are long, jargon-heavy, and difficult to navigate, making it difficult for students to work with them effectively. Students need a tool that answers their questions while teaching them to find the answers themselves. Our tool, S&PGPT, is an AI-powered chatbot that supports learning by guiding users through SEC filings, defining jargon, and helping them find relevant information. This tool will expand access to financial literacy across classrooms and disciplines.