Aidan Whitedeer

Boulder && Philly

About Me:

I'm a student passionate about learning about Native American linguistic & knowledge systems, AI, and ML. Interested in language preservation, AI/ML, indigenous empowerment, and open to anything tech/science-y related - feel free to reach out!

Education

(In-Progress) B.S.E. in AI @ Penn

Non-Degree Seeking @ CU

Labs

Kashaya Language Lab, UPenn Linguistics Department / Programmer & Research Compiler

Tech

Microsoft / Incoming SWE + PM Intern

NIJE / Founder & CEO

Pinterest / Engage Scholar Fellow

Jane Street / Unboxed Program Fellow

ROBLOX / Independent Game Developer & UI Designer

Extracurricular

President @ UPenn AISES

Executive Board @ ColorStack UPenn

Ambassador @ Penn USABE

Analyst @ Global Research & Consulting Group, Wharton Chapter

Recent Projects

• Gain Weight Simulator (Discontinued, Never Deployed): Engineered user-saving cloud storage with SQL in Roblox Studio, scripted Lua-based mechanics for dynamic gameplay (e.g., player growth systems), and integrated Roblox APIs to enable an in-game catalog, persistent user data, and UI/UX elements
• THRIVYE: Developed a prototype air quality monitoring system using Python and Raspberry Pi to track VOC particle levels, implemented an LED-based alert system that changes colors based on air quality index parameters, and designed for scalability with plans to integrate additional sensors and an LCD display for enhanced data visualization and compact usability.
• RWPN Chatbot: Developed the Reservation Water Policy Navigator (RWPN) Chatbot using Copilot Studio to connect users with legal databases, simplify complex legal language, and provide accessible water management information for tribal governments and citizens. Designed with simple programming logic to address critical reservation water issues, including access, sanitation, and safety, ensuring easier navigation of legal policies and resources.

Honors/Awards

2nd Place, AISES-Chevron 2024 National Hackathon

3rd Place, AISES-Chevron 2023 National Hackathon

Native Leadership Award, University of Southern California

A. James Clark Scholar, University of Pennsylvania

Skills

Proficient: Java, Lua, OCaml, Git, IntelliJ, Roblox Studio

Familiar: C++, SQL, HTML, CSS, JS, Figma, VSCode, Replit

Contact Me

a1dan [at] upenn [dot] edu