Skip to main content
Full-Stack Software Engineer & UX Practitioner

Hi, I'm Carl Yao Agbenyega

Full-stack software engineer and UX practitioner with end-to-end experience designing, developing, and shipping web applications, REST APIs, and data-rich interfaces. I blend frontend engineering with backend development, SQL data modeling, and human-centered design.

View My Work Download Resume
4+
Years Experience
3
Organizations
MS
Information Systems
Professional headshot of Carl Yao Agbenyega

Work Experience

My professional journey building software and creating digital experiences

Software Developer

Merit Network

Ann Arbor, Michigan

  • Build and maintain web applications and internal tools that support networking, security, and community services for higher-ed and public-sector partners
  • Implement features across React front-ends and Python/Django back-ends; design REST endpoints, optimize queries, and improve reliability with tests and documentation
  • Integrate with external services and data sources via APIs; contribute to modernizing legacy utilities and improving operational workflows
  • Partner with internal customers to gather requirements, iterate on UI/UX prototypes, and deliver accessible, maintainable solutions

Application Programmer

Institute for Research on Innovation & Science (IRIS) — University of Michigan

Ann Arbor, Michigan

  • Delivered interactive research reports and data visualizations using React/Redux and D3.js, translating complex datasets into intuitive, accessible interfaces for researchers
  • Designed and implemented RESTful APIs with C#/.NET Core, enabling secure, performant data delivery to front-end clients and member portals
  • Authored and organized codebase and database documentation, improving onboarding speed and cross-team knowledge sharing
  • Collaborated with the Lead Developer and research staff to scope features, balance priorities, and ship high-quality releases

Applications Developer Intern

United Shore (United Wholesale Mortgage)

Pontiac, Michigan

  • Refactored and extended internal reporting applications using C# .NET (MVC); participated in code reviews and unit-test coverage for reliability
  • Led UX refresh of a leadership reporting tool using Adobe XD prototypes; delivered front-end changes aligned with stakeholder feedback

Graduate Assistant — Web Development & Media

University of New Mexico — Africana Studies Program

Albuquerque, New Mexico

  • Administered and built front-end enhancements for the program website within the university CMS, using JavaScript, HTML, and modern CSS to improve accessibility, responsiveness, and content authoring workflows
  • Implemented lightweight interactive components (tabs, accordions, media galleries) and streamlined content templates for faculty and staff, reducing publishing friction
  • Produced digital media (graphics/video), optimized assets for the web, and established simple governance for content updates and versioning

Design Making Coordinator — Ashesi Design Lab (D-Lab)

Ashesi University

Berekuso, Ghana

  • Led UX research and design consulting projects for startups and tech organizations (e.g., FundraisingAfrica), conducting contextual inquiries, journey mapping, and moderated usability testing with real users
  • Translated findings into actionable design requirements, low-/high-fidelity prototypes, and design systems; partnered with client engineers to implement UI patterns and accessibility fixes
  • Facilitated stakeholder workshops to align business goals with user needs; created service blueprints and KPI-aligned dashboards to track adoption and feature usability
  • Outcomes included clearer information architecture, reduced onboarding friction, more discoverable calls-to-action, and increased feature utilization following iterative releases

Faculty Intern — Computer Science

Ashesi University

Berekuso, Ghana

  • Co-taught Computer Programming for Engineering (Python) and Advanced Database Systems; ran programming labs emphasizing algorithmic thinking, data structures, and relational data design
  • Mentored student capstones on web application architecture and data modeling; evaluated code quality and documentation practices

Education

Academic background and relevant coursework

MS. Information Systems and Assurance

The University of New Mexico

Albuquerque, New Mexico

Dec 2020

Relevant Courses:

  • Data Mining
  • Data Analytics
  • Advanced Database Management
  • Linux Scripting & Automation

BSc. Management Information Systems

Ashesi University

Berekuso, Eastern Region, Ghana

June 2015

Relevant Courses:

  • Data Structures & Algorithms
  • Web Development
  • Software Engineering
  • E-commerce

Skills & Expertise

Technologies and tools I work with to build amazing products

Frontend Development

  • React
  • Redux
  • TypeScript
  • JavaScript (ES2023)
  • D3.js
  • HTML5
  • CSS3
  • Responsive Design
  • WCAG Accessibility

Backend & APIs

  • Python
  • Django/DRF
  • C#
  • .NET Core
  • REST API Design
  • Authentication
  • JSON/CSV Pipelines

Data & Databases

  • SQL
  • PostgreSQL
  • MySQL
  • Oracle
  • Schema Design
  • Query Optimization
  • Data Visualization

Dev Practices & Tools

  • Git/GitHub
  • Docker
  • CI/CD
  • Agile/Iterative Delivery
  • Code Reviews
  • Documentation
  • Testing

Design & Research

  • Figma
  • Adobe XD
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Information Architecture
  • Prototyping
  • Usability Testing
  • Design Systems