Sara Asal
Ajman
Summary
A versatile and passionate Computer Engineer with 15+ years of experience in education, research, data science, web design, and consultancy on a quest for discovery. Proficient in IoT technologies development and trends and in possession of an MSc. in Computer Engineering and BSc. in Computer Science from the American University of Sharjah (AUS). Entrepreneur and Freelancer with an avid interest in healthcare, community, Al, and robotics.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Co-Founder, CTO, and CEO
Ya-Gari
01.2024 - Current
- Developed and scaled MENA's first guided home ownership platform, integrating advanced technology to simplify real estate transactions and governmental processes, enhancing accessibility for expats.
- Secured $2M in equity-free funding through a leading accelerator program, enabling platform growth and expansion without diluting ownership.
- Enhanced user engagement by conducting in-depth market research, developing multilingual capabilities, and curating retail merchandise strategies to boost adoption and cross-sell opportunities.
- Led innovation efforts by implementing advanced Large Language Models (LLMs) and 24/7 AI/VR/Web systems to streamline operations, support smart cities, and improve user experiences in hospitals and clinics.
Co-founder, CTO and CEO
Shawerna Web-Design
01.2021 - 01.2024
- Founded and scaled a digital twin technology company for healthcare, achieving a 30% market share increase within a year by improving patient outcomes and operational efficiency.
- Optimized financial management, including cap tables, balance sheets, and CRM integration, resulting in an 80% improvement in funding processes and streamlined investor relations through advanced data rooms.
- Achieved notable recognition by leading clients to win second and third prizes at the KSA Hackathon in collaboration with the Saudi Healthcare Authority, and securing visibility through Dragon’s Den, Hackernoon, and GITEX North Star.
- Drove international expansion by tailoring strategies and agreements to local market trends in the EU and USA, while supporting medical research at universities and securing copyrights, trademarks, and mentoring partnerships.
CDI/CS/DT Teacher
Ministry of Education
01.2019 - 01.2020
- Collaborated with over 20 educators across multiple government schools, adapting to diverse educational settings, including assignments for Elite and special needs students.
- Ranked top in the Ministry of Education (MOE) intensive training program (TTP) on pedagogy and curriculum development for multiple subjects.
- Designed and executed comprehensive lesson plans incorporating STEM curriculum and methodologies, VAK (Visual, Auditory, Kinesthetic) strategies, and differentiated instruction to meet diverse learning styles, abilities, emergencies, and to ensure inclusion.
- Enhanced student engagement for over 6 levels by creating quizzes, tracking performance on Learning Management Systems (LMS), and streamlining classroom management with digital attendance tools.
Academic Researcher
University of Sharjah (UOS)
01.2018 - 01.2020
- Proposed and evaluated research topics for meta-analyses, ensuring feasibility and alignment with study objectives using the PRISM model for systematic reviews.
- Conducted statistical analyses and created detailed data visualizations, including graphs and spreadsheets, to enhance the clarity and impact of research findings.
- Prepared research materials for publication, ensuring compliance with journal standards, ethical protocols, and submission guidelines while coordinating with publishing agencies and foundations.
- Managed project budgets and timelines, optimizing resource allocation and demonstrating strong communication and multitasking skills to support research success.
Information Technology Manager
G-Ventures
01.2018 - 01.2019
- Provided detailed reports to CEO and region head regarding project changes, and requirement specifications, facilitating strategic decision-making
- Reviewed tenders project risks and provided detailed reports and recommendations for mitigation and assessing business cost analytics, VAT, and insurance claim dashboards
- Worked closely with clients, management, and developers to implement consistent dashboards for compatibility and optimal user experience
- Coordinated with insurers and banks for accurate calculation of premiums with seamless web service integrations
- Spearheaded the development of technological platforms and databases to support business operations, requirements, testing, and service delivery
Vice President
Graduate Students Association - AUS
01.2017 - 12.2017
- Assisted in overseeing the day-to-day operations of the Graduate Students Association, supporting the president in strategic planning and decision-making
- Addressed any operational and event issues and facilitated effective communication within the association with documentation and feedback from attendees
Computer Programmer
Directorate of Public Works
01.2010 - 12.2017
- Achieved significant cost savings and improved service levels across Sharjah over seven years while pursuing an MSc degree, earning multiple awards for excellence and contributions to payment and registration systems.
- Developed award-winning solutions, including winning the E-Gov competition for best mobile app, showcasing expertise in application development and user experience design.
- Enhanced IT infrastructure by integrating external payment gateways, ARC-GIS system services, and managing server administration, databases (DBA), networking, and Group Policy Objects (GPOs).
- Streamlined operations through the design and implementation of company registration and project payment systems, including CRM development, while managing budgeting, tenders, and securing ISO accreditation with ITIL and PMP certifications.
- Supported on multiple committees including the payments and tenders, national events, and archiving committee for the SHJ Govt
PhD Research Assistant
American University of Sharjah (AUS)
01.2007 - 12.2017
- Developed software to model Astronomy Star Graphs, following a waterfall model for structured software development with requirements gathering
- Implemented complex astronomy calculations in code to accurately represent star trajectories and the chemical processes involved in their disappearance
- Processed data relevant to physics and mathematics with an SQL DB as well as setting algebraic and matrix vectors
- Visualized results to illustrate star movements and the associated chemical dissipation, collaborating with the research team and reporting progress to the professor
Library IT Assistant
American University of Sharjah
01.2007 - 12.2017
- Maintained library organization by shelving books according to established standards, ensuring proper accessibility and ease of use for patrons.
- Managed library systems to track book orders, replacements, protection, borrows, and returns, supporting efficient inventory control.
- Assisted visitors including students and teachers, with search requests and locating materials, providing excellent customer service.
- Ensured reliability by accurately reporting time sheets, logging attendance, and consistently demonstrating punctuality and dedication to assigned tasks.
Co-Founder
Graduate Students Association - AUS
01.2007 - 12.2017
- Contributed to the establishment and approval process for the Graduate Students Association, ensuring compliance with university regulations and successful incorporation
- Organized and set up student activities to foster engagement and build community within the association
- Collaborated on budget planning and expenditure management, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with association goals
Public Relations Officer
Graduate Students Association - AUS
01.2007 - 12.2017
- Promoted the Graduate Students Association through various media and communication channels, enhancing its visibility and engagement with the community
- Curated graphic design and content for student events and correspondence on e-mail and social media
- Worked on the Al Thiqa Club visits to support individuals with determination, organizing arts, sports, and networking events for inclusion and support
- Managed public relations efforts related to the association's activities, for outreach and representation
Information Technology Intern
Crescent Petroleum
01.2008 - 12.2009
- Supported the sourcing of over 20 CRM vendors, collaborated with the helpdesk team, and became proficient in troubleshooting CRM issues, reporting to management, and tenders.
- Designing Dashboard layouts to match archive needs and filing system structures for over 5,000 records and folder with customizable access rights
Data Entry Operator
Dubai Islamic Bank
01.2005 - 12.2005
- Migrated customer accounts and financial data into paperless database systems with preserved accuracy, efficiency, integrity, and confidentiality
- Identified discrepancies in data and reported them promptly, contributing to data accuracy and reliability
Education
Career Tracks - Data Scientist, Data Analyst. & Business Analyst
365 | Online
Remote, USA12.2021
Data Scientist, Data Analyst. & Business Analyst - Dara Science Specialization
Jhons Hopkins University
Coursera, USA01.2021
Master of Science - Computer Engineering
American University of Sharjah
Sharjah, UAE01.2017
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science and Minor in the English Language
American University of Sharjah
Sharjah, UAE01.2009
Skills
- Programming Languages & Frameworks: Core Programming: C C C# NET VBA
Web Development: HTML Jscript JQuery Java PHP JSON XML
APIs: REST SOAP
Data Analysis: PYTHON R Open CV
Data Frameworks: NumPy Pandas
Database Management: SQL NOSQL Couch DB MongoDB
Data Visualization Tools: Power BI Tableau
Technology & Devices : Raspberry Pi Arduino IoT VR QUEST AR 3D-PRINT
Emerging Tech & Innovation : AI WEB 2 WEB 3 NFT
Software & Tools : Fusion 360 AutoCAD MS Visio Photoshop MS Excel
Certifications & Standards : ISO ITIL CISCO
Platforms & Systems : GIS IOS ANDROID
Goals & Values : UN GOALS DIGITAL CONNECT LEARN BE SAFE RECOMMEND VALIDATE PERSEVERE
Languages
English
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
Arabic
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
French
Advanced (C1)
Japanese
Intermediate (B1)
Urdu
Intermediate (B1)
Associations
- World Metaverse Council, 2023 (Membership)
- Female Fusion Network, 2022 (Membership and Entrepreneurship)
- Women in Tech, 2022 (Membership)
- Raise Awareness of Coaching in Education, 2021 (Chief Technology Officer)
- Mighty Networks, 2022 (Membership)
- Graduate Student Association - American University of Sharjah, 2017 (Co-Founder, Vice President, Public Relations Officer)
- Open UAE, 2014-2017 (Membership)
- Friends of Cancer Patients, 2009 - Now (Membership)
Publications
- Neurofeedback interventions for Speech & Language impairment: A systematic review, 2019
- Khaleej Times Comic | March for Endometriosis, 2019
- Evaluating classroom activities using low-cost sensors and IoT technologies, 2016
Internships
Information Technology Intern, Crescent Petroleum
Sharjah, UAE
January 2008 - December 2009
- Supported the sourcing of CRM vendors, collaborated with the helpdesk team, and became proficient in troubleshooting CRM issues, reporting to management, and tenders.
- Designed Dashboard layouts to match archive needs and filing system structures with customizable access rights
Certification
- CCNA
- CCNP
- PMP
- ITIL
- IELTS (8)
- WES EQUIVALENCY
Timeline
Co-Founder, CTO, and CEO
Ya-Gari
01.2024 - Current
Co-founder, CTO and CEO
Shawerna Web-Design
01.2021 - 01.2024
CDI/CS/DT Teacher
Ministry of Education
01.2019 - 01.2020
Academic Researcher
University of Sharjah (UOS)
01.2018 - 01.2020
Information Technology Manager
G-Ventures
01.2018 - 01.2019
Vice President
Graduate Students Association - AUS
01.2017 - 12.2017
Computer Programmer
Directorate of Public Works
01.2010 - 12.2017
Information Technology Intern
Crescent Petroleum
01.2008 - 12.2009
PhD Research Assistant
American University of Sharjah (AUS)
01.2007 - 12.2017
Library IT Assistant
American University of Sharjah
01.2007 - 12.2017
Co-Founder
Graduate Students Association - AUS
01.2007 - 12.2017
Public Relations Officer
Graduate Students Association - AUS
01.2007 - 12.2017
Data Entry Operator
Dubai Islamic Bank
01.2005 - 12.2005
- CCNA
- CCNP
- PMP
- ITIL
- IELTS (8)
- WES EQUIVALENCY
Career Tracks - Data Scientist, Data Analyst. & Business Analyst
365 | Online
Data Scientist, Data Analyst. & Business Analyst - Dara Science Specialization
Jhons Hopkins University
Master of Science - Computer Engineering
American University of Sharjah
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science and Minor in the English Language
American University of Sharjah
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