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About Me

Hi! I'm Toula Elwell — a May 2025 Software Engineering graduate from RIT with a passion for blending creativity and technology. During my five years at Rochester Institute of Technology, I earned my bachelor’s in Software Engineering, completed a minor in Web Development, and explored an immersion in Psychology to better understand user-centered design.

💡What drives me? I'm inspired by the challenge of transforming ideas into engaging digital experiences. From wireframes and mood boards to pixel-perfect layouts, I love designing and crafting websites that are not only functional but also visually striking and intuitive to use.

Back in 8th grade, I indulged in creating my own secret written languages. I quickly discovered that coding and designing shared the same sense of mystery and excitement, making it an incredibly fun endeavor.

What am I seeking now? Entry-level opportunities in Front-End Web Development/Design or Software Engineering! I am fueled by the joy of coding and bringing websites to life. If you are searching for someone who thrives in turning ideas into visually stunning and functional websites, then we are a perfect match.

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Figma UI/UX Designs

My Projects

Portfolio Website

Saunders Labs Website

SCISS Website

Bear Finder Website

My Boutique Website

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Portfolio Website

Welcome to my personal portfolio website! This project holds a special place as it not only showcases my skills and accomplishments but also serves as a testament to my passion for web development.

Technologies Used:


  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript

Tools Used:


  • Figma - View Figma Design
  • VS Code
  • Github
  • Photoshop (for editing, recoloring, combining, and refining AI-assisted graphics)
  • AI Prompting (ChatGPT, for initial design ideas such as graphics [flowers and carousel arrows], and as an advanced google and debugging resource when troubleshooting CSS)
  • Coolors
  • HTML Validator Extension

Key Features:


  • Interactive and user-friendly design.
  • Responsive layout for seamless viewing across devices.
  • Integration of skills and experiences to provide a holistic perspective.
  • Smooth navigation and intuitive UI.

Insights:


Throughout the process of building this website, I deepened my understanding of front-end web technologies. By teaching myself HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, I was able to craft this platform to reflect both my personality and professional capabilities.

This portfolio not only showcases my projects but also highlights my relentless pursuit of knowledge and passion for coding. As a Software Engineering graduate from RIT (May 2025) and aspiring Web Developer, I strive to push the boundaries of my abilities while creating visually appealing, functional, and meaningful web experiences.

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Saunders Labs Website

This project is a redesign of the Saunders Labs website from the Saunders College of Business at RIT. The original website lacked mobile responsiveness, so I took the initiative to redesign it using RIT's colors, typography, and logo in Figma, ensuring a seamless experience across all devices. This project also marks my second solo website design endeavor.

Technologies Used:


  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • PHP
  • CodeIgniter
  • Bootstrap

Tools Used:


Key Features:


  • Mobile-responsive design with RIT's branding.
  • Enhanced user experience through intuitive navigation.
  • Improved accessibility for all users.
  • Efficient codebase using modern web development practices.

Insights:


Redesigning the Saunders Labs website provided me with valuable experience in implementing responsive design principles and utilizing design tools like Figma. Throughout this project, I've further honed my front-end development skills and gained insights into creating accessible and visually appealing web experiences.

This website not only demonstrates my design and development capabilities but also reflects my dedication to continuous learning and improvement. As a Software Engineering graduate from RIT (May 2025) and aspiring Web Developer, I'm committed to pushing the boundaries of web development to create impactful and engaging digital solutions.

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SCISS Website

This project involved redesigning and coding all 16 pages of Springfield Commonwealth Academy's summer school website in just 3 weeks. As an individual work project, I took on the complete responsibility of transforming the existing website into a modern, responsive, and user-friendly platform.

Technologies Used:


  • HTML
  • CSS
  • React
  • JavaScript
  • PHP

Tools Used:


  • GitHub
  • PhpMyAdmin
  • Cursor AI
  • Hostinger

Key Features:


  • Complete redesign of all 16 pages for improved user experience.
  • Modern, responsive design that works seamlessly across all devices.
  • Efficient codebase using React for dynamic content rendering.
  • PHP integration for backend functionality and database management.
  • Professional deployment using Hostinger hosting platform.

Project Scope:


This project showcased my ability to work independently and deliver a complete website redesign within a tight 3-week deadline. I handled everything from initial design concepts to final deployment, demonstrating strong project management and technical execution skills.

The website now provides Springfield Commonwealth Academy with a modern, professional online presence that effectively communicates their summer school programs and information to prospective students and families.

Insights:


This project was an excellent opportunity to apply my full-stack development skills in a real-world setting. Working with React, PHP, and modern web technologies allowed me to create a robust and scalable solution. The experience reinforced my passion for creating meaningful digital experiences that serve educational institutions and their communities.

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Teddy Bear Finder Website

Currently in the design and planning phase, the Teddy Bear Finder Website is a personal project aimed at helping users find and recover lost teddy bears. This heartwarming initiative combines my passion for web development with a meaningful cause that brings joy to families and children.

The inspiration for this project came from a deeply personal experience - I lost my beloved teddy bear that I had cherished for 22 years of my life. While searching for a replacement, I discovered that only Google image search was available, which didn't yield any helpful results. This gap in the market inspired me to create a dedicated platform where people can help each other find their lost stuffed animals.

Technologies Planned:


  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript

Tools Used:


  • Figma - Currently designing UI/UX mockups
  • Webflow - Planned for initial implementation

Key Features (Planned):


  • User-friendly interface for reporting lost teddy bears.
  • Search functionality to help locate found teddy bears.
  • Photo upload system for identification purposes.
  • Community-driven platform connecting people who have lost and found teddy bears.
  • Responsive design optimized for mobile and desktop use.

Project Progress:


Currently in the Figma design phase, I am focusing on creating intuitive user interfaces and user experience flows. The design process involves mapping out user journeys for both people who have lost teddy bears and those who have found them.

After completing the Figma designs, I plan to implement the site using Webflow as a starting point, with custom HTML, CSS, and JavaScript for advanced functionality and customization. This approach will allow for rapid prototyping while maintaining the flexibility to add sophisticated features.

Insights:


This project represents my commitment to using technology for positive social impact. The Teddy Bear Finder Website combines my technical skills with a meaningful mission to help families reunite with their beloved stuffed animals. It's a perfect example of how web development can create solutions that bring joy and comfort to people's lives.

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My Boutique Website

As an aspiring Web Developer with a passion for design and entrepreneurship, I am currently working on an exciting personal project called "Toula's Boutique." This website will serve as an online shop where I will sell handmade products such as lip gloss, slime, art, stickers, and other creative items. I want to create an inviting, user-friendly experience for customers to browse, purchase, and engage with my unique creations.

Technologies Used:


  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • Bootstrap
  • HTML

Tools Used:


  • Figma - View Figma Design
  • VS Code
  • Github
  • AI Prompting (ChatGPT, for initial design ideas such as graphics [Logo and carousel arrows], and as an advanced google and debugging resource when troubleshooting CSS)
  • Coolors
  • HTML Validator Extension

Key Features (Planned):


  • User-friendly interface with a visually appealing aesthetic.
  • Product galleries showcasing lip glosses, slime, art, and stickers.
  • Responsive design for optimal viewing on various devices.
  • Simple and secure checkout process for seamless purchasing.
  • Engaging carousel highlighting new or featured products.

Project Progress:


Currently, "Toula's Boutique" is in its design and development phase. I'm focusing on creating a responsive front-end interface that ensures smooth functionality across different devices. Starting with designing a Figma prototype to map out the visual elements and user experience for the website. Once the Figma design is finalized, I will move on to coding and building the front-end of the site.

After the front-end is complete, I will shift focus to the back-end development, specifically integrating a shopping cart and checkout system to provide a seamless purchasing experience for users. I am considering using Loveable AI with Shopify integration as a starting base for the backend purchasing functionality, which will provide a robust e-commerce foundation while allowing for custom development and personalization.

Insights:


This project has allowed me to blend my passion for web development and creativity. From designing the visual layout to coding interactive features, it's been an incredible learning experience. I'm excited to bring this project to life and share my handmade creations with the world through a well-crafted online shop.

My Skills

Languages

  • HTML:

    Proficient in creating well-structured and semantically correct web pages.
  • CSS:

    Experience in building responsive layouts and styling with CSS.
  • JavaScript:

    Experience in writing JavaScript code.

Technical Skills

  • Testing and Debugging:

    Capable of effectively testing and debugging frontend code.
  • Web Design Tool(s):

    Experience with the design tool Figma for web design mockups.
  • Version Control:

    Experienced in version control with Git and working on projects using GitHub.
  • Web Accessibility (a11y):

    Understanding of creating inclusive web experiences for all users.
  • Responsive Web Design:

    Capable of creating websites that adapt seamlessly to various screen sizes and devices.

Soft Skills

  • Continuous Learning:

    Enthusiastic about staying updated with the latest frontend technologies and best practices.
  • Collaboration and Communication:

    Effective team player with strong communication skills in both technical and non-technical environments.
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Contact Me

If you are interested in hiring me for an Entry-Level Front-End Development/Design or an Entry-Level Software Engineering opportunity — or have any related inquiries — feel free to reach out through:

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