> Hello, world. My name is
Samuel
Figueroa.
Computer Engineering student at UIC Chicago, originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela. I build things at the intersection of software, design, and hardware.
Computer Engineer · UIC chicago
Engineering with
passion & purpose.
Originally from Maracaibo, Venezuela, I started my journey as a computer engineer in Chicago in 2021. Growing up, I always had an entrepreneurial spirit — from launching a clothing brand at 17 to building a vaping company across multiple cities.
At UIC, I've had the privilege of working on impactful projects — redesigning the Chemistry Department's website, setting up cloud-based Raspberry Pi display systems, and mentoring kids at summer STEAM camps.
I thrive at the intersection of software engineering, design thinking, and hardware. Whether it's an iOS widget for Chicago transit riders or a crypto mining rig with 20+ GPUs — I love building things that work.
Things I've built & shipped.
A collection of projects spanning software, hardware, design, and entrepreneurship. Click any card to read the full story.
UIC Chemistry
Redesign Department Website
Complete redesign of UIC's Chemistry Department website, improving usability and visual identity.
OverdoseVE
Clothing Brand
Founded a clothing brand at 17 inspired by floral fabrics that weren't yet locally available in Maracaibo.
STEAMBassadors
Mentorship Initiative
Summer camp mentor inspiring kids to discover their passion for STEAM fields through hands-on projects.
VapedoseVE
Vaping Company
Built a vaping company importing US market trends into Venezuela, expanding to three cities with delivery infrastructure.
CTA Widget
Concept iOS Feature
Designed and built the first-ever iOS widget for the Chicago Transit Authority showing real-time ETA for train stations.
MiningDose
Crypto Mining Rig
2-rig setup with 20+ AMD RX GPUs for Ethereum proof-of-work mining during the crypto boom.
Raspberry Pi Displays
Cloud-Based Display System
Built a cloud-controlled digital signage system for UIC's Chemistry Department using Raspberry Pi units and automated sync scripts.
ECE 454 RC Car
Autonomous / Remote-Controlled Vehicle
Built a fully functional RC car as part of ECE 454 at UIC, integrating hardware control systems with embedded firmware.
Maximilian
Luxury Brand Packaging Concept
Materialization of a luxury brand packaging concept, bringing a premium identity from concept to physical reality.
Recognition & credentials.
Certificates and endorsements earned along the way. Click any card to view the document.
Certificate of Induction
TRIO Student Support Services
May 19, 2022
Awarded for commitment and dedication to academic goals. Inducted into the TRIO program at Truman College.
Certificate of Completion
TRIO Leadership Challenges
April 28, 2023
Awarded for successfully completing 3 Leadership Challenges, exemplifying TRIO's mission of scholarship and personal development.
Letter of Recommendation
Executive Director of Education & OST
2023–2024
Written by Lorenzo Craig, Executive Director of Education and OST at Harry S. Truman College.
My toolkit.
From low-level hardware to high-level design — I work across the full stack.
Pursuing a B.S. in Computer Engineering.
Complete redesign of the Chemistry Department website. Implemented WordPress with custom workarounds to modernize a 10-year-old site.
Lab coordinator role. Managed hardware, digital signage systems (Raspberry Pi), and tech support.
Mentored kids in STEAM disciplines: Sphero robotics, 3D printing, TinkerCAD.
Founded and scaled a vaping company to three cities in Venezuela. Managed product, delivery logistics, and social media.
Co-founded a streetwear brand from scratch: branding, manufacturing, photoshoots, and sales.
Let's build something
together.
Whether you have a project idea, want to collaborate on the CTA widget, or just want to say hi — my inbox is open.