Lukas Mehl

CIS Student @ Washburn University · Undergraduate Research Assistant (K-INBRE, SCWTE) · Working Student – Web Application Development @ Pentos

Topeka, KS | Würselen, DE

About

I completed the first half of my bachelor's studies in Cybersecurity and Information and Computer Science (Computer Science concentration) at Park University and am now continuing my degree at Washburn University, majoring in Computer and Information Science.

With a strong background in IT, programming, and software development, I currently work as a Working Student in Web Application Development at Pentos, gaining hands-on experience in building and optimizing web applications.

I am passionate about cybersecurity and software engineering, with a focus on frontend development using React, TypeScript, JavaScript, and HTML/CSS. I also have experience with backend technologies such as Python, Java, and Kotlin, as well as automated testing with Playwright and Selenium. I enjoy developing secure, efficient, and user-friendly applications.

Beyond my studies, I am a dedicated student-athlete with a proven ability to work in teams and execute projects effectively. I am fluent in both German and English and proficient in MS Office and Adobe software. As a competitive middle- and long-distance runner, I have achieved top-10 placements at the German Championships and earned multiple conference wins; I also previously held a school record before transferring. These experiences have helped me develop discipline, resilience, and a strong work ethic. I am also actively involved in community initiatives.

I am always eager to apply my knowledge in practical settings, take on new challenges, and continuously expand my skill set in the IT and cybersecurity fields.

Experience

Undergraduate Research Assistant (K-INBRE, SCWTE)·Washburn University

Jan 2026 – Present · Topeka, Kansas, US · Hybrid

Working on TurtleTracker, a research web application for the fully automated identification of Ornate Box Turtles based on photos of their plastron. The goal is to reliably identify individual turtles from images and store them in a database for long-term population monitoring and biological research. Developed collaboratively with Garrett King-Cody (backend and server infrastructure); I focus on frontend development and overall system integration.

Designing and implementing the frontend architecture using React and TypeScript
Building user workflows for image upload, validation, and result visualization
Developing researcher-facing dashboards for interacting with identified individuals and metadata
Collaborating closely with backend systems for image-based identification and database ingestion
Contributing to end-to-end reliability, testing, and deployment

First project followed from an empty repository to a fully deployed application on a self-configured server. Conducted under the mentorship of Dr. Benjamin Reed.

Working Student in Web Application Development·Pentos

Dec 2024 – Present · Kissimmee, Florida, US · Remote

Independently designing and developing a web application in the SAP SuccessFactors environment using JavaScript and React. Transforming a high-level product idea into a user-friendly, intuitive interface and implementing the complete frontend. Close collaboration with project leadership: regular check-ins, presenting updates, and continuous refinement of the application.

Software Development Intern·SOPTIM AG

Jun 2024 – Jul 2024 · Aachen, Germany · Hybrid

Developing and maintaining software for processing time series as a member of an Agile team. Participating in SCRUM meetings (Daily, Refinement, Retrospective). Handling tasks, bugs, and user stories. Reviewing merge requests. Technologies: React, TypeScript, Java, CSS, Selenium, Kotlin.

Education

Bachelor of Science – Computer Information Science (continued)

Washburn University

Aug 2025 – May 2027 · Topeka, Kansas, US

Continuing B.Sc. after transferring from Park University. Activities: Track and Field & Cross Country.

Bachelor of Science – Cybersecurity & Information and Computer Science (started)

Park University

Aug 2023 – May 2025 · Parkville, Missouri, US

Started B.Sc. in Cybersecurity & Information and Computer Science; transferred to Washburn University in Summer 2025. Activities: Track and Field & Cross Country.

Projects

TurtleTracker – Automated Wildlife Monitoring Platform

Oct 2025 – Present · Washburn University

Research-focused web platform for the automated identification of Ornate Box Turtles using photos of their plastron. Identification results are stored in a database for longitudinal tracking and ecological and conservation research. Developed jointly with Garrett King-Cody (backend infrastructure and server setup); I lead frontend development and UX design. Full lifecycle from initial concept to live deployment.

Automated image-based individual identification workflow
Researcher-facing web interface for uploads, results, and data exploration
Frontend architecture and UX (my focus); backend and server (Garrett King-Cody)

RunSync: Automated Fitness Data Synchronization Platform

Sep 2024 – Oct 2025

Python-based automation that synchronizes fitness data across Strava, Google Sheets, and Garmin Connect for my personal training diary. Automated sync, custom Google Sheets integration, smart title/description sync, cloud execution via GitHub Actions. Stack: Python, Strava API, Google Sheets API, Selenium, GitHub Actions, OAuth2. Impact: Reduced data management time from hours to minutes while ensuring consistency across all fitness platforms.

Heiligtumsfahrtquiz

Mar 2020 – Mar 2021

Development and programming of a digital quiz for children for the Heiligtumsfahrt 2023 in Aachen, implemented as a website and app.

Project link →

Certifications & Awards

8th place nationwide, German Startup Award for Students (Deutscher Gründerpreis für Schüler:innen), May 2022
Existenzia für Schüler – Wie erstelle ich einen Geschäftsplan? (GründerRegion Aachen), Mar 2021
Sports Medal of the City of Würselen (Jan 2024) — Awarded for achievements in long-distance running at the Würselen Sports Matinee.