Zane Hasnain
About Zane Hasnain
Zane Hasnain is an MLH Coach and former Director of VTHacks who has extensive experience in hackathons, both as a participant and organizer, and has a background in computer engineering from Virginia Tech.
MLH Coach Zane Hasnain
Zane Hasnain holds the position of MLH Coach, leveraging his years of experience in the hackathon community to mentor and guide emerging developers. His journey with hackathons began in high school and continued throughout his tenure as a Computer Engineering major at Virginia Tech. His role as an MLH Coach involves judging and mentoring at various hackathons, providing valuable insights and support to participants.
Education and Experience in Computer Engineering
Zane Hasnain pursued his higher education in Computer Engineering at Virginia Tech. His introduction to programming was through game development, a passion that has continued to influence his career. During his time at Virginia Tech, he not only participated in hackathons but also took on leadership roles, including serving as an organizer and eventually the Director of VTHacks in 2020.
Professional Experience at General Mills
During his internship at General Mills, Zane Hasnain worked on the Blue Buffalo team where he developed the Buddies app. This project involved utilizing computer vision, machine learning, and cloud technology. Despite being offered a full-time position post-internship, he was unable to accept the offer due to financial constraints.
Involvement in Hackathon Leadership and Mentorship
In his role as Director of VTHacks and as an organizer, Zane Hasnain has significantly contributed to the hackathon community. He has also supported other events like Cypher, providing mentorship and guidance during the challenging times of the COVID pandemic. His leadership has been instrumental in the success of these events.
Personal Background and Challenges
Zane Hasnain grew up in an abusive household and has been open about his struggles with chronic depression and Autism Spectrum Disorder. Despite these challenges, he has continued to pursue his passion for programming and gaming, using these interests as a form of self-expression and personal development.
Passion for Gaming and Game Development
Gaming has been a significant part of Zane Hasnain's life, both as a personal interest and a professional stepping stone. He learned about programming through developing games, a passion that has given him a unique perspective and skill set in his field. His dedication to gaming continues to influence his career choices and personal projects.