In this Specialization, developed by Rice University’s esteemed Computer Science and Data Science faculty, I gained essential programming skills in Python 3. 

It comprises four courses, each concluding with a practical project reinforcing Python scripting abilities. 

I learned how to tackle core scripting challenges, such as processing dates and comparing similar files. As the specialization progressed, I worked with real-world data, including sports analytics and visualizing data. 

Key projects involved analyzing historical baseball data and culminated with a significant project where I imported economic data from the World Bank, processed it, and visualized it on a world map. 

I achieved high grades throughout the courses, showcasing my understanding of Python programming, data analysis, and visualization.

Grade received: 98%

The specialization consists of four courses:

1- Python Programming Essentials

In this course, I was introduced to the fundamentals of Python programming, covering essential elements such as expressions, variables, functions, logic, and conditionals. 

This foundational knowledge is crucial for constructing basic Python programs and thinking like a programmer. 

The course also emphasized the use of Python modules, which provide access to the extensive functionalities within the Python language.

By the end of the course, I gained the skills to write short Python programs that accomplish practical tasks, laying the groundwork for more complex programming. 

Utilizing the CodeSkulptor development environment, designed for beginners and accessible through modern web browsers, I was able to start writing and running programs without needing any installations. 

This course served as the first step in a specialization, preparing me for advanced Python programming in subsequent courses.

Grade Achieved: 95.71%

2- Python Data Representations

In this course, I continued my journey in Python programming, building upon the foundational skills acquired in the **Python Programming Essentials** course. This course focused on various data representations, including strings, lists, and tuples, which are essential for all Python programs. 

I learned how to access files, enabling me to store and retrieve data within my programs.

By the end of the course, I gained the ability to write Python programs that manipulate data stored in files, significantly enhancing my programming expertise and allowing me to create a broader range of scripts. 

The course used Python 3, emphasizing its importance for future programming, and introduced basic desktop development environments, facilitating a smooth transition from online coding platforms to running Python programs directly on my computer.

Grade received: 99.17%

3- Python Data Analysis

In this course, I advanced my Python programming skills by building upon the knowledge gained in the previous courses, Python Programming Essentials, and Python Data Representations. This course focused on reading, storing, and processing tabular data, essential tasks in data analysis. 

I learned about CSV files, a widely used plain text format that facilitates the exchange of tabular data between various programs, and how to read and write these files using Python.

By the end of the course, I became proficient in working with tabular data in Python, which further expanded my programming expertise and enabled me to create a broader range of scripts.

Grade received: 97.85%

4- Python Data Visualization

In this course, the final course in the specialization, I built upon the foundational knowledge gained from Python Programming Essentials, Python Data Representations, and Python Data Analysis. The course focused on installing external packages in Python, acquiring data from web sources, and cleaning, processing, analyzing, and visualizing that data.

By the end of the course, I became proficient in installing Python packages, analyzing existing datasets, and creating visual representations of that data. 

This course rounded out my education as a Python scripter, equipping me with the skills to locate, install, and utilize third-party Python packages effectively.

Grade received: 100%



This course is a two-part program designed for students with a computing background. It introduces the fundamentals of building interactive applications using Python.

Some of the applications I implemented during this course:

Spaceship Game

My game has multiple rocks and multiple missiles. The player will lose a life if their ship collides with a rock and they will score points if his missile collides with a rock, he will keep track of the score and lives remaining and end the game at the proper time. The game includes animated explosions upon collision.

You can play the Spaceship Game here.

Zombie Apocalypse

In this mini-project, I have created a simulation of zombies and humans interacting on a grid. As in the movies, my zombies are hungry for human brains. As a result, zombies chase humans and humans flee from zombies. To keep my simulation manageable, the positions of the zombies and humans will be restricted to a grid. 

In my simulation, zombies are not very agile and can only move up, down, left, or right in one step of the simulation. On the other hand, humans are more agile and can move in these four directions as well as the four neighboring diagonal directions. 

If a zombie catches a human by positioning itself in the same cell, the zombie enjoys some delicious human brains. 

The main idea is to compute a simple approximation of the distance from each grid cell to the nearest zombie (or human). This distance will correspond to the length of the shortest sequence of adjacent grid cells (a path) from the cell to a zombie, this distance field was computed using breadth-first search.

So, have fun and enjoy some "Brains!"

You can play Zombie here.

Cookie Clicker

Cookie Clicker is a simulation game where your goal is to bake as many cookies as possible, as quickly as you can. The main strategic element of the game involves deciding how to allocate the cookies you have produced to upgrade your cookie production capabilities.

In my mini-project, I have implemented a simplified simulation of the Cookie Clicker game. You can test different strategies and observe their effectiveness over a specified period. In my version of the game, there is no graphical interface, so there is no actual "clicking." Instead, you start with a Cookies Per Second (CPS) of 1.0 and can begin purchasing automatic production methods once you have accumulated enough cookies. I have developed both the simulation engine for the game and the strategies for selecting which production methods to buy, maximizing the number of cookies you can generate.

You can play Cookie Clicker here.

Yahtzee Game

Yahtzee is a dice game played with 5 dice where you try to score the most points by matching certain combinations. 

In Yahtzee, you get to roll the dice three times on each turn. After the first roll, you may hold as many dice as you would like and roll the remaining free dice. After this second roll, you may again hold as many dice as you would like and roll the rest. Once you stop (either because you have exhausted your three rolls or you are satisfied with the dice you have), you score the dice in one box on the scorecard.

My mini-project implements a strategy function designed to help you choose which dice to hold after your second roll during the first turn of Yahtzee.

You can play Yahtzee here.

This course is a two-part program designed for students with a computing background. It introduces the fundamentals of building interactive applications using Python.

Some of the applications I implemented during this course:

Spaceship Game

My game has multiple rocks and multiple missiles. The player will lose a life if their ship collides with a rock and they will score points if his missile collides with a rock, he will keep track of the score and lives remaining and end the game at the proper time. The game includes animated explosions upon collision.

You can play the Spaceship Game here.

Zombie Apocalypse

In this mini-project, I have created a simulation of zombies and humans interacting on a grid. As in the movies, my zombies are hungry for human brains. As a result, zombies chase humans and humans flee from zombies. To keep my simulation manageable, the positions of the zombies and humans will be restricted to a grid. 

In my simulation, zombies are not very agile and can only move up, down, left, or right in one step of the simulation. On the other hand, humans are more agile and can move in these four directions as well as the four neighboring diagonal directions. 

If a zombie catches a human by positioning itself in the same cell, the zombie enjoys some delicious human brains. 

The main idea is to compute a simple approximation of the distance from each grid cell to the nearest zombie (or human). This distance will correspond to the length of the shortest sequence of adjacent grid cells (a path) from the cell to a zombie, this distance field was computed using breadth-first search.

So, have fun and enjoy some "Brains!"

You can play Zombie here.

Cookie Clicker

Cookie Clicker is a simulation game where your goal is to bake as many cookies as possible, as quickly as you can. The main strategic element of the game involves deciding how to allocate the cookies you have produced to upgrade your cookie production capabilities.

In my mini-project, I have implemented a simplified simulation of the Cookie Clicker game. You can test different strategies and observe their effectiveness over a specified period. In my version of the game, there is no graphical interface, so there is no actual "clicking." Instead, you start with a Cookies Per Second (CPS) of 1.0 and can begin purchasing automatic production methods once you have accumulated enough cookies. I have developed both the simulation engine for the game and the strategies for selecting which production methods to buy, maximizing the number of cookies you can generate.

You can play Cookie Clicker here.

Yahtzee Game

Yahtzee is a dice game played with 5 dice where you try to score the most points by matching certain combinations. 

In Yahtzee, you get to roll the dice three times on each turn. After the first roll, you may hold as many dice as you would like and roll the remaining free dice. After this second roll, you may again hold as many dice as you would like and roll the rest. Once you stop (either because you have exhausted your three rolls or you are satisfied with the dice you have), you score the dice in one box on the scorecard.

My mini-project implements a strategy function designed to help you choose which dice to hold after your second roll during the first turn of Yahtzee.

You can play Yahtzee here.

In this course, I learned how to use JavaScript to add interactivity to websites, essential for enhancing user experience. 

The course began with the basics of the language, covering concepts such as variables, loops, functions, and debugging tools. 

I explored how JavaScript interacts with the Document Object Model (DOM) to identify and modify specific elements on a webpage, allowing it to respond to events like page loads, mouse clicks, and keyboard inputs. 

Additionally, I learned the potential accessibility issues that can arise from using JavaScript, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of its implications in web design.

Grade received: 100%



In this introductory course on project management, I learned how to initiate, define, and organize a project effectively. 

The course covered project plan development, including scoping, task sequencing, and identifying the critical path. 

I developed skills in assessing, prioritizing, and managing project risks, enabling confident project execution. Additionally, I learned how to monitor and control progress using the earned value approach. 

By exploring key concepts and state-of-the-art methodologies, I became familiar with factors that contribute to project success and the challenges associated with different types of projects. 

Overall, the course equipped me with essential tools for planning and executing projects efficiently in various settings.

Grade received: 95%

This contest focuses on problem-solving and algorithms, to find the best solutions within a limited time frame.

Participants face challenges involving problems that demand critical thinking and analytical skills. 

The competition promotes quick decision-making and the use of efficient algorithms to devise optimal solutions, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals to test their abilities and improve their skills in a fast-paced environment.

This contest focuses on problem-solving and algorithms, to find the best solutions within a limited time frame.

Participants face challenges involving problems that demand critical thinking and analytical skills. 

The competition promotes quick decision-making and the use of efficient algorithms to devise optimal solutions, making it an excellent opportunity for individuals to test their abilities and improve their skills in a fast-paced environment.

In this course, I learned various strategies to effectively motivate and engage students while maintaining classroom control, which helps prevent teacher burnout.

A key takeaway was distinguishing between learning and acquisition, emphasizing the different processes students undergo in mastering a language.

I also explored how to leverage technology to enhance classroom experiences. Through metaphors and stories, I gained insights into seven foundational language learning paradigms, including principles such as motivation, risk-taking, and balancing teaching responsibilities.

The course also offered practical techniques, such as effective teacher talk, embracing humor to reduce student anxiety, and networking. With these principles, I was able to critically evaluate common assumptions about language learning, comparing them to research-based findings.

Grade received: 98.0%



In this course, I learned how to define my personal teaching philosophy by examining the purpose, content, and techniques I apply in the classroom.

The course covered best practices for teaching listening, speaking, and pronunciation, as well as an introduction to key second language acquisition theories. 

I explored various teaching approaches, such as grammar translation and audio-lingual methods, along with their practical implications. 

The course emphasized the importance of aligning teaching methods with foundational studies in second language acquisition to enhance both teaching and assessment strategies.

Grade received: 98.20%

In this course, I learned to manage classroom time effectively by designing lesson plans that align with learning objectives, assessment methods, and teaching activities. 

The course emphasized the difference between memory-based and knowledge-based learning, helping me tailor my approach to deeper student understanding. 

I explored techniques to motivate students with engaging warm-up activities and the importance of content "stickiness" to make lessons memorable. 

Additionally, the course emphasized analyzing, adapting, and creating teaching materials, while promoting reflection on the alignment between lesson plans and personal teaching philosophies.

Grade received: 98.40%

In this course, I learned to teach English confidently by developing a complete lesson plan and managing classroom schedules effectively.

The course guided me in composing personalized teaching tips and applying observational skills acquired from observing teachers in action for six hours. 

Building on prior concepts, I analyzed lessons, developed a five-day lesson plan, and articulated my teaching philosophy. 

The Capstone Project involved delivering a portion of my lesson in a 6-10-minute video for peer review. After completing the Teach English Now! series, I was able to submit my work for expert review to earn the 150-hour TESOL Certificate from ASU.

Grade received: 100%

In this course, I learned strategies for teaching reading and writing, as well as how to integrate grammar instruction effectively. 

I explored techniques for helping students with various reading difficulties and learned to implement both intensive and extensive reading approaches. 

The course also covered engaging students in the different stages of writing--pre-writing, writing, and post-writing, while addressing common writing challenges they may encounter. 

Additionally, I learned to incorporate grammar through techniques such as noticing and input enhancement, which make grammar instruction more effective within reading and writing lessons.

Grade received: 99.50%

In this course, I was introduced to the challenges of teaching and learning listening and speaking, including concepts such as paralinguistics, performance variables, reduced and regional forms, and various types of oral discourse. 

The course offered strategies to help students acquire listening and speaking skills more effectively. 

Additionally, it emphasized the importance of integrating pronunciation into these lessons and provided practical techniques for incorporating pronunciation activities to enhance overall language proficiency.

Grade received: 98.30%

In this course, I learned essential concepts for integrating technology into teaching. 

The course explored current and future trends in educational technology and offered strategies for effectively implementing these trends in the classroom and beyond. 

Additionally, The course emphasized the importance of staying up to date with technological advancements through professional development networks and training opportunities, enabling teachers to continuously improve their use of technology in education.

Grade received: 98.80%

This course focuses on writing effective business emails in English, combining practical tips for professional email writing with lessons that enhance overall English writing skills. 

The course aims to improve grammar and vocabulary specifically for email communication while also addressing cross-cultural nuances to enhance business interactions. 

Throughout the course, I analyzed different email formats to understand tone, levels of formality, and organizational styles. 

I learned to craft emails for introductions, announcements, requests, and apologies and had the opportunity to write and revise 4–5 emails while completing comprehension quizzes and reviewing my peers' work. 

By the end of the course, I had gained skills in creating impactful subject lines, correcting common writing errors, recognizing the importance of tone and formality, and understanding cultural considerations in business communication, enabling me to write powerful emails for professional contexts.

Grade received: 100%



This course covers the essential aspects of web development, emphasizing the techniques used to build dynamic websites.

The concepts studied include JavaScript, which adds interactivity to web pages, and CSS, which helps design and format interfaces attractively. PHP is also covered, as it is used to develop back-end applications and interact with databases.

Additionally, Bootstrap is utilized to facilitate interface design by providing ready-made components.