Employee Spotlight: Isabelle Low, Full Stack Engineer
Siobhan Patterson | Jan, 2025
Read time: 4 minutes
We’re starting the new year featuring one of our newer employees Isabelle Low. She joined RedCAT in June 2024 as a full stack engineer, supporting our new product build. Check out this Employee Spotlight to learn more about the benefits of AI and access one of Isabelle’s Spotify playlists that helps her get into the creative flow.
How did you get into engineering?
When I was selecting my college major, software engineering wasn’t initially on my radar. My top three choices were international business, chemistry, and culinary arts. However, just as I was about to make my final decision, my family and peers encouraged me to explore computer science, given my strengths in STEM subjects. Soon, I discovered my interest in solving logic and algorithmic challenges, treating them like puzzles—and the rest is history!
Since starting your career, have all your roles been remote based? If so, what benefits and learning opportunities have you experienced?
Yes, I appreciate the convenience of not having to commute and the flexibility of working from home, which has boosted my productivity. One key lesson I’ve learned is that the world is your oyster—anything one could possibly look for is only an internet search away. This experience has taught me how to be more resourceful and self-reliant.
As one of our product engineers, what features of AI or machine learning do you find fascinating?
AI serves as a great tool that often:
- helps identify software bugs much faster than the human eye
- automates repetitive coding tasks, which enables developers to focus on more complex aspects of a project, and
- provides guidance within a matter of seconds when presenting a problem.
However, it’s important to take its suggestions with a grain of salt, as AI may not fully understand the broader context of a project, leading to recommendations that aren’t always aligned with the desired outcome.
How do you stay engaged on industry trends or development to continue your growth?
I subscribe to a platform that offers coding courses, labs, projects, and personalized skill paths across different programming languages. Starting this year, I make it a point to spend 10-15 minutes each day reading tech newsletters, and I often discover new insights through articles shared by my LinkedIn connections.
What helps you be creative–whether for work projects or in your spare time?
Trying anything that is new and interesting! Over the last year, I’ve tried building challenging Lego sets, archery, reading books from different genres, and experimenting with new recipes.
In terms of work projects, I commit 1-2 hours to mini projects to get a grasp on unfamiliar concepts.
How do you practice self care during a deadline period?
I’m still in the process of mastering it. I was once accustomed to working nonstop, which eventually led to burnout. What has been tremendously helpful is maintaining a balanced diet, spending time outdoors—whether it’s hiking a challenging trail or simply relaxing at the park or beach—and incorporating yoga into my routine, which I’ve recently started to help unwind after a long workday.
Most importantly, I’ve learned that treating myself with care and taking time to recharge provides me with the energy I need to keep moving forward.
Are there any playlists or shows you gravitate toward when you need to get in the flow? Any recommendations?
My go-to playlist features groovy beats, particularly garage house and deep house, to get my brain into gear. Coding becomes more enjoyable when you’re vibing to fun music at your desk! There are also times when I listen to video game soundtracks, especially when I need a quieter atmosphere for brainstorming.
Here is one of my Spotify playlists, which features Retrowaves, Shift K3Y, and kryptogram.
Thank you, Isabelle, for sharing a little about yourself with our readers and providing great tips to start 2025! From responsible AI practices to actionable selfcare intentions, we can all start the year with the right vibes.
Keywords: Employee, Spotlight, Talent, Team, Developer, Engineer