Going from an Internship Project to Published Research and a Role at Amazon: A Remarkable Journey

Linghui Luo, an AWS applied scientist at Amazon, has developed a novel way to run security scans on code through the newly launched Amazon CodeGuru Security plugin. The tool, available for Amazon SageMaker Studio and Jupyter notebooks, helps identify issues, vulnerabilities, and bugs in code. Luo’s research focused on streamlining security scans and understanding the needs of developers, resulting in a user-centric approach to code analysis. This innovative solution provides developers with a seamless integration for effective static analysis and ensures stable and secure code development.

Full Article: Going from an Internship Project to Published Research and a Role at Amazon: A Remarkable Journey

Building Quality Software: A Story of Innovation and User-Centricity

Once upon a time, developers followed a routine when building quality software. They would write code on their computers within an integrated development environment (IDE) and then upload it to a central repository for a security scan. The results would appear on a separate dashboard in their web browser. This was the norm for most developers, until Linghui Luo came along.

Linghui Luo, a brilliant young scientist, was given the opportunity to rethink this workflow during her internship at Amazon Web Services (AWS) in 2020. She wanted to find a new and innovative way to run security scans on code. After months of hard work, she came up with a prototype that would eventually become the basis for the newly launched Amazon CodeGuru Security plugin.

Introducing Amazon CodeGuru Security

Amazon CodeGuru Security is a tool that helps developers identify critical issues, security vulnerabilities, and hard-to-find bugs in their code. It is a static analysis tool that evaluates each line of code without running it, allowing developers to catch problems early in the development process. Linghui’s work made it even easier for developers to use this tool.

But Linghui didn’t just focus on the software itself; she also studied the developers who would be using it. She believed in working backwards from the customer, and her research supported this approach.

Streamlining Security Scans

Linghui’s goal was to create a seamless integration of CodeGuru Security within the IDE. She wanted developers to have a direct line to the security tool, without the need to upload their code to a separate location. To achieve this, she interviewed AWS developers to understand their needs and expectations.

Through her interviews, Linghui discovered that developers wanted a tool that was not only efficient but also easy to use. She developed a prototype CodeGuru Security extension for Visual Studio, one of the most popular IDEs, and ran usability tests to ensure it met developers’ needs.

During this process, Linghui realized the importance of talking to users before developing a tool. Her assumptions as a PhD student were proven wrong, and she learned valuable lessons about building useful tools for developers.

Validating Code from Notebooks

In her research, Linghui also focused on the use of notebooks in code development. Notebooks are popular among data scientists because they allow for easy integration of text, images, and code. However, running code cells in a different order can lead to reproducibility issues.

Linghui and her team developed a CodeGuru plugin for Jupyter and SageMaker Studio to help users prevent bugs caused by running code cells in arbitrary order. The plugin identifies potential flaws and suggests improvements, ensuring that code is deployed correctly.

The Impact of Linghui’s Work

Linghui’s work has had a significant impact on the development community. Her innovative approach to security scans and her user-centricity have made it easier for developers to build quality software. She has shown that applying scientific processes and closely listening to users can lead to impactful and valuable solutions.

After her internship, Linghui joined Amazon full-time as an AWS applied scientist. She continues to research and develop tools that make code development easier and more secure. Her journey from a curious high school student in China to a renowned scientist at Amazon is a testament to her passion and dedication to computer science and software security.

At Amazon, Linghui has found a platform to turn her scientific ideas into reality and make a visible impact on the development community. Her work is a shining example of the power of innovation and user-centricity in creating better software.

Summary: Going from an Internship Project to Published Research and a Role at Amazon: A Remarkable Journey

Amazon Web Services (AWS) has launched the Amazon CodeGuru Security plugin for two popular integrated development environments (IDEs) — Amazon SageMaker Studio and Jupyter notebooks. The plugin, based on the research conducted by Linghui Luo during her internship at AWS, aims to streamline security scans and make it easier for developers to identify critical issues, security vulnerabilities, and bugs in their code. The plugin operates in the cloud, allowing users to track and store issues efficiently. Luo’s work demonstrates the importance of understanding user needs and creating user-centric tools.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How can an internship project lead to published research?

A1: Internship projects are often designed to address real-world challenges and provide practical learning experiences. If the project yields valuable insights or innovative solutions, it can be extended into a full-fledged research study. This research can be conducted in collaboration with academic advisors, industry experts, or the internship program itself. Once the research is completed, it can be submitted to relevant conferences, journals, or other publications for review and potential publication.

Q2: What are the benefits of getting research published as an intern?

A2: Publishing research as an intern has several benefits. Firstly, it showcases your expertise and knowledge in a specific area, making you a recognized contributor in your field. Secondly, it helps to build a strong academic and professional profile, which can enhance future job prospects and advance your career. Additionally, published research demonstrates your ability to apply theoretical concepts to practical problems, which is highly valued by employers and educational institutions.

Q3: How can an internship project at Amazon lead to a role at the company?

A3: An internship project at Amazon provides an excellent opportunity to showcase your skills and potential to the company. When you perform well and demonstrate your abilities during the internship, it increases your chances of being offered a full-time role at Amazon upon completion of your degree. Internship programs often serve as a talent pipeline, allowing companies like Amazon to evaluate candidates for long-term employment based on their performance, dedication, and fit within the organization.

Q4: What should interns focus on to maximize their chances of getting hired by Amazon?

A4: To maximize your chances of getting hired by Amazon after an internship, focus on the following areas:

• Showcase your technical skills, problem-solving abilities, and adaptability during the internship project.
• Build strong relationships with your colleagues, supervisors, and mentors at Amazon.
• Take advantage of networking opportunities within the company to expand your professional connections.
• Demonstrate a strong work ethic, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn and grow.
• When the internship concludes, express your interest in pursuing a long-term role at Amazon and inquire about available positions.
• Keep in touch with your contacts at Amazon and stay updated on any relevant job openings.

Q5: Are internships at Amazon only for tech-related fields?

A5: While Amazon is well-known for its tech-related roles, the company offers internships in various fields, including business, marketing, finance, human resources, and more. Whether you are pursuing a technology-focused degree or not, Amazon provides opportunities for interns across different disciplines. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds to explore the internship programs at Amazon and see if there are internships available in their field of interest.