Lachlan Shoesmith
for DevSoc Exec 2026

Co-President VP Projects

Portrait of Lachlan smiling on a bridge

A bit about me

Hi, I'm Lachlan! You might know me as a proven frontend engineer, public speaker, or merch model. Or Meriton regular. Or Tailwind critic. Inside me there are many wolves.

My DevSoc journey started in 2024 as a Training Lead. Over three terms, I grew to love one of the most uplifting and motivated communities I've been in. I was passionate about building projects relevant to university students, including productivity tool Geoguessr-but-for-UNSW Yellowshirt, and Pyramids. My Term 1 group was behind Groveify, and we were rewarded with the First Steps award at Starlight in 2024.

In 2025, I was entrusted with the role of Training Program Director. This has been an absolute privilege and a challenge that I look forward to every day. I love getting the opportunity to befriend so many wonderful people, forge connections, and teach some of the things about web development that I've learned over the years. I have a wonderful team and we are proud of how we've been able to introduce external workshops for the first time, robust merge-mailing software to automate the recruitment process, and oversee the development of some of the most ambitious Training Program projects ever.

Outside of DevSoc, I'm a member of CompClub's Web Development subcommittee. I am very involved in the development of a vibrant and cutting-edge website for the society, further proving my experience as both a project lead and a project member. I am a tutor of COMP6080 (❤️), UNSW's frontend development course.

Going forward, I'm eager to continue representing passionate developers, facilitating friendships, and nurturing a supportive and talented community. I believe I can best achieve this as one of DevSoc's Co-Presidents or Vice Presidents of Projects. 💫

Playful selfie with Mark Tran pretending to bite my face Photo of me extremely close to the camera, which is using a fisheye lens.

My plan vision

  • Focusing on our specialties

    Our projects and our Training Program are crucial to DevSoc's external presence. This is what separates the Software Development Society from other societies. It is crucial that we nurture and promote these teams and allow them to continue to represent DevSoc as a society that benefits everyone, members and non-members alike.

  • Supporting our team

    Every person in DevSoc deserves to feel respected and listened to. Every member should feel valued and purposeful in a community of great people. I believe that to ensure our directors and subcommitee can be both successful and respectful, the executives need to set the standard. As an executive, I will turn every stone to ensure DevSoc is a respectful and fun place to be by perofrming check-ins, encouraging crossport bonding, and setting firm but fair rules.

  • Strengthening our reputation

    I will push for marketing that balances viral brainrot potential with professionalism. I will ensure projects are seeing consistent but manageable promotion. DevSoc members trust in the networking opportunities we offer, and I will ensure that we build on this precedent. I support the continuation of significant DevSoc events like Starlight and TechSpire. I will continue to foster the growing connection DevSoc has with the School of CSE and the broader Engineering faculty.

  • Measured portfolio autonomy

    I will bolster DevSoc's culture of trusting directors and subcommittees in managing their portfolios and launching their own initiatives. My approach is less hands-on, and moreso implying a strong standard by setting the best example. I believe it is best to support someone who wants to try something rather than saying 'no' and criticising them. Support them if they struggle and make it a lesson.

  • Embracing new projects

    As DevSoc reaches more students than ever, we must capitalise on this opportunity by building new projects with ambitious talent. I will support the introduction of new teams, back their ideas, and be actively involved in development, where applicable.

  • Greater involvement opportunities 🏋️

    I learned the importance of being given opportunity in Training Program, and I seek to offer as many chances to subcommittee and directors to be more involved in the running of the society and key events as possible. This boosts confidence, creates memories, and builds a stronger society.

What I offer

  • Proven, enthusiastic leadership

    As an exec, I would make every effort to best represent DevSoc, just as I have as a Training Program Director. My leadership journey has been defined by initiative, collaboration, and - thankfully - success! I'm proud to have overseen many amicable, safe, and motivated teams. I am also an active moderator of an infamous Cult.

  • Empathetic approach

    I hate to play into the 'empath' stereotype, but I do pride myself in being a compassionate person. I am proactive in ensuring that teams I oversee run harmoniously and safely. I do my utmost to make people feel included, respected, and supported by a patient ear.

  • Diverse skillset

    Aside from teaching and leadership, writing software is my passion. I've contributed to successful projects that use novel technologies, a variety of languages, and many popular frameworks. I'm also proud of the marketing projects I've done - a few of the DevSoc reels you've seen were made by me!

  • Ambition and insight

    I know how to bring strong ideas to the table while lifting up and supporting the ideas of those around me. I've been in this society for a while and seen a lot - I'd like to think that informs my judgement..!

  • Strong speaking skills

    I'm a generational yapper. I can command a room, but I also know how to listen one-on-one. My background in teaching shines through each speech I deliver. I have a larynx you can trust.

  • Team player

    One can't lead without representing one's team. The opinions and work of everyone that makes up a team is invaluable; I intend to lead selflessly and humbly. I want to work with DevSoc to achieve the best goals for the society possible.