Worked on the apache/tinkerpop repository to address a critical bug in traversal optimization, focusing on the preservation of IdentityStep within repeat() blocks. The solution involved refining the IdentityRemovalStrategy to ensure RepeatEndStep is handled consistently with EndStep under ComputerAwareStep, thereby preventing unintended removal of IdentityStep during complex graph traversals. This change improved the reliability and robustness of traversal optimization, particularly for edge cases involving nested repeat traversals. The work was implemented using Groovy and Java, leveraging skills in code refactoring, graph traversal language, and testing to enhance the stability of query execution in the TinkerPop framework.