Alex Gaffen

EDUCATION

Honours Computer Science Co-op (B.A.Sc.)

2022-Present

McMaster University, Hamilton ON

In 4th year of study with cumulative GPA of 3.4/4.0 across all completed semesters. Recipient of the McMaster University Award of Excellence ($3000) for admission to an Engineering program with an admission average (97.5%) in the top 10% of admitted students.

Relevant Coursework:

Applied Cryptography (A-): Explored cryptographic protocols for securing software interfaces and data integrity.
Computer Networks and Security (B+): Learning network protocols and security analytics for maintaining stable, secure operational systems, and Socket Programming.
Intro to Probability (A): Covered fundamental probability concepts, random variables, discrete and continuous distributions, expectation and variance, and conditional probability.
Syntax-Based Tools & Compilers (A+): Designed and implemented grammar-based parsing tools, abstract syntax tree transformations, and compiler optimization passes to automate language tooling and improve code performance.

Clubs & Activities:

McMaster Cyber Society

Active member collaborating with peers to solve Capture The Flag (CTF) challenges, share security knowledge, and participate in team-based competitions.

SKILLS

LANGUAGES & CORE

Python

C/C++

Bash

HTML

CSS

JavaScript

OOP/SDLC/CI/CD

SECURITY & NETWORKING

Firewalls / VPNs

Network Protocols

Socket Programming

Network Security

Cisco Equipment

OSI Model

TOOLS & ENVIRONMENT

Unix / Linux

Git / GitHub / GitLab

Docker

VScode

MS Office

INTERPERSONAL & LEADERSHIP

Communication

Team Leadership

Problem-Solving

Conflict Mediation

WORK EXPERIENCE

Web Developer Intern

Summer 2024

Bonbon Technologies, Los Angeles, California (Remote)

HTML

CSS

JavaScript

Svelte

Front End Dev

Debugging

Completed a work term of 4 months during the summer of 2024.
Consistently met project deadlines utilizing the Svelte framework, Git, and GitHub to design and deploy web components that enhanced user engagement and registration for a loyalty program.
Showcased adaptability and initiative during last minute design changes by other departments.
Discussed business strategy and innovative AI solutions to reach a wider audience.

Swimming Pool Supervisor

Summer 2023

City of Ottawa, Ottawa ON

Leadership

Mentorship

Conflict Mediation

Scheduling

Practiced strong interpersonal and leadership skills in mentoring less experienced lifeguards while having to adapt changing policy and safety standards to ensure safety for all patrons.
Exercised patience and compassion as the mediator for conflict resolution between children.
Adhered to safety procedures set out by City of Ottawa for working with chlorine, cleaning up dangerous objects routinely, resulting in no injuries or issues.
Created an efficient task schedule for workers every morning to streamline opening procedures.

PROJECTS

Mock Market

Personal Project

Full Stack Investor Practice Website

React

Node.js

C++

Docker

Firebase

Designed a full-stack microservices application simulating stock market trading with a React frontend and Node.js backend.
Implemented secure Google Authentication and real-time stock data retrieval using the Finnhub API.
Developed a C++ service for algorithmic analysis to provide trading signals, integrated via Docker containers.
Utilized Firebase for robust user authentication and portfolio data storage, allowing users to track virtual investment performance.

Networked Battle Game

Final Project (A+)

Course: Computer Networks and Security

C