ALEX GAFFEN
📍 Greater Toronto Area, Canada
As a 4th year CS student @ McMaster U, I am driven by the challenge of building secure and efficient systems. My technical foundation is built on C/C++ and Python, with deep proficiency in Linux environments and Git version control.
My primary focus lies at the intersection of AI & Cybersecurity. I am passionate about understanding vulnerabilities and developing robust solutions to protect digital infrastructure. I am constantly upskilling to stay ahead of the curve in this rapidly evolving field.
Beyond the terminal, I believe in the importance of discipline and precision. These are traits I cultivate through high-level athletics and playing the violin. I bring this same level of dedication and rhythm to my code.
I am currently seeking opportunities to contribute to innovative security and development teams. Let’s connect!
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
SECURITY & NETWORKING
TOOLS & ENVIRONMENT
INTERPERSONAL & LEADERSHIP
WORK EXPERIENCE
Web Developer Intern
Summer 2024Bonbon Technologies, Los Angeles, California (Remote)
- 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 2023City of Ottawa, Ottawa ON
- 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.
Computer Science High School Tutor
Fall 2022Hamilton, ON (Remote)
- Delivered comprehensive instruction on the Ontario ICS3U and ICS4U curriculum, covering fundamental programming concepts and logic.
- Facilitated deep technical understanding by breaking down complex algorithms, memory management concepts, and data structures into digestible, practical examples.
- Cultivated independent problem-solving skills through guided debugging sessions and code reviews, emphasizing clean syntax and efficient software design principles.
- Customized lesson plans to adapt to the student’s learning pace, resulting in improved academic performance and confidence in completing major capstone projects.
PROJECTS
Full Stack Investor Practice Website
- 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
- Developed a client-server game in C as the final project for Computer Networks and Security course.
- Implemented socket programming and network protocols to manage real-time data exchange and communication between multiple clients.
COMPETITIONS & AWARDS
ACADEMIC & CONTEST AWARDS
- Recipient of the McMaster University Award of Excellence ($3000).
- 2022 Euclid Math Contest (University of Waterloo) — 1st in high school.
- 2021 Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest (University of Waterloo) — 1st in high school.
CERTIFICATIONS
- [Placeholder for Certification 1]
- [Placeholder for Certification 2]
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
- 🎻 McMaster Symphony Orchestra — Violinist
- ⚽🏈🏸 McMaster Intramural Team Sports — Soccer, Pickleball, Football