Alex Gaffen
💻 Computer Science · 🔐 Cybersecurity · 🧠 AI
Greater Toronto Area
Hamilton
Ottawa
4th year CS student at McMaster University. I build things with C/C++, Python, and in Linux environments, and I'm especially interested in AI and cybersecurity: understanding how systems break and how to make them stronger.
Outside of code, I play violin in the McMaster Symphony Orchestra and compete in intramural sports. I'm currently looking for opportunities in AI Research & Engineering, and Cybersecurity. Let's connect!
EDUCATION
Honours Computer Science Co-op (B.A.Sc.)
2022-Present
McMaster University, Hamilton ON
📅 Currently Enrolled in 4th Year
📊 cGPA: 3.4
Relevant Coursework:
- 🔐 (A-) COMPSCI 4CR3: Applied Cryptography
- 🔧 (A+) COMPSCI 3TB3: Syntax-Based Tools & Compilers
- 🌍 (B+) COMPSCI 3N03: Computer Networks and Security
- 🧠 (A-) COMPSCI 3MI3: Principles of Programming Languages
- ⚙️ (A-) COMPSCI 3SH3: Operating Systems
- 🧮 (A+) COMPSCI 2XC3: Algorithms and Software Design
- 🖥️ (A-) COMPSCI 2GA3: Computer Architecture
- 🌐 (A-) COMPSCI 1XD3: Intro to Software Using Web Programming
- 🛠️ (A+) COMPSCI 1XC3: Development Basics
- 💻 (A) COMPSCI 1MD3: Introduction to Programming
- 🔢 (A) COMPSCI 1DM3: Discrete Math for Computer Science
- 🎲 (A) STATS 2D03: Intro to Probability
- 📊 (A-) MATH 1ZB3: Engineering Mathematics II-A
- ➗ (A) MATH 1ZA3: Engineering Mathematics I
- 📐 (A-) MATH 1B03: Linear Algebra 1
SKILLS
PROGRAMMING LANGUAGES & TOOLS
Python
C/C++
Bash
HTML
CSS
JavaScript
React
Node.js
Svelte
Unix / Linux
Git / GitHub
Docker
VS Code
Firebase
CYBERSECURITY & NETWORKING
Firewalls / VPNs
Network Protocols
Socket Programming
Network Security
Cisco Equipment
OSI Model
INTERPERSONAL & LEADERSHIP
Communication
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving
Conflict Mediation
WORK EXPERIENCE
Front End Developer Intern
Summer 2024Bonbon 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.
Lifeguard & Pool Supervisor
Summer 2023City 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.
Computer Science High School Tutor
Fall 2022Hamilton, ON (Remote)
Teaching
Python
Java
Algorithms
Debugging
- 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
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.
Autonomous AI Honeypot Agent
Python
Go
Docker
Linux
SSH
- Developing an autonomous AI agent in Python that prototypes intelligent automation by planning and executing commands via an LLM-driven reasoning loop.
- Built a custom Go-based terminal emulator and virtual honey-filesystem to provide a high-fidelity, sandboxed environment for capturing and analyzing malicious activity.
Networked Battle Game
Final Project (A+)Course: Computer Networks and Security
C
Socket Programming
Client-Server Architecture
- 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
McMaster University Award of Excellence
2023McMaster University — Entrance Scholarship ($3,000)
- Awarded for outstanding academic achievement upon admission.
Euclid Mathematics Contest
2022University of Waterloo — 1st Place in School
- Achieved the highest score among all participants at my high school in this nationally recognized contest.
Canadian Senior Mathematics Contest
2021University of Waterloo — 1st Place in School
- Earned the top score at my high school in the CSMC, a national-level competition for senior students.
CERTIFICATIONS
Currently pursuing the following certifications to deepen my expertise in AI/ML.
Deep Learning Specialization
Dec 2025 – PresentDeepLearning.AI (Coursera) — 5-Course Specialization by Andrew Ng
TensorFlow
Keras
Python
- Neural Networks & Deep Learning — foundations of deep learning and neural network architectures.
- Improving Deep Neural Networks — hyperparameter tuning, regularization, and optimization (Adam, RMSprop, batch norm).
- Structuring Machine Learning Projects — ML strategy, error analysis, and transfer learning best practices.
- Convolutional Neural Networks (CNNs) — image recognition, object detection (YOLO), and neural style transfer.
- Sequence Models (RNNs/LSTMs) — NLP, attention mechanisms, and transformer architectures.
PyTorch for Deep Learning
Dec 2025 – PresentDeepLearning.AI (Coursera)
PyTorch
Python
- Building and training neural networks using PyTorch's dynamic computational graphs.
- Implementing CNNs, RNNs, and custom model architectures with torch.nn modules.
- GPU-accelerated training, model evaluation, and deployment workflows.
Machine Learning A-Z: AI, Python & R
Dec 2024 – PresentUdemy — Kirill Eremenko & Hadelin de Ponteves
Python
R
Scikit-learn
- Regression, classification, clustering, and association rule learning with real-world datasets.
- Dimensionality reduction (PCA, LDA), model selection, and boosting (XGBoost).
- Natural Language Processing and reinforcement learning fundamentals.
HOBBIES & INTERESTS
McMaster Symphony Orchestra
2022 – PresentViolinist
- Perform as a violinist with the McMaster Symphony Orchestra, rehearsing and performing orchestral repertoire throughout the academic year.
McMaster Intramural Team Sports
2023 – PresentSoccer, Pickleball, Football
- Compete in intramural leagues across multiple sports, fostering teamwork and sportsmanship in a competitive environment.