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
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
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
Mock Market
Personal ProjectFull 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.
Ghost Shell
Personal ProjectAutonomous 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.
Matrix Visualizer Web App
Grade Received: A-Team Collaboration (6 members)
Elm
UX/UI Design Principles
- Collaborated in a team of 6 to design and code graphing software using Elm language.
- Followed UX and UI design principles for ease of use and aesthetic purposes.
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.
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
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.