INTRODUCTION

I'm Eric, a Computer Scientist + Certified Goof

"I have recently graduated with my master's in computer science, focusing on AI/ML/Data Science and Software Engineering, and I am seeking a role that involves implementing cutting-edge technologies to solve real-world problems. Unlike many tech nerds, I am a tech nerd who thrives in roles that allow me to connect with people while applying technical skills. After learning my top 5 CliftonStrengths (Woo, Ideation, Learner, Futuristic, and Activator) during my time at Charles Schwab, I realized I work best in roles that require human interaction and creativity, and foster continuous learning and go-getter attitudes, making me well-suited to environments where collaboration and innovation intersect."

4+
COMPUTER SCIENCE:
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
16+
PROJECTS
COMPLETED
7+
CHEMISTRY:
YEARS OF EXPERIENCE
This isn't serious, but I think it is hillarious. If this was serious, I would be ready to hack the world.

Biography (it is long)

Graduating from Colorado State University with a chemistry degree in 2013, I landed an opportunity to work at the forefront of analytical quantification methodologies for cannabis at Nordic Analytic. Being in the first state to legalize cannabis in the U.S., I was among the pioneering chemists in the cannabis testing industry, helping shape the methodologies we use today. I'm honored that my potency testing methodology was chosen by the state of Colorado as the industry standard. Later on, I joined Cannasafe in Los Angeles as the potency team lead. There, I built the potency department from the ground up and eventually managed a team of 8. During my tenure, we were ranked the 13th fastest-growing start-up in the U.S. by Inc., with our revenue skyrocketing by 12,143 percent.

Throughout this journey, I recognized the vital role of the laboratory information management system (LIMS) in a scientific lab. Collaborating with software engineers responsible for LIMS at both Nordic Analytic and Cannasafe, I discovered my aptitude and enthusiasm for software development and how it can be used to solve everyday problems. I started with coding courses on Codecademy, and when COVID hit, I shifted away from chemistry and returned to Colorado State University for its newly revamped computer science program. In just 2 years, I earned my second bachelor's degree with magna cum laude distinction and began pursuing my master's focusing on AI, cybersecurity, and data science. During this time, I was actively working on creating a laboratory information management system with Dil Ahdan in London, that aimed to solve the problems cannabis testing labs were facing in their day-to-day lives. However, after two years, we recognized that the market was not ready to invest in our product due to resistance to change and strict industry regulations on data, making it difficult for clients to take the risk of migrating to a new and unknown LIMS.

This project taught me an important lesson: the need to fully understand the 'why' behind a solution. If we had taken the time to ask the potential clients what they were truly looking for and why they wanted a new solution, we would have realized that those voicing the complaints were not the decision-makers in charge of spending. We also came to understand that with our current levels of dedication, the product was bound to fail. This experience has driven me to approach problem-solving by focusing on understanding the project goals/client needs and asking the right questions to ensure alignment between the solution and the goal.

I then had my first corporate internship at Charles Schwab, where I identified my top 5 CliftonStrengths (Woo, Ideation, Learner, Futuristic, and Activator). During this internship, I self-reflected and realized how much I thrive in roles that allow me to connect with people while applying technical skills. I’m passionate about exploring new ideas, building relationships, and driving forward-thinking solutions that align with both user and business goals.

Now, after obtaining my master’s degree focusing on AI, cybersecurity, and data science, I’m eager to find roles that allow me to blend my technical expertise with my love for communication and problem-solving. I am driven not just to solve problems but to understand the 'why' behind them. My goal is to work on AI projects that have a real-world impact, particularly in areas like natural language processing, generative AI, and data-driven decision-making, ensuring that the solutions I help design are innovative, effective, and aligned with user needs and business objectives.

I’ve learned through experience that diving into development without a deep understanding of the underlying problem can lead to wasted effort. This has shaped my approach, ensuring that the solutions I design are not only innovative but also genuinely aligned with user needs and business objectives. I’m excited to see where generative AI and other emerging technologies will take us, and I’m committed to staying at the forefront of these advancements, constantly learning and growing to harness these technologies effectively.

Education

M.S. in Computer Science (GPA 3.857)
Funded Reasearch Assistant

Colorado State University

Aug 2024
B.S. in Computer Science (GPA 3.951)
Magna Cum Laude Distinction

Colorado State University

Dec 2022
B.S. in Chemistry (GPA 3.34)
Concentration in Analytical Chemistry

Colorado State University

May 2013

Experience - Computer Science

Full Stack Developer
Grit & Grub

Fort Collins, CO

June 2024 - Present
IT and Solutions Support
North & Co. Real Estate Agency

Littleton, CO

Dec 2022 - Present
Graduate Researcher - Cybersecurity/ML/NLP/AI
Colorado State University

Fort Collins, CO

Dec 2022 - Sep 2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
CT 301 - Fundamentals of C++

Logan Seabolt - Colorado State University

Jan 2024 - May 2024
Graduate Teaching Assistant
CS 414 - Object Oriented Design

Dave Matthews - Colorado State University

Aug 2023 - Dec 2023
Guest Instructor
CSU Cyber Camp 2023

Colorado State University

June 2023 (2 Weeks)
Lead Teaching Assistant
Python

Elisa Cundiff - Colorado State University

Aug 2022 - Aug 2023
Internship at Charles Schwab
Database Team

Lone Tree, CO

June 2022 - Aug 2022
Cybersecurity and Privacy Internship
Threat and Vulnerability Team

Colorado State University

Aug 2021 - May 2022
Chief Scientific Consultant

LabFlow LIMS, UK

Company Website Sept 2020 - Aug 2022
Undergraduate Research
Visualization of Covid-19 Data

Dr. Ghosh - Colorado State University

May 2021 - Aug 2021
HashDump Club Officer
Treasurer
Colorado State University
Apr 2022 - May 2024
Duo Mobile 2FA Help Desk
Division of IT

Colorado State University

Oct 2021 - Nov 2021

Experience - Chemistry

Sr. R&D Chemist / Quality Control Chemist
CannaSafe Analytics

Van Nuys, CA

Feb 2020 — Aug 2020
Sr. Chemist / Potency Department Lead
CannaSafe Analytics

Van Nuys, CA

Sept 2018 — Feb 2020
Analytical Chemist / Workflow Manager
Nordic Analytical Laboratories

Denver, CO

Sept 2016 — Aug 2018
Science Instructor
MadScience of Colorado

Denver, CO

Feb 2016 — Aug 2016
Food Chemist
IEH - Warren Analytical Laboratory

Greeley, CO

Aug 2014 — Jan 2016
Research and Product Development Chemist
Advanced MicroLabs LLC

Fort Collins, CO

Jul 2013 — Jul 2014 (Aquired)
QC Chemist, Internship
Tolmar Pharmaceuticals

Fort Collins, CO

JMay 2012 — Aug 2012
Competencies

Technical Competencies

These are technical skills that I have acquired thus far in my computer science career.

I am not claiming to be a master in all of these skills, that would be amazing, but it is simply not true.

With that said, I am confident that I can hold a position that utilizes any of the following competencies and increase my mastery in any of these skills if needed.

Languages

Python, C++, Java, C, JavaScript, Bash, Dart, Solidity, MySQL, Oracle PL/SQL, HTML, CSS, JSON

Coding Methodologies

Agile, Retrieval Augmented Generation (RAG), Clean Code, Test-Driven Development, Ability to use cutting-edge tools to improve efficiency

Project Management

SCRUM, Maven, GitHub, Jupyter Notebooks, Kanban, Presentation Skills, Team Leadership/Management, Cross-Team Communication, Project Design, Specifications/Requirements, UML, ERD, Great Sense of Humor

Interests

Artificial Intelligence, Generative AI, Software Engineering, Software Development, Cybersecurity, Machine Learning, Data Visualization, Business Analytics, Ideation, Blockchain, Cryptocurrency

Relevant Courses

Machine Learning (I, II), Artificial Intelligence, Natural Language Processing, Data Mining, Big Data, Distributed Systems, Ethics in Computer Science, Data Structures, C++, Java, Object Oriented Design, Operating Systems, Computer Organization, Systems Security, Algorithms, Project Management for CIS, Creating Things that Think,, Calculus I - III, Linear Algebra for Data Science, Discrete Structures, Blockchain, Software Metrics

Development

Linux, Windows, Data Pipelines, Distributed Systems, Vector Databases, Virtual Machines, Kubernetes, Docker, React, Bootstrap, MariaDB, JSON, Anaconda, Numpy, Matplotlib, Flutter, Pandas, Junit, JEST, PyTorch, TensorFlow, GPT, Generative AI Tools

Highlights

Featured Highlights

Here are some awards, articles, documents, certificates, and whatever else I am proud of.

Portfolio

Latest Papers / Projects

See my GitHub for actual details on the following projects. This is also most likely not up to date like most personal websites.

Pictures

Pictures to Verify I am a Weirdo

Here is a collage of photos that help eludidate my eceletic personality.

References

References

Here are some of the amazing people who I have worked with in the past that I could reach out to for a reference if needed.

I really need to update this to add all my amazing computer science references! But that will be for another day.

For my future reference: Dr. Indrakshi Ray, Dr. Sudipto Ghosh, Dave Matthews, Elisa Cundiff, Dr. Joe Gersh, Dr. Amani Altarawneh, Kelly Poto, Victor Berggren, Tarun Sai Pamulapati, Dil Ahdan, Tyson O'Leary, Audrey Dorin, Charles Shwabbies, Luke Fisher, Enzo Barrett, Federico Larrieu, Matt Young, Kassidy Barram, and many more amazing people

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