GSOC Application for Projects 1, 2 and 4

[loganpadon]

My name is Logan Padon. I am a senior in the University of Texas Dallas’ Computer Science program, and I am also in the fast track Master’s program focusing on intelligent systems and data analysis. I have sent this application on the main GSOC site, but I noticed people were posting theirs here so I decided to apply here as well.

I am most interested in working on the aima-python algorithms. Most of my experience in Python is working with machine learning and artificial intelligence techniques, so I am already familiar with both this textbook and many of these algorithms. Currently I am working on a team to create a Python program to translate sign language from a video using SVMs and CNNs, which demonstrates my skill with Python and my passion for AI and ML. For this project we’ve also used Git and Github frequently, so I am familiar with those technologies and can effectively use them to coordinate testing and updates to the programs. I also have experience using Jupyter to practice data munging techniques, so I could contribute to the explanation notebooks as well.

I am also interested in working on the aima-java algorithms. Java was the first coding language I learned, and I have been doing it since I was a sophomore in high school. I have done many different projects in Java, such as a simulation of a game of Blackjack and a simulation of a game of Go, complete with computer opponents and variable board sizes. I am an expert on Java’s data structures, which are very important to ensure that the pseudocode translates properly and efficiently. For example, one would need to know how to use a heap to perform Hierarchical-Search. I also have experience using JUnit to perform white box testing on large programs, as well as plenty of debugging experience on smaller school projects, which would be helpful in ensuring the validity of the algorithms the team produces.
I am also interested in working on the aima-exercises front end. For my current job as a web developer for Trident-Supply.com and CNA-Medical.com, I frequently use custom HTML to modify our templates to adjust category pages and specific product pages. As mentioned, I also have plenty of experience with Github that I believe would help when working with Github pages.

I have done tutoring in the past for math and computer science. In computer science specifically, I have helped organize and teach study sessions for algorithm analysis and database management. My strategy, generally, is to break down complex problems into simple, digestible chunks of information, and then congeal those chunks into a fully fleshed out idea when the student is comfortable with all the parts. I believe that leading the student to a revelation is much better for the student’s ability to remember than simply giving them information, so I like to ask questions and give hints often. I have been complimented for my focused and engrossing explanations. I believe this is an important qualification for all three jobs, as they all feature some degree of teaching, either in creating an entire portion of a curriculum or in simply explaining how an algorithm translates to Java or Python.
I have plenty of experience working remotely and on informal teams gained from my job. In our typical pipeline, jobs come down from the sales team, and I prioritize and implement the changes that they ask for. Typically, my process values doing smaller, shorter projects and adjustments first, then working my way up through the larger jobs that may take multiple days, with exceptions for time-sensitive jobs. This ensures that small duties are not neglected while large duties are completed in a timely fashion. It also minimizes context switching, which increases my productivity. This focused process would also be useful for the somewhat decentralized structure that these projects would be operating in, as I would also have to prioritize my time to ensure that we get every project done by the end of the summer.
I value education and artificial intelligence very strongly. While I am technically an undergraduate, I am in UT Dallas’ fast track Master’s program studying intelligent systems, and plan on going for my PhD after I complete that. I believe that there is still plenty of room for AI to improve peoples lives and make the world a better place, so long as it is used intelligently and responsibly. A good fundamental education in AI will be extremely important for the inventors of the future, and I would be happy to do anything I could to contribute to that.

Thank you for taking the time to read about my qualifications. You can reach me at logan.padon@utdallas.edu any time. You can also reach me at 469-358-3500 any weekday after 7, or on Saturday or Sunday after noon. You can find a sample of my projects at github.com/loganpadon. If you have any questions or concerns about my qualifications, please let me know.

Thank you,
Logan Padon