Avi Varma - Resume

Professional Summary

A highly skilled and innovative Software Engineer with a robust background in mechanical simulation, 3D modeling, and computer science. Completed the Applied Data Science and AI program at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), focusing on AI-driven decision-making. Proven expertise in building deep learning models with 99% accuracy for medical image analysis using TensorFlow and Keras. Passionate about applying a multidisciplinary approach to develop cutting-edge digital solutions that advance research and product development. Proficient in Agile environments, consistently delivering high-quality solutions through code reviews, and experienced with collaboration tools like Bitbucket, JIRA, and Confluence. Dedicated to continuous learning, solving complex problems, and driving innovation across teams.

Education

Applied Data Science and AI
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Completed: July 2024
- Capstone Project: Developed a CNN for malaria detection with 99% accuracy using TensorFlow and Keras.
- SVHN Project: Enhanced digit recognition models using the SVHN dataset.
Unity XR/AR Development
University of Toronto
Completed: October 2023
- Developed AR applications using Unity and Vuforia.
- Implemented interactive XR experiences with C# and Unity's XR Toolkit.
- Explored advanced topics like spatial mapping and gesture recognition.
B.A.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering, Minor in Computer Science
University of British Columbia
Graduated: June 2022
- Coursework and Specializations:
  - Multiple Linkage System Design
  - Material Selection and Synthesis
  - Kinematics and Dynamics
  - Mechanics of Materials
  - Control Systems
- Capstone Project: Autonomous Grow Chamber
  - Engineered custom PCBs with power regulation.
  - Developed surface-mounted LED arrays controlled via microcontroller.
  - Integrated solenoids and sensors to regulate environmental conditions.
  - Programmed with C/C++ for real-time monitoring and control.
  - Implemented PID control loops for optimal conditions.
- Material Synthesis Project:
  - Assisted in developing a new form of concrete with enhanced durability.
  - Conducted experiments on composite materials to evaluate mechanical properties.
- President & Founder, Agricultural Robotics Club (ARC)
  - Led the implementation of FarmBot, an open-source CNC farming machine.
  - Coordinated assembly and configuration of hardware and software.
  - Automated agricultural tasks like seed planting and watering.
  - Organized workshops on sustainable agriculture technologies.

Certifications

CompTIA A+
CompTIA Network+
Microsoft Certified: Azure Fundamentals
Microsoft Certified: Modern Desktop Administrator Associate
Energy Safety Canada Fall Protection Training

Professional Experience

Software Engineer
Canadian National Railway, Montreal, QC
April 2022 - Present
- Proxy API for EWS to Microsoft Graph API:
  - Implemented modules in C# and ASP.NET MVC to bridge legacy Exchange Web Services with Microsoft Graph API.
  - Utilized Swagger/OpenAPI for interactive API documentation.
  - Collaborated on implementing OAuth 2.0 for secure authentication.
  - Improved system interoperability between legacy systems and cloud-based services.
- Infrastructure-as-Code Solutions:
  - FRECS (Frequency Assignment System):
    - Developed a Django web application using Python for automating radio configurations.
    - Implemented a user-friendly interface for managing frequency assignments.
    - Integrated PostgreSQL for robust data management.
    - Employed RESTful APIs for communication between FRECS and radio hardware.
  - Automation Scripts:
    - Automated deployment scripts with Python and Ansible Tower, achieving a 600% reduction in firmware deployment time.
    - Leveraged CI/CD pipelines for automated deployments.
- Agile Development & Code Reviews:
  - Participated in sprint planning, daily stand-ups, and retrospectives in an Agile environment.
  - Performed code reviews on Bitbucket, ensuring code quality.
  - Documented workflows and updates in JIRA and Confluence.
- Autonomous Track Inspection Program:
  - Collaborated with data science teams to implement machine learning algorithms for predictive maintenance.
  - Contributed to automated track and train inspection tools using Python and machine learning frameworks.
  - Assisted in integrating sensor data processing and anomaly detection algorithms.
IT Admin/Systems Engineer
Corporate Networks, Fort McMurray, AB
June 2020 - June 2021
- Developed Inventory Management System:
  - Created a backend using SQL Server to track networking hardware.
  - Built a user-friendly interface using Microsoft PowerApps.
  - Enabled technicians to check out assets with return dates and overdue notifications.
  - Improved asset tracking and operational efficiency.
- Engineered Automated Software Deployment Packages:
  - Developed PowerShell scripts for unattended installation of software like SOLIDWORKS and Siemens CNC control software.
  - Deployed scripts using managed service provider software, reducing deployment time by 50%.
- Managed IT Services and Client Support:
  - Provided technical support across various industries.
  - Used ConnectWise to issue invoices, track billable hours, and manage service tickets.

Entrepreneurship

Founding Developer
TheraConnect, Calgary, AB
July 2023 - Present
- Virtual Therapeutic Platform Development:
  - Collaborating to develop a VR platform using Unity for accessible therapy services.
  - Utilizing Photon Engine and Meta Presence Platform for immersive experiences.
  - Designing calming virtual environments using Blender and Unity's Terrain Tools.
  - Planning integration with professional therapeutic practices.
- Technical Stack and Innovations:
  - Implementing C# scripting for interactive elements.
  - Using Unity's XR Interaction Toolkit for user interactions.
  - Integrating Azure Cognitive Services for AI-driven therapy tools.
Founding Developer
Virtual Realty 360, Calgary, AB
July 2023 - Present
- Immersive Virtual Reality Platform Development:
  - Developing a platform using Unity for immersive 360-degree virtual tours of real estate properties.
  - Implemented Gaussian Splatting rendering techniques for photorealistic models.
  - Integrated Meta XR SDKs for cross-platform VR compatibility on Quest 3 and Apple Vision.
  - Employed Photon Engine’s Fusion for multiplayer experiences.
  - Optimized rendering pipelines for mobile VR platforms using Unity's optimized lighting features.
- Technical Innovations:
  - Leveraged Unity's optimized lighting features to enhance visual fidelity.
  - Developed custom shaders using Unity's Shader Graph for realistic environments.
- Future Goals:
  - Plan to expand the platform's capabilities and assemble a development team.
  - Aim to launch virtual tours for real estate clients with interactive features.

Key Projects

Crazy Golf VR
- Independently developed a VR game using Unity and Unity XR Integration, published on the MetaQuest Store.
- Achieved over 15,000 installs with 7,000 daily active users.
- Implemented interactive gameplay mechanics and immersive environments.
- Optimized performance with Occlusion Culling and LOD techniques.
Malaria Classification Game
- Developed a Convolutional Neural Network (CNN) using TensorFlow and Keras to classify malaria-infected cells using the NIH dataset.
- Compared performance against VGGNet, ResNet, and transfer learning baselines; selected custom CNN for highest accuracy and recall.
- Deployed the model as a containerized Flask API on Google Cloud Run for real-time inferencing.
- Built a full-stack interactive React game frontend that allows users to guess malaria status and compare results against the model.
- Integrated real-time confidence tracking, scoring, and gameplay logic; project showcases full ML lifecycle and deployment pipeline.
- Live Demo

Skills

Programming Languages: C#, C++, Python, PowerShell, Java, MATLAB, SQL, JavaScript
Frameworks & Technologies: .NET, ASP.NET MVC, Django, Unity, CUDA, OpenMP, VHDL
Machine Learning: TensorFlow, Keras, PyTorch, scikit-learn, NumPy, Pandas
Web Development: Django, Flask, RESTful APIs
Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQL Server
3D Modeling & Simulation: SolidWorks, Blender, Unity, Abaqus
Mechanical Engineering: Kinematics, Dynamics, Material Selection, Linkage System Design
Cloud & Automation: Azure, Ansible, Docker, Kubernetes, PowerShell
CI/CD & DevOps: GitLab, Jenkins, CAPA
Collaboration Tools: Bitbucket, JIRA, Confluence, ConnectWise
Hardware Design: PCB design (Altium Designer), Microcontroller programming (Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Quartus)

Additional Information

Languages:
- English (Native)
- Hindi (Fluent)
Agile Methodologies: Experienced in Scrum and Kanban frameworks.
Version Control: Proficient with Git workflows and GitFlow.
Volunteer Work:
- Mentored students in programming and robotics at local community centers.
- Participated in hackathons focusing on social good and environmental sustainability.

References

Available upon request