About Me

Hello! I'm Karim Darra, a Computer Science student at the University of Toronto with a passion for software development and machine learning. My coding journey started in high school with JavaScript, and since then, I've explored a range of programming languages and analytical techniques. Beyond the digital world, I’m an aspiring entrepreneur with two promising ventures under my belt. Currently, I work full-time as an ML Software Engineer, alongside a part-time role as a Teaching Assistant during my free hours. To ease the load for later, I’m also balancing a course at university—efficient multitasking is my specialty! A natural leader with a sociable spirit, I thrive in collaborative environments and love taking on challenging roles. Outside of work, you’ll find me playing sports, cooking up new recipes, strumming the guitar, or giving friends a fresh haircut.

Skills

Experience

Education

Courses

Technical
- Python
- Java, JavaFX
- C, C++
- SQL
- React
- Bash Shell Scripting, Unix
- JavaScript, HTML/CSS
- RISC-V Assembly
- Socket Programming
- OpenCL, HIP SDK
- Runtime Analysis
- NumPy
- Model Optimization
- Neural Networks, Deep Learning
Developmental
- Github, Gerrit
- Agile Methodology, Scrum, Parallel Programming
- UML, Behavioral Design Patterns
- Object-Oriented Programming
- Jenkins, Jira
Other
- Autocad
- LaTeX
- Microsoft Office Suite (Including Azure)
- Unity Game Development
- English and Arabic Fluency
- Team Leadership
- Effective Public Speaking, Quick Learning
- Adaptable, Organized, Composed, Social

May 2024 - Present: Machine Learning Software Engineer Intern
- Employer: AMD (Advanced Micro Devices) - Markham, Canada
- Contributing to the development of new features for GPU-accelerated, open-source math and communication libraries, supporting machine learning through optimized software development techniques and high-performance computing algorithms.
- Conducting testing, addressing software regression issues, and debugging kernel errors, ensuring stable performance of GPU-accelerated libraries on the latest AMD GPUs.
- Working extensively with OpenCL and HIP to diagnose and resolve runtime issues, enhancing overall performance and reliability.
- Investigating and resolving runtime test failures and application performance drops within the ROCm open-source software platform.
Sept 2023 - Present: Teaching Assistant
- Employer: University of Toronto - Toronto, Canada
- Courses: CSC 258 - Computer Architecture (Fall 2023), CSC 148 - Introduction to Computer Science (Winter 2024), IMI 302 - Managing Projects, Operations & Preparing a Business Plan (Winter 2024), CSC 236 - Introduction to the Theory of Computation (Fall 2024)
- Supported and facilitated lectures, addressing student inquiries and assisting with in-lecture activities to achieve academic objectives.
- Diligently graded a range of academic papers including midterms and final exams.
- Conducted regular office hours, providing guidance on tests, projects, and course materials.
- Invigilated exams, maintaining academic integrity by monitoring and managing exam environments.
Nov 2022 - Jan 2024: Robotics and Coding Instructor and Coordinator
- Employer: Obotoz Robotics & Coding - Mississauga, Canada
- Led instructional sessions on Robotics, Electronics, and Coding for youth, both in-house and in school extracurriculars, fostering a strong foundation in STEM.
- Initiated, designed, and coordinated a new Python instructional branch; developed weekly content, activities, projects, and capstone challenges, alongside documentation for every step.
May 2023 - August 2023: Cyber Security Intern
- Employer: Paramount Computer Systems - Dubai, UAE
- Assessed the evolving landscape of cybersecurity, focusing on core concepts like Defense in Depth, Zero Trust, and MITRE Attack Framework.
- Analyzed and compared top cybersecurity products using Gartner reports.
- Delved into Microsoft's security ecosystem, including identity protection, XDR capabilities, and Azurespecific security solutions.
Dec 2021 - Sept 2022: Convenience Store Clerk
- Employer: Panda Convenience and Variety - Mississauga, Canada
- Solely managed all store operations, including customer service, inventory management, financial transactions, cleanliness and hygiene, and store security via camera monitoring.

Sept 2021 - Dec 2025 (Expected): University of Toronto
- CGPA: 3.57
- Pursuing a Specialist degree in Computer Science, specializing in Machine Learning and AI.
- Pursuing minor degrees in Mathematical Sciences and Business, Science, and Entrepeneurship.
- I have 4 courses remaining to complete my degree.
- Enrolled in PEY Co-op.
- VP of Finance at UTM Nexus club, formed for organizing guest speaker events.

Projects

Jimmy

Envisioned and initiated the groundwork for a comprehensive fitness application, emphasizing real-time gym capacity monitoring, AI-driven form assessment through motion capture, personalized workout schedules, and a platform for community engagement. Authored a detailed and well-researched business plan, outlining the app's potential impact, target audience, and monetization strategies. Assembled a team to initiate prototype development, laying the foundation for the app's key features and future iterations. Used React for first prototype development. Demonstrated entrepreneurial spirit, leadership, and strategic planning in laying the groundwork for a potentially transformative product.

FINVUE

Collaborated as part of a team of four to develop FINVUE, a comprehensive financial management platform enabling users to track and monitor their finances. Implemented features including budget tracking, visualizations for monthly/yearly spending, and predictive algorithms for future spending. Integrated cryptocurrency and stock tracking, savings management, currency exchange, and a secure database for user authentication. Spearheaded the development of a robust financial ecosystem that empowers users to make informed financial decisions.

Note: The website is currently inaccessible due to database issues. The website functionality is fully showcased in the first 3 minutes of the youtube demo.

GitHub Repository | YouTube Demo

Direct P2P Messaging System

Crafted a C-based chat server with features like user registration, real-time messaging, and message queuing, enhancing communication efficiency for multiple clients. Utilized advanced socket programming techniques to ensure a secure and dependable messaging environment, further refining my expertise in network programming.

SIMON Assembly

Developed a fully functional SIMON game from scratch using assembly language, incorporating algorithms for randomization and game logic. Implemented a multi-player mode and a progressive level system to enhance gameplay. Optimized the game for efficient performance at the hardware level, showcasing in-depth knowledge of low-level programming and algorithm design. Demonstrated advanced problem-solving skills by devising complex assembly routines for random sequence generation and user interaction.

Battleship

Collaborated on a team of 3 to create a BattleShip game in Java with a fully integrated GUI using JavaFX. Spearheaded the front-end development and integrated Agile Scrum methodologies throughout the development cycle. Implemented accessibility by accommodating color blindess.

AI Checkers Endgame Solver

Designed and implemented a strong AI solution for solving Checkers endgame puzzles using alpha-beta pruning, state caching, and node ordering. Leveraged advanced artificial intelligence techniques to develop an efficient game tree search that evaluates possible moves and generates optimal strategies for both players. Focused on minimizing the number of moves for a guaranteed win or prolonging the game to delay a loss. Developed the solution in Python, incorporating depth limits and utility evaluation functions to ensure high-performance decision-making under time constraints. Demonstrated proficiency in AI algorithms and their application in complex, adversarial problem-solving scenarios.

Hi, I'm Karim Darra!