Will Hoover

Hello World! My name is William Hoover. I am a passionate software developer with an interest in Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning. I’ve cultivated a strong foundation in programming, mastering languages such as:

·        C

·        C++

·        C#

·        Python

·        SQL

I have experience with various development environments including:

·        PyCharm

·        Android Studio

·        Visual Studio 2022

My github profile

My academic journey is complemented by hands-on experience with Ubuntu, MAMP, and MySQL, equipping me with a versatile toolkit to tackle complex challenges in AI and ML domains.

I am currently in my last few months of my bachelor’s degree program for computer science with an emphasis on artificial intelligence working on my capstone project. I currently hold a GPA of 3.52 from a range of classes specializing in artificial intelligence including AI architecture, computer vision, human and AI interaction, AI in cybersecurity, and more. Throughout this academic journey I have gained a understanding and respect for the complexities and capabilities of artificial intelligence setting me up for the challenges of working in the field as a entry level AI engineer.

My experience extends beyond the technical realm; I’ve spent around a decade in the U.S. Army Military Police Corps, culminating in a medical retirement as a Sergeant after being wounded in combat. This period of service not only honored me with awards of valor but also ingrained in me a profound sense of teamwork, leadership, and adaptability. I learned to be effective both in team settings and independently, ensuring tasks were completed efficiently regardless of the circumstances. Leading men and women across a spectrum of situations, from the high stakes of combat to the structured environment of an office, I’ve honed my ability to tailor mentoring and leadership to the moment’s necessity. This unique blend of experiences has equipped me with the skills to navigate challenges, solve problems creatively, and drive projects to success in the ever-evolving field of software development.

I have completed a few projects during my academic journey including a AI enhanced budget app called PocketChange that helps users save more money by taking in their budget and returning a minimum savings amount that the user is realistically able to save without effecting their daily lives.

PettyChange Repository

I achieved this by creating a gradient boosting machine learning model that took in the budgets of thousands of individuals both real and synthetic to train the model.

PettyChange Gradient Boosting ML Model

To create this model I worked with popular frameworks and libraries such as:

·        PyTorch

·        TensorFlow

·        Scikit-learn

·        OpenCV

·        Caffe

I have worked with text analysis, and facial recognition, notably with my project adapting the OpenCV deep learning face tracking model to distinguish between ‘authorized’ and ‘unauthorized’ users to a system. When the system recognized a face from the video as an ‘authorized’ user, it cleverly outlined the face with a green box, signaling recognition and access permission. Conversely, faces not matched with the database were marked as ‘unauthorized’ with a red box, indicating a lack of recognition. This visual feedback was not only intuitive but also provided a clear, immediate understanding of the system’s recognition process.

System authorization with face tracking

I also worked on a Book journal app that used the Google API to download from google books the details and cover photos of any book the user searched for and allowed them to save it to their profile. From there the user would be able to make any journal entries, rate the book and even share it with other users of the application.

Cranny Book Journal App

I enjoy the process of software development due to its ever-changing landscape. Many problems may be similar but never the same, and with every new problem is a puzzle to solve. Not just to make it work, but to make it work well. I take pride in what I have accomplished, and I strive to do better with everything that comes next, to work harder and smarter not just one or the other. There are no shortcuts in life, as there are no shortcuts in software development. Every corner cut is a headache in the future, so I take my time and do my best every time and learn from the mistakes I make.

I will be documenting the work I do for my capstone project with blog posts weekly showcasing the functions I worked on, any issues I had with them and how I solved those issues. I look forward to showcasing what I can do and my journey in software development.

-Will Hoover