Pacman “Hard-Mode” Application
Developing the Pacman app was an enriching group project that honed both technical and leadership skills. As the team lead, I delegated tasks to ensure efficient progress and took responsibility for key technical components, including implementing multithreading for smooth gameplay and designing the ghost AI to challenge players with dynamic behavior. Additionally, I integrated the contributions from other team members into the app, ensuring seamless functionality and a unified experience. This project underscored the value of collaboration, reinforced my ability to manage complexity in application development and sparked insights into user-centric game design, essential skills in data-driven software development. This project was written in Java using Android Studio and GitHub.
Research Paper on the Todd-Coxeter Algorithm
The exploration of group theory in modern algebra was a fascinating journey that deepened my understanding of abstract mathematical concepts. Learning about groups, cosets, and the underlying principles of computational group theory prepared me to engage with advanced algorithms like the Todd-Coxeter algorithm. This process involved studying the algorithm’s theoretical foundations, historical context, and practical applications in computer algebra systems. My particular roles in this paper involved delegating the work amongst my other team members to best suit their strengths, writing the proofs for Lagrange’s Theorem and for Termination within a Finite Subgroup and working through the coset enumeration of the alternating group A5 which included creating the Schreier Graph of A5.
Library Database System
As part of a group project, we developed a SQL-based library database system to manage various aspects of library operations. I took the lead in delegating responsibilities, ensuring that team members worked efficiently and cohesively. My contributions included designing and implementing core functionalities such as maintaining relationships between tables, creating constraints to ensure data integrity, and structuring the database schema for scalability. This project solidified my skills in database design and collaboration, critical in data-centric applications. This project uses SQL and MySQL.
Elmo’s Elmo
During a hackathon, my teammate and I developed “Elmo’s Elmo,” an innovative project that integrated hardware and software. Using a Raspberry Pi and a Hug Me Elmo doll, we designed a system where hugging the doll triggered my workstation’s Elmo machine, a tool for generating fake internet packets. This project combined BASH scripts and Python, showcasing our ability to blend playful creativity with technical proficiency. It highlighted my skills in hardware-software integration and rapid prototyping under tight deadlines.
Merritt D. Spencer Portfolio and Resume 