David Young

Cape Town, South Africa · [email protected]

I am a highly motivated and quick learner with a strong aptitude for acquiring new skills and knowledge efficiently. My excellent executive functioning abilities, including goal setting and strategic planning, enable me to approach challenges methodically and effectively. I thrive on solving complex problems and take great satisfaction in finding innovative solutions. My respect for authority and eagerness to learn from experienced mentors have been instrumental in my personal and professional growth.

Being homeschooled from a young age, I developed a proactive approach to my education, which has ingrained in me the importance of self-discipline, meticulous planning, and time management. This experience has taught me to work diligently within deadlines while maintaining high standards of quality. I am committed to continuous learning and personal development, always seeking opportunities to expand my horizons and enhance my skill set.

Experience

Intern Developer

Arixian

Arixian is a tech startup who develops AI-driven security solutions that detect and deter intruders in real-time.

During my internship at Arixian, I was involved in developing a microservice for secure video streaming. My responsibilities included:

  • Developing microservices using Python.
  • Implementing secure communication protocols.
  • Creating Docker images and setting up CI/CD pipelines.
  • Collaborating with the team to enhance system security and performance.

This microservice was designed to securely stream video data from cameras to the cloud, ensuring that the data was encrypted and protected from unauthorised access. My work at Arixian provided me with valuable experience in developing secure and scalable microservices, as well as insights into the challenges of real-world security applications.

Learn more about Arixian at their homepage.

Technologies used: Python, Docker, GitLab, CI/CD, Security Protocols

November 2023 - January 2024

iOS App Developer

Oobalink

Oobalink is a brand under the ooba Group, a major home loan originator in South Africa, comprising franchisees who operate under ooba's umbrella to provide home loan origination services.

During my time with Oobalink, I was responsible for developing a fully interactive iOS app prototype for streamlining the process of capturing a client's home loan application details. This prototype was designed to simulate all user interactions and workflows as they would occur in a final, production-ready application, but without a backend server. My responsibilities included:

  • Designing and implementing the user interface with SwiftUI.
  • Creating interactive forms and data entry fields.
  • Managing app data flow and state.
  • Implementing local storage solutions.
  • Setting up local notifications for users.

This prototype served as a proof of concept to demonstrate the potential of a full-fledged app, allowing stakeholders to experience the proposed functionalities and interactions firsthand. The project provided valuable insights into user experience design and local app capabilities without relying on server-side components.

Learn more about ooba at their homepage.

Technologies used: Swift, SwiftUI, GitHub, XCode

October 2020 - March 2021

Sales Manager

Funky Chickens

Funky Chickens sold free-range organic meat online and at markets. My responsibilities included:

  • Invoicing.
  • Stock management.
  • Monitoring sales performance and setting targets.
  • Handling customer inquiries and complaints.
  • Handling all sales and marketing activities.

Technologies used: Microsoft Excel, Yoco

2016 - 2019

Volunteering

IEEE ComSoc Logo IEEE Communications Society

Student Volunteer

Volunteered at the IEEE Communications Society Global Communications Conference (GLOBECOM) 2024 in Cape Town, supporting the organisation and execution of conference activities.

  • Assisted in ensuring smooth operations of sessions and technical presentations.
  • Collaborated with a diverse team of professionals, academics, and students.
  • Gained insights into advanced technologies like 6G, Semantic Communication, and cell-free mobile networks.

Skills: Event Management · Conference Coordination · Team Coordination · Professional Communication

Read more about my experience on LinkedIn.

8 Dec - 12 Dec 2024

Education

UCT Logo University of Cape Town

BSc(Eng) Electrical and Computer Engineering
Cumulative GPA: 64.7%
Notable Results:
  • EEE3097S: Engineering Design: ECE - 85%
  • EEE4120F: High Performance Embedded Systems - 83%
  • MAM2048S: Linear Algebra and Differential Equations - 81%
  • EEE4124C: Impact of Engineering on Natural and Social Environments - 80%
  • EEE4022S: Research Project (FERS) - 78%
2020 - 2024

Cambridge Logo Cambridge AS Level, Homeschool

Subjects: Chemistry, Mathematics, Physics, Computer Science
Final aggregate: 82%
2018 - 2020

Cambridge Logo Cambridge IGCSE Level, Homeschool

Subjects: English (first Language), Chemistry, Computer Science, Mathematics, Physics
Final aggregate: 81%
2016 - 2018

Projects

University Projects

This undergraduate thesis project involved modernising the Flexible, Extensible Radar Simulator (FERS), a C++98/03 radar simulation tool, to meet C++20/23 standards. Key goals were to improve performance, maintainability, and compatibility with modern systems, making FERS more efficient and future-ready.

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This project implemented data compression and encryption on the STM32F051 Discovery Board to securely transmit sensor data from Antarctic buoys via the Iridium satellite network. The system uses LZSS for compression and Blowfish for encryption, ensuring data integrity and reducing transmission costs.

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This project evaluates the performance of MD5 and MD6 hashing algorithms across C++, OpenCL, and Verilog implementations, highlighting the trade-offs between software and hardware approaches and demonstrating the advantages of parallel processing for cryptographic applications.

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This project focuses on developing a TOPSIS-based algorithm for selecting the optimal Radio Access Technology (RAT) in Heterogeneous Wireless Networks (HWNs), considering criteria such as signal strength, data rate, and delay to enhance network performance and user experience.

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Enviro-Sense is a wireless sensor network designed to monitor temperature and humidity at raptor nesting sites. The system uses ESP32-PICO-D4 microcontrollers, Raspberry PI Zero's, and DHT11 sensors to collect and transmit data efficiently. It focuses on cost-effective and reliable environmental monitoring, with real-time data transmission and power-efficient strategies.

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This project involved a simulated investment journey on the Johannesburg Securities Exchange (JSE), where strategic investment decisions were made to maximise returns and manage risks. The project included comprehensive financial analysis and resulted in a total profit of R1,037.24.

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Skills

Programming Languages

  • Python (Advanced)
  • C++ (Advanced)
  • C (Intermediate)
  • Swift (Beginner)
  • Java (Beginner)

Tools & Technologies

  • Docker (Advanced)
  • JetBrains (Advanced)
  • GitHub (Advanced)
  • Ubuntu (Advanced)

General Skills

  • Problem Solving
  • Project Management
  • Professional Communication
  • System Design
  • Academic Writing

Interests

Outside my professional and academic pursuits, I have a diverse range of interests that keep me balanced and continually learning. These activities not only provide relaxation and enjoyment but also contribute to my personal growth and professional skills.

Outdoor Activities

I enjoy hiking and weightlifting. Hiking allows me to connect with nature, clear my mind, and stay physically fit. Weightlifting, on the other hand, helps me maintain strength, discipline, and a healthy lifestyle. Both activities teach me the importance of perseverance and setting goals.

Cybersecurity & Privacy

Cybersecurity and privacy are areas of great interest to me. I am passionate about protecting personal and organisational data from cyber threats. I regularly follow the latest trends, research new security techniques and the threats they aim to expunge. This interest aligns with my professional skills and enhances my understanding of secure coding practices and network security.

Personal Projects & Coding

In my spare time, I love to work on personal coding projects. Whether it's developing a new app, experimenting with new programming languages and technologies, or spending hours trying to automate some mundane task that would take 10 minutes to do manually. I am always looking for ways to improve my coding skills. These projects allow me to apply what I've learned in a practical setting and explore new areas of technology.

Strategic & Team-Based Games

I enjoy engaging in strategic and team-based games. Games like chess and strategy-based video games help me enhance my problem-solving skills, strategic thinking, and ability to work as part of a team. These skills are directly transferable to my professional life, where strategic planning and teamwork are essential.

Awards & Certifications

  • Golden Key International Honour Society Member View Proof of Membership
  • Distinctions in Final Year Project, Computer Science, Electrical Engineering, Linear Algebra & Diff Eq., Engineering Design, and High Performance Embedded Systems
  • Toastmaster’s Youth Leadership Program (2016)