Hi, I'm Mert Bildirici
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I'm a rising junior at Duke University studying Computer Science and Mathematics. I am passionate about machine learning and its applications in sports, biology, and finance. I thrive on staying updated with the latest advancements in technology and love exploring new areas of knowledge. I am excited to leverage my skills and knowledge to contribute to innovative solutions that make a positive impact on society.
Currently, I am interning at Tanium as a software engineer. I am working on a Kubernetes operator that will automate the upgrade process of Tanium's products in cloud environments. In addition, I am conducting research on novel Protein Language Model (PLM) architectures under Dr. Naderi-Alizadeh. My research involves combining protein sequence and structure data to create models for improved learning and predictive performance. I leverage Pytorch to build and test neural network architectures, implementing deep learning techniques to advance our understanding of protein structures and their functions.
Raised in both the US and Turkey, I pride myself on my global identity, which enriches my personal and professional life. My passion for technology drives me to explore new innovations and create impactful projects. The intersection of Computer Science, Mathematics, and Statistics fuels my ambitions, offering endless opportunities for growth. I stay updated with technological advancements to tackle complex challenges and drive meaningful change. At Robert College in Turkey, I developed a deeper appreciation for non-STEM fields and honed my writing skills. Outside of work, I enjoy staying active at the gym, pool, or soccer field, and pursuing hobbies like candle making and cooking, which bring balance and creativity to my life.
Experience
May 2024 - August 2024 | Durham, NC
Software Engineer Intern @ Tanium> Developed a Kubernetes operator in Go to automate installs and upgrades for cloud solutions.> Integrated K8s operator into CI/CD pipelines, improving deployment workflows and monitoring.> Conducted optimization and unit testing to ensure the operator met high efficiency standards.> Managed custom resources, enhancing operator’s ability to handle complex configurations.
April 2024 - August 2024 | Durham, NC
ML Research Assistant @ Duke University> Conducted research on novel Protein Language Model (PLM) architectures under Dr. Alizadeh.> Combined protein sequence/structure data; created models for improved predictive performance.> Leveraged Pytorch to build and test neural network architectures, implementing deep learning.
August 2023 - April 2024 | Durham, NC
Mobile App Developer @ Duke University> Developed an app for professors to post quizzes online, engaging 500+ active users.> Utilized Firebase to develop a question bank module and integrated a question release feature.> Implemented real-time notifications by utilizing Firebase Cloud Messaging topic messaging.> Developed a server in Java using Spring Boot, handling network requests to send notifications.
August 2023 - May 2024 | Durham, NC
Teaching Assistant @ STATS199> Led discussion sections with 35+ students, covering course content in R; graded assignments.> Mentored students; answered questions through weekly office hours & class discussion forums.
May 2023 - Aug 2023 | San Francisco, CA
Software Engineer Intern @ Valensas> Developed a React web app for enabling users to make purchases with a pre-authorized payment method, even in areas with limited internet connectivity.> Built web-based interface for that enables users to view transaction history.> Created a panel with React Admin to efficiently manage and monitor flights and transactions.> Utilized Rest API for flight-related tasks: retrieving flight data and creating/terminating flights.> Leveraged the Multipeer Connectivity Framework to enable transaction history synchronization.
February 2023 - May 2023 | Durham, NC
ML Engineer @ Duke Applied Machine Learning> Working for the project AMP®-Parkinson's Disease Progression Prediction.> Developed a predictive model measuring the progression of Parkinson's disease.> Employed ML algorithms to analyze the data, including supervised and unsupervised learning.> Utilized Scikit-learn, Pandas, and NumPy for data processing and model development.
May 2022 - Aug 2022 | Durham, NC
Software Development Intern @ Recly> Developed solutions for critical bugs in Recly, a workout partner connection app written in React.> Enhanced the Chat section by message notifications and improved message synchronization.> Extended code to support international phone number sign-in, adding 200+ international users.> Cut build times from 5 minutes to 20 seconds by leading backend environment overhaul.
Projects

AStar Path Finding




This project demonstrates the A* pathfinding algorithm, a widely used pathfinding algorithm in computer science. The app visualizes the algorithm's operation by animating the process of finding the shortest path between two points on a grid. Users can interact with the grid by changing the start and end points to observe the algorithm's behavior in real time.

Fractional Tree




Adjust the slider to see the fractional tree creation from different angles. Explore the intricate patterns and fractal-like structures that emerge as the tree grows. Observe how the branches branch out and the tree expands with each iteration. Dive into the mesmerizing world of fractals and experience the beauty of nature's mathematical artistry.

DinoGame


A new way to play your favorite computer game

By utilizing computer vision techniques and libraries, the application detects and tracks hand movements, enabling users to play the Google Dino game without a keyboard. With precise hand gesture recognition, players can control the game intuitively, eliminating the need for traditional keyboard controls. Experience a new level of interactivity through this cutting-edge hand gesture recognition technology.

Skills


Java

R

C

Javascript

Typescript

Python

Go

HTML

CSS
Pandas
Pandas
Scikit-Learn
Scikit-Learn


NumPy
NumPy

React.js

Node.js

Spring Boot

Tensorflow

Git

Jupyter

Kubernetes

Docker

Firebase