Hi, Im Michael

Software Engineer

Full-Stack Developer / Cloud Architect / AI Enthusiast

About Me

I recently graduated from Clemson University with a Bachelor's in Computer Science, and I'm currently pursuing my Master's at the same institution. During my undergraduate years, I focused primarily on designing, developing, and deploying scalable cloud-based applications. Towards the end of my undergraduate studies and into my graduate work, I've developed a strong interest in Artificial Intelligence, particularly Machine Learning.

My passion lies in exploring innovative ways to integrate modern machine learning techniques to enhance user experiences in both mobile and web-based applications. I'm excited to apply and expand my skills in a professional setting, and I'm particularly interested in roles that offer opportunities for continuous learning and growth while contributing to meaningful and cutting-edge projects.

Michael Elrod

My Skills

Languages

  • Python
  • C/C++
  • Java
  • TypeScript
  • SQL
  • JavaScript

AI & Machine Learning

  • PyTorch
  • Deep Learning
  • Computer Vision
  • OpenCV
  • YOLO
  • Graph Neural Networks

Front-end

  • React
  • Next.js
  • HTML/CSS
  • Flutter
  • Tailwind

Back-end

  • RESTful API
  • MySQL
  • PostgreSQL
  • DynamoDB
  • AWS RDS

Cloud & DevOps

  • AWS Amplify
  • Docker
  • Git
  • CI/CD
  • Lambda
  • EC2
  • S3
  • API Gateway
  • CloudWatch

Development Tools

  • Linux
  • Postman
  • Figma
  • Jira
  • Confluence
  • Jupyter Notebook

My Portfolio

Here is a gallery of some relevant projects I've worked on. These projects are a collection of advanced AI research, fully deployed web & mobile applications, machine learning algorithms, conceptual study, as well as some projects I worked on for fun!

Each topic includes a link to one or more github projects where the tech is implemented. If you have any questions or would like more information please feel free to reach out using the form below or my LinkedIn located in the header.

Neural Networks for Classification & Path Finding

Neural Networks for Classification & Path Finding

Implemented various Deep Q-Networks & Graph Neural Networks using Python & PyTorch to solve single and multi-agent environments through Open AI's Gymnasium & MiniGrid. Applied solutions to quick time events in video games using real time image classification.

Machine Learning Models

Machine Learning Models

Implemented multiple regression models, K-means clustering, logistic regression, and SVM classifiers. Utilized cross-validation, feature scaling, and gradient descent optimization.

STEM Mobile Apllication

STEM Mobile Apllication

Collaborated with the Blue Ridge Innovation and Entrepreneurship Foundation to develop a STEM-focused educational mobile app to provide an accessible learning platform for underprivileged students at The Dream Center in Easley, SC as a part of the NIWC STEM Outreach Program

Project Management Application

Project Management Application

Architected and deployed a full-stack solution serving 100+ daily users, optimizing cost-efficiency through strategic client-side rendering with Next.js and AWS RDS with MySQL. Built and engineered robust cloud infrastructure using AWS Amplify for CI/CD.

Computer Vision

Computer Vision

Implemented Canny edge detection, facial detection system, panorama image stitching, and optical flow algorithms for various computer vision tasks.

Cloud Architecture

Cloud Architecture

Studied and practiced use cases and implementations of several Amazon Web Services to develop and host scalable applications using a serverless architecture.

SQL Database Management

SQL Database Management

Designed and implemented normalized SQL databases, applying 1NF, 2NF, and 3NF principles. Developed a Java-based application simulating a multi-user customer service environment.

Game Engine Architecture

Game Engine Architecture

Engineered two complete game engines from scratch in C++ and Python, implementing core systems including physics, rendering, and entity management. Optimized for 60+ FPS with 200+ simultaneous entities using component-based architecture.

Software Architecture

Software Architecture

Implemented Model-View-Controller, Observer pattern, and Decorator techniques to study and apply various software architecture principles.

Experience

Full-Stack Software Engineer

Independence County Contracting

Aug 2024 – current
  • Led end-to-end development as sole engineer, directly engaging with clients to gather and refine requirements for a project management web application
  • Architected and deployed a full-stack solution serving 100+ daily users, optimizing cost-efficiency through strategic client-side rendering with Next.js and AWS RDS with MySQL
  • Built and engineered robust cloud infrastructure using AWS Amplify for CI/CD, achieving reliable uptime while maintaining low operational costs

Machine Learning Engineer - Intern

Naval Information Warfare Center (Pacific)

Oct 2024 – current
  • Worked in a collaborative environment to research and propose a machine learning solution to dynamically locate and decode unique QR codes for the purpose of measuring atmospheric turbulence from images
  • Developed the proposed solution using a mixture of predefined ML models and python libraries such as QReader, OpenCV and YOLO, a real-time object detection framework

Machine Learning Engineer - Intern

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

May 2024 – Aug 2024
  • Researched and developed a graph neural network solution that demonstrated a 25% performance improvement over standard DQN approaches for multi-agent path planning, leveraging inherent message-passing capabilities for enhanced UAV collaboration
  • Accelerated training process by 2x through parallel computing implementation at the Lincoln Laboratory Super-computing Center (LLSC), efficiently decoupling agent experiences

Graduate AI Researcher

Clemson University

Aug 2023 – current
  • Researched and implemented the conversion of a traditional mathematical solution for drone swarm plant pollination to a deep reinforcement learning approach by combining graph neural networks and deep q-learning using Python & PyTorch to facilitate communication between drones with limited fields of view
  • Worked with other student researchers to engineer the architecture in a collaborative lab environment

Full-Stack Software Engineer

Naval Information Warfare Center (Atlantic)

Jan 2023 – Dec 2023
  • Led collaboration with the Blue Ridge Innovation Foundation to develop a STEM-focused educational mobile app as part of the NIWC STEM Outreach Program
  • Engineered the RESTful API using TypeScript with Docker for local hosting, and implemented the Flutter-based frontend with integrated API endpoints
  • Deployed the solution on AWS and managed the development workflow using Figma for collaborative design

Software Engineer - Intern

BlueCross BlueShield of SC

May 2023 – Aug 2023
  • Engineered an autonomous database cleaning tool to identify and remove unused objects from the department's database, resulting in a 12% reduction in storage usage using Python & Selenium
  • Collaborated with cross-functional teams to implement new features for client contact centers using Java, Python, and other proprietary software

Contact Me

I'm currently pursuing software development opportunities - especially in San Jose or the Bay Area. However, if you have any questions or would like more information, please don't hesitate to use the form below or you can reach out to me on LinkedIn.