Hi, my name is Charlie Carpenter a Computer Science Graduate
Problem Solver | Project Manager | Computer Programer
Let's Get Acquainted!
Professional Summary
Hi there! I'm Charlie Carpenter, a computer science graduate from Durham University, where I achieved a First-Class
Honours and received the Individual Project Prize (BSc) for the highest-graded project within my cohort. I am passionate about solving problems and creating innovative solutions.
Throughout my academic and professional journey, I've mastered multiple programming languages and applied systematic thinking to tackle complex challenges. My impactful summer internship and extensive portfolio of personal projects demonstrate my ability to deliver results.
Beyond my technical skills, I have a proven track record in event management. I have successfully organised over 25 events, each achieving high satisfaction and profitability. My leadership roles have equipped me with strong public speaking and team management abilities, particularly in high-pressure situations.
me@charliecarpenter.co.uk | +44 (0) 7780 717679
My experience
1 Play Sports Summer Internship
1 Play Sports Summer Internship
1 Play Sports Summer Internship
During my summer internship at 1 Play Sports, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a team on multiple real-world projects aimed at enhancing online user interaction for a major sporting world cup. My role involved identifying and highlighting critical bugs in a client’s GitHub codebase, which ultimately allowed for the successful dep
During my summer internship at 1 Play Sports, I had the opportunity to collaborate with a team on multiple real-world projects aimed at enhancing online user interaction for a major sporting world cup. My role involved identifying and highlighting critical bugs in a client’s GitHub codebase, which ultimately allowed for the successful deployment of the project in new global regions.
One of my significant contributions was authoring a comprehensive technical product proposal. This proposal detailed a systematic solution for the client, breaking down complex technical nuances and empowering them to make informed decisions. This experience not only honed my technical skills but also enhanced my ability to communicate complex ideas effectively
Event Management
1 Play Sports Summer Internship
1 Play Sports Summer Internship
As the Head of Event Management at Durham, St Marys College, I organised over 25 events, many of which hosted more than 600 paying guests. This role required me to communicate effectively with suppliers and manage an annual budget exceeding £150k, showcasing my leadership and organisational skills.
Additionally, I managed the introduction
As the Head of Event Management at Durham, St Marys College, I organised over 25 events, many of which hosted more than 600 paying guests. This role required me to communicate effectively with suppliers and manage an annual budget exceeding £150k, showcasing my leadership and organisational skills.
Additionally, I managed the introduction of a new payment system, which streamlined the guest sign-up process and significantly reduced the time required by event staff. This innovation not only improved efficiency but also enhanced the overall experience for attendees and organisers alike.
Saling Instructor Summer Job
1 Play Sports Summer Internship
Saling Instructor Summer Job
As a Sailing Instructor at Grafham Water Sailing Club, I had the rewarding experience of introducing and training 8–12-year-olds in basic sailing techniques, helping them achieve their RYA Level 1 and 2 certifications. My dedication and expertise in this role led to my personal selection for a training program at the Olympic Park.
In addit
As a Sailing Instructor at Grafham Water Sailing Club, I had the rewarding experience of introducing and training 8–12-year-olds in basic sailing techniques, helping them achieve their RYA Level 1 and 2 certifications. My dedication and expertise in this role led to my personal selection for a training program at the Olympic Park.
In addition to technical instruction, I actively adapted my teaching styles to accommodate the diverse learning needs of my students. This approach ensured that each child could grasp the concepts effectively and gain confidence on the water
RAF Air Cadets
1 Play Sports Summer Internship
Saling Instructor Summer Job
During my time with the Combined Cadet Force, Royal Air Force, I managed and ensured that a team of 15 senior staff correctly organised weekly activities for over 150 young cadets. These activities focused on teaching leadership, fitness, and theoretical aircraft knowledge.
I completed the RAF management training course at RAF Cranwell, ac
During my time with the Combined Cadet Force, Royal Air Force, I managed and ensured that a team of 15 senior staff correctly organised weekly activities for over 150 young cadets. These activities focused on teaching leadership, fitness, and theoretical aircraft knowledge.
I completed the RAF management training course at RAF Cranwell, achieving merit level, and held the rank of Cadet Warrant Officer, the highest achievable cadet level. This experience greatly enhanced my leadership skills and my ability to manage and mentor large teams effectively.
My Education
BSc Computer Science (Hons) (2021-2024)
BSc Computer Science (Hons) (2021-2024)
BSc Computer Science (Hons) (2021-2024)
1st Class Classification (75%)
Final Year (80%) - Project Management (91%), Final Academic Project on blockchain decentralised applications (87%), Computer Vision (86%), Virtual and Augmented Reality (86%), Human-AI Design (78%), Reinforcement Learning (72%), Recommend Systems (72%), Multimedia and Game Development (68%), Deep Learning
1st Class Classification (75%)
Final Year (80%) - Project Management (91%), Final Academic Project on blockchain decentralised applications (87%), Computer Vision (86%), Virtual and Augmented Reality (86%), Human-AI Design (78%), Reinforcement Learning (72%), Recommend Systems (72%), Multimedia and Game Development (68%), Deep Learning (61%).
Penultimate Year - Programming Paradigms, Theory of Computation, Networks and Systems, Artificial Intelligence, Data Science, Software Engineering.
First Year - Open Source Project Programming, Computational Thinking, Algorithms and Data Structures, Computer Systems, Mathematics for Computer Science, Introduction to Astronomy.
Activities and societies: Lacrosse, Running, Finance committee, Scuba Diving, Badminton, Comp Soc, Hackathons, Durham University Charity Committee.
A Level (2019-2021)
BSc Computer Science (Hons) (2021-2024)
BSc Computer Science (Hons) (2021-2024)
Computer Science - A*
Physics - A
Mathematics - A
As part of my schools Head team of my I led presentations on important topics such as mental health, race, and bullying to audiences of over 600 people. Through weekly meetings, I actively contributed to improving students' wellbeing. Working closely with a dedicated team of 14 individuals,
Computer Science - A*
Physics - A
Mathematics - A
As part of my schools Head team of my I led presentations on important topics such as mental health, race, and bullying to audiences of over 600 people. Through weekly meetings, I actively contributed to improving students' wellbeing. Working closely with a dedicated team of 14 individuals, we effectively raised awareness and fostered a supportive school environment.
During my Computer Science coursework, I collaborated with a local pub to develop an online food and drink ordering system. Utilising Flask for the backend and Bootstrap for the frontend, this system enabled the pub to continue its operations seamlessly throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.
Activities and societies: Rugby, Hockey, Sailing, Graphic Design, Electronics Club, Debating Team.
Handwrite AR
Handwrite-AR is a tool designed to support individuals with dyslexia by transforming the handwriting experience through augmented reality. This real-time application provides a live overlay on handwritten text to check spelling, punctuation, and even translate text. It also offers audible narration and dictionary definitions, enhancing comprehension and learning. With customisable colour filters, reading becomes more accessible.
Built using C# and integrating multiple APIs, Handwrite-AR processes base-64 images, detects text using Google’s OCR API, and corrects errors via Microsoft Azure’s Spellchecker API. For translations, it utilises Google’s Translate API, ensuring accurate and timely responses. We tackled challenges such as high latency by optimising API hosting.
Developed during Durhack a hackathon with over 500 attendees, Handwrite-AR earned top honors, including the overall 1st place award, the Waterstons “3D tech” award, and the Bede Gaming “AI Assistance” award. With plans to enhance the user interface, Handwrite-AR is ready for real-world application, making it a valuable tool for those with dyslexia. One of our team members, who has dyslexia, is already considering using it to aid his writing, highlighting its practical impact. Experience the future of accessible learning with Handwrite-AR, where technology meets empowerment.
Smart Meal Planner and Food Waste Management System
As a finalist in the Durham university hackathon, I contributed significantly to the development of a this food waste management system. This innovative application allows users to input their ingredients and receive tailored recipe recommendations, prioritising items that are closest to their expiration dates to effectively minimise food waste. The system also suggests sustainable alternatives, such as donation options for unused items, thereby promoting ethical eating habits.
My role centered on backend development, where I architected and implemented robust REST APIs and set up a scalable database infrastructure. This involved crafting intricate SQL queries and ensuring seamless integration between the frontend and backend components. For the application we used Python and Flask to run the web sever and then a SQLite Database,
The project was both technically challenging and rewarding, requiring close collaboration with my teammates to resolve data formatting issues and enhance overall functionality. Participating in the hackathon provided invaluable experience in web development and teamwork, highlighting the importance of effective communication and time management in a high-stakes environment.
Reinforcement Learning
I developed an advanced reinforcement learning model to teach a 2D Bipedal Walker to navigate through the challenging terrain of the OpenAI Gym's BipedalWalker-v3 environment, including the hardcore version with obstacles like ladders and pitfalls. Using Python and PyTorch, I implemented an enhanced Twin Delayed Deep Deterministic policy gradient (TD3) algorithm combined with the Forward-Looking Actor model (FORK). This hybrid approach significantly improved the agent's ability to anticipate and plan movements, achieving optimal navigation in diverse environments. The project showcases a video of the bipedal walker mastering these hardcore terrains, demonstrating the effectiveness of the TD3-FORK algorithm in complex scenarios. This achievement not only highlights my proficiency in machine learning and algorithm optimisation but also underscores the potential for advanced AI to tackle intricate, dynamic problems.
Blockchain based Ticketing System
I developed a cutting-edge blockchain-based event ticketing system designed to revolutionise the way we buy and sell tickets. This application allows users to purchase, trade, and verify event tickets securely on the blockchain. Leveraging the power of smart contracts, each ticket is represented as a unique non-fungible token (NFT), ensuring authenticity and preventing fraudulent activities. The system supports a dynamic pricing model that adjusts based on demand, optimising profitability while minimising scalping activities. This project highlights the potential of decentralised technologies to enhance transparency, security, and user trust in the event ticketing industry.
To build this sophisticated system, I utilised an array of advanced tools and technologies. The smart contracts were developed using Solidity within the Visual Studio Code environment, and deployed on both Ethereum and Polygon networks to compare performance metrics. I employed the Hardhat development framework for its efficiency and comprehensive testing capabilities. Metamask served as the digital wallet interface, facilitating secure transactions between users and the blockchain. For the front-end, I used JavaScript with the Express framework, and integrated it with the blockchain via the Ethers.js library. Additionally, tools like Ganache and Truffle Suite were initially used for local development before transitioning to Hardhat for improved performance.
The achievement of this project is substantial. I successfully created a fully functional decentralised application (dApp) that mitigates common issues in current ticketing systems, such as scalping and hidden fees. By deploying the application on public blockchains, it offers enhanced security and transparency compared to traditional systems. The integration of dynamic pricing algorithms has proven to significantly increase event profitability, and the real-time updates ensure users are always informed about ticket availability. This project not only demonstrates my technical prowess in blockchain development but also showcases my ability to solve real-world problems using innovative technologies .
VR Rendering System with custom physics engine
I developed a sophisticated virtual and augmented reality system by enhancing the RenderPy-master Python repository. Utilising tools such as PyGame and Numpy, I transformed static frame rendering into real-time frame rendering, significantly improving the visual representation of 3D objects. I incorporated perspective projection to add depth perception, achieved through an advanced homogeneous coordinate system. This system allowed for more accurate transformations and realistic object rendering. Furthermore, I integrated quaternion mathematics to handle camera movements and orientation, ensuring smooth and dynamic scene adjustments. This enhanced rendering framework is showcased in a video demonstrating basic physics and rotations based on IMU data, highlighting the intricate interplay between graphical and physical simulations.
In addition to rendering improvements, I implemented comprehensive tracking and physics simulations to elevate the user experience. The tracking system leverages IMU data to provide precise orientation and movement detection, utilising quaternion transformations and dead reckoning. By fusing accelerometer and gyroscope data, I achieved accurate and stable positional tracking, essential for an immersive VR experience. The physics engine introduces realistic interactions through collision detection, gravity, and air resistance calculations. An innovative Level of Detail (LoD) system dynamically adjusts object complexity based on their distance from the camera, optimising performance without compromising visual fidelity. The result is a robust, efficient, and visually compelling VR environment, demonstrating advanced computational techniques and real-time rendering capabilities.
Bitcoin Autotrader
My Bitcoin auto trader is a sophisticated, Python-based application designed to optimise your cryptocurrency trading on Coinbase Pro. Utilising the Coinbase API, it employs advanced trading strategies, including dynamic moving stop losses, to minimise losses and maximise profits. As Bitcoin prices fluctuate, the stop loss levels adjust accordingly, ensuring your investments are protected. This dual functionality allows seamless trading between BTC and EUR, capitalising on small market movements with frequent trades within specified timeframes.
The intuitive Tkinter front end enhances user interaction, allowing you to customise stop loss percentages and re-buy amounts, directly affecting how your funds are managed on Coinbase Pro. Importantly, the application itself doesn't handle any funds; all transactions occur securely on Coinbase Pro, ensuring the safety of your assets. Users can monitor real-time market data and balances, execute trades, and configure their trading parameters through a user-friendly interface.
Additionally, the auto trader features a real-time graph displaying your profit trends, providing you with valuable insights into your trading performance. A multi-threaded design ensures the GUI remains responsive even while performing continuous market analysis and trading operations. Designed as a personal project it stands as a testament to the potential of automated trading to streamline and enhance your cryptocurrency investment strategies.
Film Recommend System
The primary objective of my project was to create a sophisticated hybrid recommendation system that effectively mitigates the cold start problem for new users by integrating collaborative filtering (CF) and content-based filtering (CBF) techniques. Leveraging a rich film dataset comprising over 100,000 data points and user ratings, our system begins by prompting users to rate a selection of initial films. This initial input allows us to dynamically update the recommendation model using a deep learning approach, specifically a convolutional neural network (CNN) implemented in PyTorch. We ensured the dataset's integrity by meticulously cleaning it to remove erroneous data points, thereby enhancing the model's reliability and accuracy. The system's performance was rigorously evaluated using metrics such as novelty and root mean square error (RMSE), demonstrating its capability to provide fresh and precise recommendations. Our innovative recommendation system exemplifies state-of-the-art techniques in AI, offering practical applications in delivering personalised film suggestions. This project showcases an in-depth understanding of combining collaborative and content-based filtering methods with advanced deep learning frameworks, resulting in a robust solution for personalised film recommendations. Currently the system is interacted via the terminal but I plan to integrate it with a graphical user interface (GUI).
Unity Adventure Game based in Durham
D U Delivery is an immersive RPG game developed in Unity and C# with custom 2D graphics, designed to spark curiosity and problem-solving skills in children. Set in the historic city of Durham, players embark on an adventurous journey where they must solve riddles rooted in the city's rich history and mysterious rumours. Customise your character with various skins and enjoy real-time translation in multiple languages, making the game accessible to a diverse audience. Navigate iconic locations like the Durham Cathedral and the bustling marketplace using your keyboard and mouse. As you solve riddles and complete deliveries, be prepared to outsmart enemies with advanced AI path tracking. D U Delivery is more than just a game; it's an educational tool aimed at increasing tourism to Durham while fostering a love for history and enhancing problem-solving abilities in young players.
My Experience . . .
Highest Dissertation Academic Award
On the 3rd of July 2024, I graduated from Durham University with First Class Honours. My academic journey culminated in a final project titled 'Designing and Analysing the Applicability of a Blockchain-Based Event Ticketing System,' which received the highest mark in my cohort (87%) and awarded Individual Project Prize (BSc) . This achievement reflects my ability to tackle complex challenges and deliver innovative solutions.
Winning Durhack
I had an incredible experience at DurHack, one of the largest hackathons in the UK. Hackathons are intense, collaborative events where teams work on innovative projects. At DurHack, which lasted 24 hours and featured over 500 participants, my team developed "Handwrite AR," a spell-checking tool for handwriting. Our project won the Overall Prize, the Waterstons Prize, and the Bede Gaming Prize. This event was a significant learning opportunity for me, enhancing my skills in C# and GitHub, teaching me valuable lessons in teamwork and problem-solving. Presenting our project to all the participants was a challenging yet rewarding experience that honed my public speaking skills. This achievement not only solidified my technical abilities but also boosted my confidence in tackling complex problems and collaborating effectively with others.
Durham St Marys College Full Colours
I was honoured to receive a Full Colours Award in recognition of my significant contributions to college life at University. This prestigious award is given to students who have shown exceptional dedication and made a lasting impact within the college community.
As part of my efforts, I took on a leading role in organising and running various events throughout the academic year. My goal was to create a vibrant and inclusive environment where all students felt welcome and engaged.
Duke of Edinburgh Bronze, Silver and Gold Awards
In 2021, I received my Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at Buckingham Palace, having completed the Bronze, Silver, and Gold levels. Throughout this journey, I raised funds to help replace the roof of a local church, taught survival skills and cyber awareness to younger students, and represented my school in rugby, hockey and cricket matches.
The expeditions in the Peak District and Lake District, where I walked over 25 kilometers a day, tested my endurance and resilience. This experience instilled in me valuable lessons in leadership, teamwork, and perseverance.
Prizes Awarded at Greshams School
During my time at Gresham's School, I was honoured with prestigious awards for my outstanding achievements in both Computer Science and the Cadets program. In Computer Science, my ability to solve complex problems and develop innovative solutions earned me top recognition, reflecting my technical skills and academic excellence. Simultaneously, my active involvement in the Cadets, where I demonstrated leadership, discipline, and a commitment to service, was acknowledged with an award for outstanding contribution. These accomplishments highlight my dedication to both academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, showcasing a well-rounded foundation for my future endeavours.
Achieved Merit at Air Cadet Leadership Course
During the challenging Air Cadet Leadership Course (ACLC) in the UK, I demonstrated exceptional leadership and teamwork abilities, earning a merit in one of the most demanding cadet programs. I honed my delegation skills by effectively leading various command tasks, emphasising the importance of team collaboration. My commitment to discipline was showcased through regular room inspections and maintaining high standards, even while staying in a bivy in the woods for two nights. Additionally, my precision and focus were recognised when I achieved the Best Shot Award in the shooting competition. These experiences reflect my dedication to excellence and ability to lead under pressure. During my time in the cadets I worked up to the highest rank of Cadet Warrant Officer.
PADI Scuba Diving
I have a deep passion for scuba diving, which has taken me to underwater adventures both in the UK and across Asia. I hold several certifications, including PADI Advanced Open Water, PADI Dry Suit, and PADI Enriched Air Diver, and have completed over 25 dives. Scuba diving is not only fun and rewarding but also teaches invaluable skills such as handling pressure and teamwork with a dive buddy.