Alfie Renn

Software Engineer

Hi! I'm Alfie: physics graduate, toki pona speaker, and software engineer. I love to make beautiful things with code (mainly using HTML/CSS/JavaScript and Python), including websites, apps, and graphs. With all my work I create good quality, robust, and well-tested code, as well as powerful automation and well-organised git repositories, empowering collaboration. Do check out my website and GitHub!

Education

Sep 1, 2018Jul 6, 2022MPhys PhysicsDurham University1st (77%)
  • Masters Project: Using Machine Learning to Optimise Quantum Optics Experiments
Sep 1, 2011Jul 6, 2018A Level, GCSECottingham High School and Sixth Form CollegeA* A* A* (A Level), 6A*, 4A, 2D* (GCSE)
  • A* Physics
  • A* Mathematics
  • A* Further Mathematics
  • (GCSE) A* Mathematics, A English
  • (GCSE) + 5A*, 3A, 2 Dist*

Employment

Mar 3, 2023Freelance Software Engineer
  • Co-maintaining [**gspread**](https://github.com/burnash/gspread), an open-source **Python** API for Google Sheets with over 8 million downloads per month, demanding a high level of future-planning and project management.
  • Developed new code and tests in **JavaScript** for a new expansion for [keyteki](https://github.com/keyteki/keyteki), an online card game, working in a fast-paced and highly collaborative environment ahead of the new expansion's release.
  • Developed a mod for the video game Factorio in **Lua**, involving a low-level partner-plugin for the voice chat client Mumble, written in **C**. Released on Windows and Linux.
  • Interfaced with an electronic dot-matrix display discarded from a bus station, using **C**, requiring an involved knowledge of electronics and low-level communication protocols.

Software Engineer

Aug 22, 2022Mar 3, 2023ByteSnap Design
  • Utilised **Vue** and **TypeScript** to create an intuitive, user-friendly web application, using robust design patterns and best practices to ensure optimal functionality and user experience.
  • Designed and developed a responsive, feature-rich web application using **Flutter** and **Dart**, incorporating a range of views and user-friendly interfaces for maximum ease of use.
  • Employed **WPF** and **C#** to create a high-performance application, using **SQL** and an MVC architecture to facilitate the viewing, manipulation, and analysis of data.
  • Streamlined the deployment process of complex code with multiple dependencies, using **Docker** and **GitLab** CI to optimise the development process and improve productivity.

Solar Physics Research Student

Jun 14, 2021Aug 13, 2021Durham University Physics Department

Researching novel telescope imaging techniques using quantum gases

  • Developed robust code with **Python** for fabricating and analysing images from a solar telescope.
  • Performed deep literature review to justify techniques used in the creation of said telescope.
  • Discussed and acted upon desires and needs of telescope engineers, theorists, and observationalists.

Design Engineer Intern

Aug 12, 2019Sep 20, 2019Viper RF

Programmed and debugged a real-time optimisation algorithm on a microcontroller with **C**. This was used to minimise power losses for a microwave generator, to be used in an ion thruster for space satellites, improving both industry knowledge and personal skills.

Volunteering

Open-source Maintainer

Jun 6, 2023gspread - Simple interface for working with Google Sheets

Maintaining an open-source Python library for interacting with Google Sheets, including adding new features, fixing bugs, and responding to user issues.

Electrical Tester

Mar 23, 2023British Heart Foundation

Testing electrical equipment for sale in charity shops.

References

Jim Mayock, Viper RF. Matthew O'Keefe, PhD, MBA, Viper RF.

[... W]e were very impressed with [Alfie]'s outstanding contribution to our business in a relatively short period. He demonstrated extremely high intelligence, organisation, good technical communication skills, work ethic, and a positive attitude. [Available on request.]

Alexandre Lavigne, open-source pull request.

"This is very neat thank you for this contribution."

Romano Silva, open-source pull request.

"Thanks @strib and. @alifeee - very good team work!!!!"

Prof. Ifan Hughes, Durham University

[Available on request.]

Graeme Wintle, ByteSnap Design

[Available on request.]