Developer · Technician · First Responder
Alden
Darefsky
RIT cybersecurity student, systems engineer, and first responder. I thrive in high-pressure environments where execution matters and getting the details right has real-world impact, whether I'm debugging a core dump or handling patient care.
About
Cybersecurity student at Rochester Institute of Technology with hands-on experience across software development, systems administration, audio engineering, and emergency medical response. As a dyslexic developer, navigating text early forced me to develop strong pattern-recognition skills and an analytical approach to complex structural systems. I focus my engineering on visual architecture and robust, logical core infrastructure where getting it wrong has real consequences.
Education
B.S. in Cybersecurity
Rochester Institute of Technology
Relevant coursework: System Administration, Networking, Programming (Python, C, Java). Immersion in Science, Film, and Photographic Imaging.
High School Diploma
The Siena School
Graduated with a 3.63 GPA. Head Audio Technician for the theater program all four years.
Projects
Kubernetes and Virtualization
Homelab Kubernetes Cluster
Built and maintain a self-hosted 5-node Kubernetes cluster on Raspberry Pi and x86 hardware with PXE network boot, enabling automated provisioning, node-level autoscaling, and hot-swappable nodes with minimal downtime. Secured containerized workloads with firewall rules and network segmentation across local and Tailscale networks. Runs Nextcloud, Frigate NVR, SMB file sharing, and home automation services.
Infrastructure
Virtualization and Robotics Control System
Administered a VMware ESXi server hosting a database-driven robotics control system communicating over local UDP. Reduced CPU utilization by 22% and cut monthly manual interventions by 40%, then migrated the environment to Proxmox VE with 20 seconds of total downtime using Bash scripts for live file system transfer.
Hardware / RF
Underwater Radio Communications
Designed an environment-resistant enclosure for a MURS radio and modified a full face mask communications plug for two-way voice. Chose the lowest license-free frequency available to maximize penetration through water, achieving reliable line-of-sight communication at depths tested to 10 meters.
Systems Programming
Node Based Photo Editor
Developing a node-based photo editing application with a focus on intuitive user experience and efficient image processing. Currently in development.
Machine Learning
Melanoma Detection Algorithm
Trained a machine learning model to detect melanoma from skin images. Worked through the full pipeline from data preparation and model architecture to testing and evaluation.
Web Development
This Website
Developed this responsive website using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to showcase my work and background. It also includes a private client gallery that securely shares images through a custom API running on Cloudflare Workers.
Skills & Certifications
Languages
Tools & Systems
Certifications
- Emergency First Responder
- Rescue Diver (PADI)
- Divemaster Candidate (PADI)
- Rope Rescue
- ICS-100, 200, 700, 800
- Lead Belay & Lead Climb
Other Skills & Licenses
- GMRS License
- ASL Levels 1-3
- Live Sound Engineering
Experience
Probationary Member
RIT Ambulance
Responding to live emergency medical calls on the RIT campus as a probationary member. Handles patient care, active scene management, and ambulance operations under field supervision.
Park Monitor
The Adventure Park at Sandy Spring Friends School
Managed participant safety across high-altitude aerial courses; executed technical high-angle assists and crisis de-escalation under pressure.
Seasonal Store Sales Specialist
REI
Advised clients on technical outdoor equipment selection; performed custom load-distribution fittings for specialized gear and precision bicycle sizing.
Cybersecurity Intern
American University
Worked inside a live security team identifying and countering active phishing attacks. Analyzed firewall rules and email headers to trace attack sources and identify exposure, and resolved approximately 30 IT requests in ServiceNow.
Computer Science Teacher
Green Acres Camp
Promoted to Head CS Teacher mid-season. Taught Scratch, Python, and HTML fundamentals to 60+ students daily, and managed live sound engineering for large performance events.
Web Development Intern
Copper Note
Built responsive websites from scratch using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript.
Head Audio Technician
The Siena School Theater Program
Managed a network-based audio system for 15+ productions and performances. Designed complex multi-channel sound cues, recorded Foley work, and trained incoming personnel on sound and lighting.
Intern
The KID Museum
Guided kids through hands-on project builds and helped set up a brand new Maker Space from the ground up.