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 heavy 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.
Projects
Systems Programming
Terminal System Monitor
Built a custom Rust-based utility featuring a terminal user interface to monitor active system directories, parse file hierarchies, and track unmounted drives.
Embedded Systems
Hardware Interface Network
Provisioned an AWS EC2 instance running a Flask server to process JSON payload data and interface directly with an ESP32 and Arduino-controlled LCD system.
Hardware / RF
Underwater Radio Communications
Designed and built a radio communications system integrated with a full face mask for scuba diving, enabling real-time underwater voice communication where standard comms fail.
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.
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 & Licences
- GMRS License
- Maryland Driver's License
- ASL Levels 1-3
- Soundboard Operation
- Photography
- Rock Climbing
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. Dug into firewall parameters and email headers to track vulnerabilities, and managed IT tickets in ServiceNow.
Computer Science Teacher
Green Acres Camp
Promoted to Head CS Teacher mid-season. Instructed students in Scratch, Python, and HTML fundamentals, and managed live sound engineering pipelines 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
Engineered network-based audio configurations over four years of live productions. Designed complex multi-channel sound cues, recorded Foley work, and trained incoming personnel on sound and lighting frameworks.
Intern
The KID Museum
Guided kids through hands-on project builds and helped set up a brand new Maker Space from the ground up.
Get in touch