Nolan M
- Research Program Mentor
PhD candidate at University of California Irvine (UCI)
Expertise
Computer Music, Cryptography, Pure/Applied Mathematics, Game Development, Game Design, Unity, Coding Music, Python
Bio
Hi! I'm Nolan, a master's student at Stanford interested in the intersection of coding, mathematics, and music. This often manifests in game design (currently through programs such as Unity, ChucK, and SuperCollider) as well as projects in Python and C++. I also love doing research in topics such as theoretical mathematics and cryptography; I find these problem to be puzzle-like, which correlates well with my hobbies (nice segue, Nolan!). As for my hobbies, I solve Rubik's cubes, play board games such as chess and Scrabble, and play a wide variety of video games. I also play jazz piano and classical flute, read not as much as I'd like to, and study audio synthesis through synthesizers and mathematics. I'm looking forward to working on any project you think is relevant (or not) to these interests!Project ideas
Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.
Audiovisual Toys in Unity
Ever wanted to make an instrument on your computer? It's super easy! Using Unity for the computer interaction and ChucK for the audio synthesis, you will learn how to make an instrument that you, your friends and family can play. It will look awesome, too (example in picture)!
Code the Enigma Cipher in Python!
Want a challenging, yet fun introduction to coding in Python? In this project, you will learn how to code (and break) the famous Enigma cipher from World War II. You will learn the fundamentals of cryptography, encryption, and decryption and even learn a little bit of the history of spies and secret codes!
Coding skills
Python, C++, Solidity, Unity/C#, SuperCollider, ChucKLanguages I know
Spanish, intermediateTeaching experience
I've been a teaching assistant in college for 4 years now and I have over 10 years of teaching/tutoring experience in math, computer science, cryptography, chemistry, physics, and music. I've always wanted to teach as a profession and am super excited to work with Polygence students on their projects!Credentials
Work experience
Seagate (2020 - Current)
Cryptography ResearcherVisa (2019 - 2020)
Data/ML Software Engineering InternEducation
Stanford University
BS Bachelor of Science
Mathematics, MusicStanford University
MS Master of Science
Computer Science TheoryUniversity of California Irvine (UCI)
PhD Doctor of Philosophy candidate
Integrated Composition, Improvisation, and Technology