Professional Experience
Ongoing focusing on AI security, robustness, human alignment, and privacy.
Professional Experience
Old Dominion University
Research Assistant
- Researching LLM security, jailbreak and backdoor attacks, and robust AI systems
- Developing post-training defense mechanisms for language models
Cardinal Peak
Embedded Software and ML Engineer
CS Investigations Camera Platform
Full-stack camera management system with secure authentication and real-time processing
FlaskReactJSPostgreSQLDockerOpenCV
Dumpster Fullness Detection
End-to-end ML pipeline for computer vision-based waste monitoring
AWS DeepLensSageMakerTensorFlowCNN
EdgeML Projects
Multiple TinyML implementations for edge devices including digit recognition and environmental monitoring
ArduinoTensorFlow LiteEdge ImpulseIoT
Carnegie Mellon University Africa
Teaching Assistant
Data Inference and Applied Machine Learning &
AI System Design
- Delivered recitations, developed assignments, and provided constructive feedback through grading
- Held office hours and assisted with hands-on exercises, offering individualized support on complex topics
Carnegie Mellon University Africa
Graduate Student Intern
- Developed and evaluated ML-based algorithm for network anomaly detection using LSTM and Savitzky-Golay filter
- Tested on various datasets, analyzed performance, and authored scientific reports
Symbol Technologies PLC
Network and System Engineer
- Designed and deployed a complete VISP solution with custom server/router infrastructure
- Managed FreePBX-based call center system and implemented IVR menus
- Developed mass SMS delivery system for virtual internet service customers
Huawei
Network Engineer Intern
- Designed and configured campus-wide network solutions with VLAN segmentation
- Evaluated Ethio-telecom's cellular network and contributed to solution strategies
Education
PhD in Computer Science
Old Dominion University (ODU)August 2024 — PresentFocus: AI Security, LLM Security, and Robust AI Systems,Privacy
M.Sc. Electrical & Computer Engineering
Carnegie Mellon University (CMU)May 2022Focus: Machine Learning (ML) and Cyber Security
B.Sc. Electrical & Computer Engineering
Addis Ababa University (AAU)July 2019Focus: Electronics and Communication Engineering
Achievements & Volunteer
- MasterCard Foundation Scholarship (M.Sc.)
- Very great distinction certificate (B.Sc.)
- Python programming instructor for high school students at Meles Foundation and Addis Coder
- Tutored applied mathematics for engineering students at AAU as a volunteer
- Founder and Chairperson, "Hagerihin Ewok" Club: Led student organization promoting national heritage awareness