About Me
PhD Student, Researcher & Developer
My name is Erfan Habibi Panah Fard, and I am currently pursuing my PhD degree in Computer Science at the University at Buffalo. Alongside my studies, I serve as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in Discrete Structures, where I lead a team of TAs and collaborate with faculty to enhance the academic experience for students. My work focuses on improving course curricula, promoting academic integrity, and ensuring students gain a deeper understanding of key concepts.
Previously, I worked as a Frontend Developer at Bent Oak Systems (Elevista.ai), where I contributed to the development of high-quality, AI-driven audience growth platforms. Leveraging my proficiency in TypeScript and full-stack development, I collaborated with design teams and implemented advanced frameworks like Next.js and Nest.js. These efforts played a pivotal role in enhancing product design, meeting ambitious project deadlines, and driving platform success.
Beyond my academic and professional endeavors, I am deeply interested in exploring how cutting-edge technologies can drive meaningful change, particularly at the intersection of AI and robotics. My journey continues to be driven by a commitment to learning, teaching, and creating impactful solutions.
Experience
Research Assistant
May 2025 - PresentUniversity at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States
Conducting research in secure multiparty computation under Dr. Marina Blanton. Working on the PICCO compiler to enhance its functionality and security features. Implementing secure floating-point operations using Replicated Secret Sharing (RSS) backend for privacy-preserving computations.
Graduate Teaching Assistant - Data Models and Query Languages
January 2025 - May 2025University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States
Leading a team of 10 graders for CSE 560, managing course logistics and student assessments. Teaching database fundamentals including relational databases, SQL, and query optimization. Conducting office hours to support students in understanding complex database concepts and query languages.
Graduate Teaching Assistant - Discrete Structures
August 2024 - December 2024University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States
Led a team of 16 Teaching Assistants for CSE 191, collaborating with faculty to enhance the academic experience. Managed course curricula improvements, promoted academic integrity, and ensured students gained deeper understanding of fundamental discrete mathematics concepts including logic, sets, functions, and graph theory.
Frontend Developer
2021 - August 2024Bent Oak Systems
Remote
Developed web applications and features for AI-driven platforms. Collaborated with product managers including Vahid Goodarzy (mentor), designers, and engineering teams including Amin Azarbadegan and Fahim P. Leveraged TypeScript and full-stack development, implementing advanced frameworks like Next.js and Nest.js to convert complex concepts into user-friendly interfaces.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Computer Science
August 2024 - PresentUniversity at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States
Conducting research under the supervision of Dr. Marina Blanton, focusing on enhancing the Signal protocol and secure multiparty computation. Research areas include cryptography, privacy-preserving technologies, and secure communication protocols.
In ProgressBachelor of Science - BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering
October 2018 - September 2023K. N. Toosi University of Technology
Tehran, Iran
Graduated with GPA: 3.46/4. Completed comprehensive coursework in electrical engineering, signal processing, and digital systems. Conducted research in EEG-based neural networks and brain-computer interfaces, achieving 6th place in the 2020 International BCI Competition.
GPA: 3.46/4
High School Diploma
July 2014 - July 2018National Organization for Development of Exceptional Talents (NODET)
Tehran, Iran
Graduated with GPA: 3.916/4 from a specialized school for academically gifted students. Strong foundation in mathematics, physics, and computer science.
GPA: 3.916/4
Publications
A Deep Learning Algorithm for Classifying Grasp Motions using Multi-session EEG Recordings
IEEE • 2021
Achieved 80% classification accuracy in 3 subjects among 15 participants. Developed ensemble methods combining anomaly detection with neural networks for classifying hand grasping motions using EEG data.
Achievements
6th Place - 2020 International BCI Competition
January 2021Classified hand grasping motions using EEG data. Applied machine learning and neural network techniques to achieve top-tier results in international competition.
Certifications
Advanced Styling with Responsive Design
University of Michigan
November 2020
Using Python to Access Web Data
University of Michigan
November 2020
HTML, CSS, & JavaScript - Certification Course for Beginners
Udemy
October 2020
Next.js
Udemy
October 2020
React - The Complete Guide
Udemy
October 2020
The Complete Full-Stack JavaScript Course
Udemy
October 2020
HTML, CSS, and Javascript for Web Developers
Coursera
September 2020
Interactivity with JavaScript
University of Michigan
September 2020
C++ Programming Course
IEEE
March 2019
Credential: KNTU-ACM-19NrxF-0022938672
Languages
English
Full Professional Proficiency
Persian (Farsi)
Native or Bilingual Proficiency
Skills & Expertise
Frontend Development
Backend & Databases
Machine Learning & Research
Cryptography & Security
Tools & DevOps
Note: Proficiency levels are based on professional experience, academic research, and hands-on project work. These represent comfort level and depth of knowledge in production environments.
Recommendations
Vahid Goodarzy
Product Manager at Bent Oak Systems
Worked directly with Erfan
Erfan demonstrated exceptional technical excellence and collaborative spirit throughout our time working together. His ability to convert complex technical concepts into user-friendly interfaces was invaluable to our team. What impressed me most was his willingness to learn and continuously improve, paired with strong soft skills that made him a pleasure to work with.
Amin Azarbadegan
Senior Developer at Bent Oak Systems
Colleague
Working alongside Erfan was an incredible experience. His deep understanding of frontend technologies, particularly React and TypeScript, elevated our entire codebase. He was always ready to help teammates tackle challenging problems and his code reviews were insightful and constructive.
Want to work with me? Get in touch or connect with me on LinkedIn
Download My Resume
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