Romel Luis Faife Cruz


Education

Bachelor of Applied Science — Computer Engineering Co-op, Robotics Minor, AI Certificate, Engineering Business Certificate

University of Toronto | September 2021 — April 2025 (Expected)

  • Operating Systems (C): Labs implementing the functionality of a Linux kernel such as file systems, page tables, threads, process management and cache
  • Computer Hardware (C): Labs programming an STM32 Nucleo board and using I2C, SPI, GPIO Pins, and USART to interface with EEPROMs, cameras, LEDs, Real-Time Clocks, IR Sensors and motor drivers
  • Machine Learning (Python): Labs implementing machine learning algorithms such as pocket algorithms, linear regression, multi-layer neural networks
  • Computer Organization (ARM Assembly, Verilog): Labs interacting with memory-mapped I/O, registers, stack, state machines and designing 16-bit CPU with an ARM-like instruction set in Verilog
  • Digital Electronics (Micro Magic SUE, MAX, VLSI): Labs designing the physical layout of CMOS circuits, running SPICE simulations and creating SRAM cells
  • Other Relevant Courses: Algorithms & Data Structures (Python), Digital Systems (Verilog), Control Systems (MATLAB), Software Communication & Design (C++)

Ontario Secondary School Diploma

Saint Michael Catholic High School | September 2017 - June 2021

Projects

Software Lead, Hazard Scout: Camera Feed Rover

C, STM32-F446ZE, USART, Bluetooth, DMA, DCMI, GPIO, Serial | University of Toronto | January 2024 — April 2024

  • Designed and developed an autonomous rover tasked with navigating obstacles using a vacuum robot-type algorithm

  • Engineered a Bluetooth transmission system to stream real-time camera feed from the rover to remote operators

  • Implemented autonomous control logic using 4 DC motors through 2 motor drivers and 5 infrared sensors

  • Developed custom drivers for the OV7670 camera module and optimized video streaming using lossy and lossless compression techniques, including Run-Length Encoding (RLE)

Software Lead & Graphic Designer, EasyRoute: Elderly-Friendly Mapping

C++, Git, GTK, OpenStreetMap | University of Toronto | January 2023 — April 2023

  • Built robust data structures to handle complex map data, optimizing data processing and retrieval to increase map loading times by 2x

  • Repeatedly tested systems for quality assurance and made adjustments when necessary

  • Applied UI/UX principles to design an intuitive and accessible interface utilizing GTK, decreasing the time for a user to execute actions by 24%

  • Implemented a grid-based map rendering system, significantly improving performance by a factor of 4x

Second Place, University of Toronto Engineering Kompetitions (UTEK)

C++, I/O | University of Toronto | March 2023

  • Worked in a team of four to design and implement sorting algorithms, competing against over 100 participants

  • Coded in C++, handled file I/O and presented results to a panel of judges

Team Leader, RentSafeTO Website Redesign Project

Python | City of Toronto | January 2022 — April 2022

  • Collaborated closely with the RentSafeTO team to lead a comprehensive website overhaul, resulting in a streamlined presentation of critical information and an enhanced user experience

  • Garnered valuable feedback from a survey of 102 users, with 92% of respondents agreeing that the redesigned website significantly improved their comprehension of the data presented

  • Developed Python algorithms capable of generating concise textual summaries for building data, streamlining information dissemination and increasing accessibility for stakeholders

Work Experience

Engraving Project Lead & Sales Associate, Rice Man

The Rice Man Niagara Falls | July 2020 — August 2021

  • Spearheaded the implementation, maintenance, and documentation of a CNC engraving machine, significantly diversifying the in-store custom jewelry offerings

  • Demonstrated strong product knowledge and self-management skills to sell merchandise, resulting in the doubling of potential sales

Extracurriculars

President & Founder, Latin Engineering Students' Association (LESA)

University of Toronto | September 2022 — Present

  • Cultivated the largest engineering Latinx student group on campus with 80 active members

  • Supervised a team of twelve executive members to organize biweekly engaging events, increasing engagement in the Engineering Community

  • Created and maintained a management platform for the club to handle all administrative tasks, doubling the number of events hosted by the club monthly

  • Currently overseeing the creation of a comprehensive website to centralize club event details, optimizing accessibility and engagement for members and potential participants

Contact