Full-Stack & AI Developer | Columbia CS | Puzzle solver & systems thinker

About Me
Hi, I’m Rory Eastland-Fruit. I’m a software developer with a background in physics and a focus on building thoughtful, user-centered tools. I’m especially interested in work that connects software to the real world, including robotics, climate-focused technology, and accessible interfaces. I enjoy tackling complex problems and finding elegant solutions through iteration, experimentation, and curiosity. My experience spans machine learning, web development, and embedded systems, and I take pride in turning early-stage ideas into functional, impactful projects.


Key Experience
Product Development Intern
Peak Leadership Frameworks
Denver, CO
May 2023 - Sep. 2023
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Led the creation and UI design of a web-based assessment tool, building an interactive and user-friendly interface with sequential landing pages to guide users through 87 distinct IT criteria.
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Developed the tool's backend, focusing on a scalable architecture to handle increasing user loads while maintaining usability and security.
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Collaborated with company leadership to balance immediate functional requirements with future scalability, ensuring long-term usability and adaptability without frequent redesigns.
Software Engineering Intern
Amergint Technologies
Colorado Springs, CO
May 2022 - Aug. 2022
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Developed and optimized suite of over 20 C++ data processing classes, chained with Python, to create a high-throughput pipeline. Increased data transfer speeds by over 280% (65 to 250 Mbps).
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Automated unit test coverage for 2,700+ unique software devices, reducing analysis time from 4 hours to 12 minutes and improving code reliability across company’s backend infrastructure.
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Designed, prototyped, and delivered a custom software device for a client, including GUI, documentation, and testing/performance data, providing hands-on experience with frontend design and backend functionality integration.
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Oversaw hardware reliability across 300+ mission-critical servers, collaborating with clients to ensure uptime and system resilience.

Education
Columbia University
B.S. Computer Science
2023-2025
Completed a rigorous program through the School of Engineering and Applied Science, focused on software systems, algorithms, and real-world applications of computing. Highlights include coursework in artificial intelligence, machine learning, natural language processing, and full-stack development. Projects ranged from robotics and game-solving AI to web applications and climate-focused data analysis. Gained strong technical skills in Python, JavaScript, and systems design, with an emphasis on interdisciplinary problem-solving.
Colorado College
B.A. Physics
2018-2021
Earned a liberal arts degree with a concentration in Physics through an intensive block-based curriculum. Developed a strong analytical foundation and research skills through lab work, modeling, and hands-on experimentation. Coursework across mathematics, environmental science, and computer science supported a broad, interdisciplinary academic experience. Played varsity men’s soccer, developing strong teamwork, leadership, and time management skills as a student-athlete. Graduated as part of the Combined Plan Program with Columbia Engineering.
Relevant Coursework
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Full-Stack Development: Data Structures & Algorithms, Advanced Programming, Databases, Advanced Algorithms, Linear Algebra
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AI & Machine Learning: AI, Deep Learning for Graphics, NLP, Computer Vision, Machine Learning + Climate, Robotics Studio
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Frontend & Design: UI Design, CS I+II (Java), Human-Centered Design + Innovation, Clean Object-Oriented Design
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Backend & Data Science: Computer Systems, CS Theory, Vector Analysis, Computational Physics
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Physics & Other: Mechanics, Thermodynamics, Electronics, Climate Physics, GIS, Energy & Sustainable Development, Microeconomics, Macroeconomics

Additional Skills and Interests
Skills
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Languages: Java, Python, C, C++, SQL, Swift
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Frontend: HTML/CSS, JavaScript, React, UI/UX Design
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Backend & Data: AWS, Google Cloud Services, RHEL Servers
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Tools: Git/GitHub, Google Drive, MS Office, MATLAB, AutoCAD
Interests
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Outdoors: Hiking, Running, Snowboarding
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School Clubs: Formula Racing, EcoReps
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Puzzles: Sudoku, Crosswords, Chess
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Soccer: 2019 Colorado College Defender of the Year, 2x Columbia Club Soccer MVP
Fun Facts
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I planned a surprise trip to Kenya for my parents' 60th birthdays and used a series of Sudoku puzzles to reveal the location.
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I've completed every New York Times crossword since May 2022 (1,200+ puzzles in a row).
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I've also done every Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday puzzle since February 2013 (an additional 1,500+ puzzles).
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My fastest time for solving a Sudoku is 1:05, and for a crossword it's 2:19.
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In second grade, my elementary school had to expand its library because I had read all the reptile books several times over.
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I play Fantasy Premier League every season -- I was once ranked in the top 5,000 out of 11.5 million players.