Ben Kirchhoff

ben.kirchhoff03@gmail.com

I am a senior at The Ohio State University, looking to make my way into the world of computer science. I thrive in collaborative environments, seamlessly integrating into diverse groups by employing effective communication techniques. As a programming polyglot, I possess a comprehensive understanding of computer science, enabling me to approach challenges with a holistic perspective. My proficiency extends to crafting video games, both independently and in collaborative ventures. My adeptness in teamwork, coupled with leadership skills, positions me as an invaluable asset for any group endeavor.

Education

The Ohio State University

Bachelor of Science in Computer Science Engineering, Minor in Game Design
August 2021 - December 2025

Skills

Programming Languages

Java, C#, C/C++, Swift, HTML/CSS, Python, JavaScript, R, x86-64 Assembler

Frameworks/Libraries

scikit-learn, MonoGame, SDL2, SwiftUI, JUnit, Swing, React

Tools

Git, IntelliJ, VS Code, Visual Studio, Eclipse CDT, XCode, Adobe Creative Cloud, npm, RStudio

Professional

Agile Development, Scrum , Team Building, Project Management, Customer Service

Experience

Data Science Internship

The Ohio State University College of Medicine Department of Biomedical Informatics and National Institute of Health
  • Evaluated official NIH medical study datasets to create multiple machine learning models (Extreme gradient boosting, Support Vector Regressor, Random Forest regressor and Artificial Neural Network) to predict Bone Mineral Density (BMD) values from phenotype and genotype data.
  • Created models tailored specifically for given dataset and developed a custom neural network with backpropogation to fit the needs of the research. Training and Hyperparameter tuning was done utilizing the Ohio Supercomputer Center's clusters.
  • Proved the effectiveness of advanced machine learning techniques utilising genotype data to predict quantitative values in a clinical sense, and for BMD prediction in osteoporosis research.
  • Presented the result of my research to the OSU Biomedical informatics department.
May 2024 - Present

Research Assistant

The Ohio State University Video Games for STEM Education Development Team
  • Developed educational video games for STEM education with a multidisciplinary team from Ohio State’s Computer Science Engineering Department and Educational Studies Department, emphasizing algebra, physics, Newtonian mechanics, and computer science.
  • Provided insights and feedback to enhance game mechanics and educational value, whilst utilizing innovative approaches to bridge theoretical concepts and practical application.
  • Demonstrated adaptability and flexibility in responding to evolving project requirements.
January 2024 - Present

The Schottenstein Center Operations

The Ohio State University
  • Worked with a team of 20 to ensure the safety of 20,000+ patrons at concerts and sporting events.
  • Facilitated seamless execution of concerts and sports events by meticulous logistics of equipment setup and teardown.
  • Contribute to the overall event success through comprehensive maintenance tasks, showcasing a commitment to precision and excellence in every aspect of event operations.
August 2023 - Present

Dormitory Office Assistant

The Ohio State University Office of Student Life
  • Provided quality customer service to residents by helping with their needs around the dorms.
  • Acted as the front line of dormitory safety
  • Dealt with crisis situations in dorms, coordinated with EMT, police and fire departments.
August 2022 - May 2023

Freelance LandScaping

Freelance
  • Designed and built a 50 ft retaining wall.
  • Cared for flowers and shrubs whilst remaking the front yard of a house.
May 2022 - September 2022

Projects

Benjamink.dev Personal Website

HTML, CSS, Bootstrap, AWS, Github Actions
  • Developed a static HTML website, using Bootstrap CSS for styling.
  • Utilizing AWS I created a S3 Bucket with the HTML code, and hosted the website utilizing my own domain, and connected it to the bucket using route53.
  • I now make frequent updates to it using an AWS CodePipeline.
December 2023

Legend of Zelda Clone

C#, MonoGame, Project Management, Agile, Scrum
  • Led team of six in creation of game inspired by The Legend of Zelda using C# and the MonoGame engine.
  • Played a pivotal role in crafting sophisticated lighting algorithms, contributing to the game's visual ambiance.
  • Organized tasks in two-week sprints and conducted regular scrum meetings.
  • Used GitHub for efficient collaborations and code reviews.
August 2023 - December 2023

Sustainability Web App

Node.js, TypeScript, React, Tailwind CSS
  • Created a React web application promoting campus sustainability initiatives as part of team at OSU HACKOHI/O.
  • Utilized React components to enhance the UI to best display visually captivating graphs highlighting data on water consumption and energy usage
  • Implemented a Node.js backend to handle API calls to the database and to serve the React frontend.
October 2023

Hat Trick Soccer

Game Development, C++, SDL2, UX/UI design, Pixel Art
  • Creating an original soccer arcade game that incorporates real-life defensive tactics and challenges players to score against progressively skilled defenders.
  • Designed original artwork for each level and teams, implementing user-controlled player input via keyboard.
August 2023 - Present

LifeStyle iPhone App (OSU Swift Certification)

iOS Development, Swift, SwiftUI, XCode
  • Developed a native iOS mobile application using SwiftUI. The user interface leveraged different views and objects to provide users with questions based on their lifestyle.
May 2022 - July 2022

Leadership

Marketing Chair for OSU Dorm Community Council

  • Lead the marketing strategy and devised media campaigns to increase community engagement of students on campus.
  • Doubled attendance to events from the start of the year until the end.
November 2021 - May 2022

Boy Scouts Eagle Scout

  • Directed the design and construction of a 50 ft bridge over a creek. Created 3D renderings in SketchUp, ensuring the bridge’s strength (4000 lbs+) and resilience to weather. Managed logistics for material and machinery delivery and coordinated a team of 30 to complete construction in a single day.
January 2009 - January 2021

Youth Robotics Mentor

  • Coached team in building and programming a robot. Taught problem solving skills to help team complete challenges. Under my supervision the team reached the Ohio State finals and finished in top 20 three times.
August 2017 - April 2020

Interests

When I have some time away from my computer, I love playing and watching soccer, I am a huge Manchester United fan. I spend time with my friends when I can and I enjoy watching movies, and will often make visits to local independent theaters.

However, on my computer, I spend a lot of time playing and making video games, I love being creative, so developing games is a great outlet for this. I enjoy making pixel art for these games aswell as making creative AI enemies.