Hello, I'm

Thomas Kanz AI Engineer & Developer

Pushing the boundaries of artificial intelligence at Carnegie Mellon University. Specializing in innovative AI applications, machine learning systems, and full-stack development.

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About Me

Thomas Kanz

AI Engineer & Future Innovator

As a highly accomplished AI engineering student at Carnegie Mellon University, I'm passionate about creating technologies that solve real-world problems. My expertise spans artificial intelligence, machine learning, full-stack development, and advanced semantic search technologies.

With multiple hackathon wins, leadership roles in university organizations, and real-world experience at startups, I combine exceptional technical abilities with strong entrepreneurial instincts and leadership skills.

My work consistently focuses on developing meaningful solutions that address pressing challenges, from combating misinformation to enhancing educational experiences and promoting sustainability in technology.

10
Projects Completed
8
Awards Won
4
Organizations Led
15
Technologies Mastered

Education

My academic journey has equipped me with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in the rapidly evolving field of artificial intelligence.

2023 - 2027 (Expected)

Carnegie Mellon University

Bachelor of Science in Artificial Intelligence

Pursuing a comprehensive education in artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced computational systems at one of the world's leading institutions for computer science and AI research.

Notable Coursework:
  • Introduction to Computer Systems
  • Matrices and Linear Transformations
  • Introduction to Deep Learning
  • AI: Representation and Problem Solving
2019 - 2023

Warwick Valley High School

Valedictorian - GPA: 105.41/100.00

Graduated at the top of my class with the highest academic honors, demonstrating excellence across all subjects and setting the foundation for my future academic pursuits.

Achievements:
  • Perfect Score on AP Computer Science Principles Exam (Top 0.15% nationally)
  • Highest Four-Year Averages in Mathematics, Science, and History
  • AP Scholar with Distinction
  • New York State Seal of Biliteracy (Spanish)

Professional Experience

My professional journey has equipped me with valuable insights and practical experience in applying AI technologies to real-world challenges.

GroundForce Capital

AI Research Analyst and Strategist
August 2024 – December 2024

Conducted in-depth research on AI technologies and developed strategic recommendations for integrating AI tools and software into GroundForce Capital's operations. Focused on enhancing efficiency and reducing costs through targeted AI implementations. Analyzed market trends, evaluated AI solutions, and presented actionable insights to executive leadership.

Assurifai

Founding AI/ML Engineer Intern
May 2024 – July 2024

Fine-tuned a custom machine learning model for extracting data from merged credit reports. Developed and deployed a RESTful API to manage concurrent requests to the ML service, successfully integrating it into the Assurifai backend. Worked directly with founders to implement core AI functionality for this innovative financial technology platform.

Sigma Eta Pi

Head of Website Development
January 2024 – Present

Lead all aspects of digital presence for Carnegie Mellon University's Professional Co-ed Entrepreneurship Fraternity. Designed, built, deployed, and maintain the organization's website (cmusep.com), adhering to strict branding guidelines. Also serve on the Founders Education Committee to enhance entrepreneurship education programming across the organization.

Scotty Labs

Project Leader & Mentor: NLP AI Maps Group
September 2023 – Present

Lead a team of seven students integrating a function-calling generative AI Natural Language Agent into the CMUMaps.com platform. Mentor junior developers and coordinate technical implementation across the project. Our team's Scotty's Course Recommender won the 'Best Demo Award' at the Scotty Labs Labrador Committee Demo Day in Fall 2023.

Project Olympus

Customer Discovery Program Participant
2024

Completed over 20 comprehensive customer discovery interviews to understand existing market problems related to course catalog software and educational technology. Presented startup Velroi's problem/solution pitch at Project Olympus' Annual Show and Tell 2024 Event, demonstrating market validation and business model development skills.

Featured Projects

Explore my portfolio of innovative AI and technology projects that demonstrate my technical expertise and creative problem-solving abilities.

Atvida
AI / ML

Atvida

AI-Powered Misinformation Detection Browser Extension

Atvida

Designed and built a sophisticated full-stack browser extension that performs real-time fact-checking of social media posts. The system analyzes content using advanced AI algorithms, cross-references with verified sources, and provides users with immediate feedback on information credibility.

AI/ML Browser Extension Real-time Processing NLP
Velroi Intel
Hackathon Winner

Velroi Intel

"Reverse Phishing" AI Agents

Velroi Intel

Built sophisticated AI agents capable of investigating whether commercial phone numbers are linked to legitimate businesses or fraudulent operations. The system utilizes Twilio API for phone verification and Realtime OpenAI APIs for intelligent analysis, generating comprehensive fraud detection reports.

AI Agents Twilio API OpenAI Realtime API LLM Function Calling
Open Context
Hackathon Winner

Open Context

Multimodal Semantic Search Platform

Open Context

Created a comprehensive notes platform that builds searchable semantic databases for all data across multimodal formats. The system processes PDFs, images, audio files, and text documents, creating a unified search interface that understands relationships between different content types.

Semantic Search Multimodal AI Cloudflare Vector Databases
Velroi Catalogs
Education Tech

Velroi Catalogs

AI-Driven Course Catalog System

Velroi Catalogs

Developed a modern course catalog with advanced semantic search capabilities and a Generative AI LLM-driven assistant. The system features an AI assistant that automatically adjusts search parameters using sophisticated function calling to provide personalized course recommendations based on student interests and goals.

Semantic Search LLM Integration Function Calling EdTech
MeritAtlas
Service Project

MeritAtlas

Scout Merit Badge Search Engine

MeritAtlas

Built a comprehensive semantic search engine for Scouts BSA Merit Badges as a volunteer service project. The platform helps scouts, leaders, and parents easily find merit badges based on interests, skills, or career goals with detailed requirements and resource recommendations.

Search Engine Education Tech Volunteer Service Web Development
CarnegieGPT
Hackathon Winner

CarnegieGPT

Campus Intelligence Search Tool

CarnegieGPT

Created an intelligent search tool designed for answering questions related to course and dining databases at Carnegie Mellon University. The system integrates multiple campus data sources to provide students with a unified interface for finding information about academics, dining options, and campus services.

NLP Database Integration Streamlit AI Search

Technical Skills

My expertise spans a range of technologies, with a strong focus on artificial intelligence, machine learning, and full-stack development.

Programming

Python Expert
JavaScript Advanced
HTML/CSS Advanced
C Intermediate
Java Intermediate

AI & Machine Learning

Natural Language Processing Expert
OpenAI API Expert
Semantic Search Advanced
TensorFlow Intermediate
Computer Vision Intermediate

Web & Cloud

React JS Advanced
RESTful API Development Advanced
FastAPI Advanced
AWS Intermediate
Docker Intermediate

Awards & Achievements

Recognition of my work across various competitions, academic pursuits, and leadership roles.

'Best AI Application Built with Cloudflare'

HackHarvard 2024

Recognized for developing Open Context, a multimodal semantic search platform that creates searchable databases across various note formats.

2nd Place (out of 42 teams)

Nova Gen AI Hackathon 2024

Awarded for Velroi Intel, sophisticated "Reverse Phishing" AI Agents that investigate and identify fraudulent phone numbers.

Campus Experience Award

TartanHacks 2024

Recognized for creating CarnegieGPT, an intelligent search tool for answering questions about Carnegie Mellon University resources.

Perfect Score Achievement

AP Computer Science Principles Exam 2022

Earned every possible point on the examination, placing in the top 0.15% of test takers nationwide.

Valedictorian

Warwick Valley High School 2023

Graduated as class valedictorian with a 105.41/100.00 GPA, the highest in the graduating class.

National Merit Commended Student

National Merit Scholarship Program

Recognized for exceptional academic promise based on outstanding performance on the qualifying test.

Get In Touch

Let's connect and discuss how we can collaborate on innovative AI projects or opportunities.

Let's Connect

I'm always open to discussing new projects, innovative ideas, or opportunities to be part of your vision. Feel free to reach out through any of the channels below.

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