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Mark Runkle

Computer Science and Cybersecurity Student

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About Me

I'm a dual-degree student pursuing Bachelor of Science degrees in Computer Science and Cybersecurity at Aurora University, with an expected graduation date of December 2026. My coursework has given me a strong foundation in software development, database design, and full-stack web development, as well as cybersecurity fundamentals including cryptography, network security, and system administration. I'm proficient in multiple programming languages including C++, Python, Java, and JavaScript, with hands-on experience in technologies like React, Node.js, Spring Boot, and OpenSSL.

I'm passionate about both software engineering and cybersecurity. I enjoy building everything from compilers and web applications to embedded systems projects with Raspberry Pi. Whether I'm developing full-stack applications or exploring security concepts through hands-on labs, I love tackling complex problems and creating practical solutions. I'm always eager to learn new technologies and contribute to meaningful projects.

Experience

Aurora University - Aurora, IL

Campus Public Safety Student Worker

  • Conduct systematic patrols of campus buildings, parking lots, and properties, identifying potential security risks and ensuring safety protocols are followed.
  • Monitor and report irregular activities during events using radio communication systems to ensure real-time data relay and fast response times.
  • Execute incident response by providing foot escorts and offering emergency assistance in a timely, organized manner.
  • Document and report operational status of facilities, contributing to decision-making and improving safety measures on campus.

Moline Park's and Recreation

Sport's Camp Organizer

  • Coordinated and optimized schedules for daily sports activities, ensuring efficient use of resources and maintaining a well-structured program.
  • Supervised the handling and maintenance of sports equipment, employing problem-solving to address equipment failures and ensure smooth operations.
  • Led the management of support staff, providing structured direction to ensure operational efficiency and a consistent user experience for all participants.
  • Analyzed camp participation and outcomes to refine future activity planning and increase overall engagement.

Education

Aurora University

August 2023 - December 2026

Bachelor's of Science in Computer Science and Cybersecurity

Relevant Coursework

GPA: 3.9/4.0

Projects

Basic Compiler (C++)

I designed and implemented a multiphase compiler for a custom programming language using C++. This project involved building a lexical analyzer to tokenize source code into keywords, identifiers, constants, operators, and punctuation. I then developed a recursive-descent parser (Syntax Analyzer) to validate the token stream against defined grammar rules, ensuring proper syntax and structure. Finally, I engineered a runtime interpreter that executed the parsed program using a simulated environment with components like an instruction table, program counter, variable table, and symbol table. This project strengthened my understanding of compiler design, language parsing, and low-level program execution.

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Raspberry Pi Motion Detector (Python, Hardware, Linux)

I developed a real-time motion detection system using a Raspberry Pi, PIR motion sensor, and LED to simulate a basic home security setup. The system uses Python and the GPIOZero library to interface with hardware components via a breadboard. A Tkinter-based GUI provides users with arming and disarming controls, including a password-protected disarm feature for added security. To enhance interactivity, I integrated audio and visual alerts using Pygame — playing custom alarm sounds and changing the interface color when motion is detected. This project combined elements of embedded systems, hardware-software integration, and GUI development, giving me hands-on experience with real-time event handling on Linux.

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Yahtzee Game

My Yahtzee project is a web-based version of the classic dice game. Players can roll five dice up to three times per turn, aiming to score in categories like Full House, Three of a Kind, and Yahtzee. The game features an intuitive interface for selecting dice to hold, calculating scores, and tracking progress through each round. Built with HTML, CSS, and JavaScript, this project demonstrates core web development skills and attention to detail in recreating an engaging user experience.

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Social Media Feed Simulation Project

This program simulates a social media environment by implementing key design patterns. The Observer Pattern enables real-time updates between platforms and users, while the Strategy Pattern offers flexibility in search and update algorithms. A Factory Pattern dynamically creates instances of various social media platforms with unique characteristics. The program mimics realistic activity by reading random feeds from a file and injecting them into each platform at its respective update rate. This approach improves code reusability, maintainability, and adaptability, allowing the creation of diverse and dynamic social media simulations.

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Skills

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