About Me
PhD Student, Researcher & Developer
I'm a PhD student in Computer Science at the University at Buffalo, working under Dr. Marina Blanton on cryptography and privacy-preserving computation. My current research extends the PICCO compiler to support Replicated Secret Sharing and evaluates Private Information Retrieval schemes for terabyte-scale genomic databases.
Before starting my PhD, I spent 3 years as a Full Stack Engineer at Bent Oak Systems, building AI-driven platforms with TypeScript, React, and Next.js. This combination of deep security research and production engineering experience gives me a unique perspective on building systems that are both secure and user-friendly.
I'm actively seeking a Summer 2026 internship in software engineering, security engineering, or applied cryptography. Feel free to connect!
Experience
Research Assistant
May 2025 – PresentUniversity at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States · On-site
Conducting research in secure multiparty computation, with a focus on integrating and extending cryptographic protocols within the PICCO compiler framework. Implemented and tested floating-point operations within the RSS-based backend, ensuring compatibility with secure computation standards and maintaining computational efficiency. Debugged core components of PICCO's compiler infrastructure, resolving segmentation faults, and runtime efficiency in protocols.
CurrentGraduate Teaching Assistant
January 2025 – May 2025University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States · On-site
Led a team of 10 graders for the graduate-level course CSE 560: Data Models and Query Languages, supporting instruction in relational databases, SQL, ER modeling, and normalization. Coordinated grading consistency across assignments and exams, ensuring fairness and timely feedback. Provided assistance to students during office hours and via online platforms, clarifying advanced concepts related to query optimization, relational algebra, and schema design.
Graduate Teaching Assistant
August 2024 – December 2024University at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States · On-site
Led a team of 16 TAs for the Discrete Structures course at the University at Buffalo, overseeing office hours and recitations. Managed academic integrity violations to ensure a fair learning environment. Implemented innovative strategies to enhance student engagement and understanding.
Full Stack Engineer
September 2023 – August 2024Elevista.ai | The AI-powered Audience Growth Platform
London, United Kingdom · Remote
Led the front-end team at Elevista.ai, managing weekly demos for four platforms simultaneously to meet product needs. Integrated Applications and Dashboards with Next.js and Nest.js frameworks. Collaborated with design teams to enhance the designs and ensure practicality while meeting deadlines.
Full Stack Engineer
January 2021 – August 2024Bent Oak Systems
London, United Kingdom · Remote
Led front-end development teams on various projects, ensuring smooth programming and code consistency for the easy onboarding of new team members. Collaborated with design teams to provide practical feedback on project designs, optimizing for efficiency and project timelines. Conducted sessions to brainstorm and plan future projects, building a strong team for successful execution. Having the responsibility to divide tasks between members of the front-end team, to reach the project's deadline, and to onboard new members to the group.
Teaching Assistant
January 2021 – February 2022K. N. Toosi University of Technology
Tehran, Iran · On-site
Conducted lab sessions in Computer Programming Language at K. N. Toosi University of Technology. Facilitated live coding demonstrations to enhance student understanding of programming concepts. Held recitations and office hours to provide additional support to students.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy - PhD, Computer Science
August 2024 – PresentUniversity at Buffalo
Buffalo, New York, United States
Under the supervision of Dr. Blanton, specializing in cryptography, specifically focused on secure multiparty computation and private information retrieval. Research addresses privacy-preserving technologies including extending the PICCO compiler and evaluating PIR schemes for large-scale genomic databases.
In ProgressBachelor of Science - BS, Electrical and Electronics Engineering
October 2018 – September 2023K. N. Toosi University of Technology
Tehran, Iran
Completed comprehensive coursework in engineering, data structures, algorithms, and programming. Graduated with a 3.46/4 GPA. Published research in EEG-based neural networks and placed 6th in the 2020 International BCI Competition.
High School Diploma
July 2014 – July 2018Salam Tajrish Highschool
Tehran, Iran
Publications
A Deep Learning Algorithm for Classifying Grasp Motions using Multi-session EEG Recordings
IEEE • 2021
Achieved 80% classification accuracy in 3 subjects among 15 participants. Developed ensemble methods combining anomaly detection with neural networks for classifying hand grasping motions using EEG data.
Achievements
6th Place - 2020 International BCI Competition
January 2021Classified hand grasping motions using EEG data. Applied machine learning and neural network techniques to achieve top-tier results in international competition.
Certifications
Languages
English
Full Professional Proficiency
Persian (Farsi)
Native or Bilingual Proficiency
Skills & Expertise
Frontend Development
Backend & Databases
Machine Learning & Research
Cryptography & Security
Tools & DevOps
Note: Proficiency levels are based on professional experience, academic research, and hands-on project work. These represent comfort level and depth of knowledge in production environments.
Recommendations
Vahid Goodarzy
Product Manager at Bent Oak Systems
Worked directly with Erfan
Erfan demonstrated exceptional technical excellence and collaborative spirit throughout our time working together. His ability to convert complex technical concepts into user-friendly interfaces was invaluable to our team. What impressed me most was his willingness to learn and continuously improve, paired with strong soft skills that made him a pleasure to work with.
Amin Azarbadegan
Senior Developer at Bent Oak Systems
Colleague
Working alongside Erfan was an incredible experience. His deep understanding of frontend technologies, particularly React and TypeScript, elevated our entire codebase. He was always ready to help teammates tackle challenging problems and his code reviews were insightful and constructive.
Want to work with me? Get in touch or connect with me on LinkedIn
Download My Resume
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