People / Students / Class of 2026
Jack graduated from the University of Notre Dame with a degree in Computer Science in 2021. At Notre Dame, he developed a strong coding foundation, learning languages such as Python, C, C++, and Java. Outside the classroom, he took advantage of an undergraduate research opportunity focused on improving the security of smart speakers. His research concentrated on a paper in which ultrasonic frequencies, imperceptible to the human ear, were used to hack into these devices. Jack applied a Mel-Frequency Cepstral Coefficients feature extraction function to train an MLP classifier model capable of differentiating between human and non-human commands, all while ensuring the model remained efficient enough to run on these small devices without noticeable delays. In addition to this research, he volunteered to support the varsity baseball team by using Tableau to analyze advanced data, providing catcher framing analysis and detailed umpire scouting reports for every game.
After graduating, Jack moved to Chicago to work for a technical consulting firm as a consultant in the Application Development and Modernization group. In this role, he provided software engineering services for numerous clients, working in both development and leadership positions. He gained experience with Google Cloud Platform and Amazon Web Services, earning certifications from both cloud service providers. His projects included designing and creating a company-wide SSL lookup service, leading a client-wide performance testing initiative, and contributing to a platform migration effort that saved hundreds of thousands of dollars annually. While Jack enjoyed learning new skills and working as a software engineer, he aspires to develop the expertise necessary to help guide his organization's direction by providing and analyzing strategic insights. He is eager to gain this knowledge through the MLDS program.
Having spent over four years in Chicago and eight years in the Midwest, Jack is excited to remain in the Chicagoland area. Outside of his technical pursuits, he enjoys video games, golf, reading, softball, and poker. Jack looks forward to continuing to develop and practice these interests during his time at Northwestern.
