Alp Efe Karalar

Alp Efe Karalar

Computer Engineering Graduate • Full-Stack Developer • Penn State Alumni

About Me

Hello! I'm a recent Computer Engineering graduate from Penn State University with experience in machine learning, embedded systems, and operating systems. Currently, I work at DementiAnalytics as Head of Machine Learning where I focus on developing AI-powered dementia detection and assessment technology.

I enjoy tackling complex problems and creating elegant solutions through code. My background in computer engineering has equipped me with strong analytical skills and a deep understanding of both hardware and software systems.

I'm passionate about leveraging technology to solve meaningful problems, especially in healthcare and autonomous systems.

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Education

2020 - 2024

B.S. in Computer Engineering

Pennsylvania State University

Dean's List: FA20, SP21, FA21, SU23

Awards: Defne-Muhtar Kent Scholarship

Relevant coursework: Communication Networks, Computer Architecture, Data Structures & Algorithms, Digital Design, Digital Image Processing, Exploratory Data Mining, Neural Networks, Operating Systems Design & Construction

Skills

Languages

C/C++ Python Bash Java JavaScript Kotlin C# SQL Verilog MATLAB

Technologies

LLM-Integration AWS PyTorch NumPy .NET Android Studio Linux Embedded Systems React Docker

Work Experience

February 2025 - Present

Head of Machine Learning

DementiAnalytics – State College, PA

• Leading machine learning initiatives to develop AI-powered dementia detection and assessment technology, focusing on processing and analyzing audio/text samples with Whisper AI and in-house LLMs

• Architecting neural network models that identify cognitive impairment indicators from speech patterns

• Collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate AI solutions, ensuring alignment with clinical requirements

January 2024 - December 2024

Software Engineer

Advanced Vehicle Team – University Park, PA

• Engineered sophisticated computer vision algorithms for self-driving cars, leveraging Python and YOLO models

• Achieved 3rd place for the "Overall Year 3 Winners" in the Auto Drive Challenge II, backed by GM & SAE International

• Optimized FLIR camera image processing, achieving a 50% increase in object detection accuracy by enhancing the algorithm

July 2023 - October 2023

Software Engineer Co-op

Bakkal Co. – Pleasanton, CA

• Leveraged Agile methodologies to collaborate in SCRUM sprints for optimizing BAKKAL's ethnic food delivery applications

• Enhanced the performance and features of BAKKAL's mobile applications through proficient use of Java and Android Studio

Projects

ResearchTLDR.xyz

ResearchTLDR.xyz

A full-stack academic research platform that processes complex scientific papers into comprehensive, structured summaries using multiple LLM providers.

Python React FastAPI PostgreSQL LLMs
Music Generation RNN

Music Generation using RNNs

A deep learning system for generating piano music using PyTorch, implementing an RNN architecture trained on 1200+ classical pieces from the MAESTRO dataset.

Python PyTorch RNN Deep Learning
Computer Vision

Computer Vision for Self-Driving Car

A real-time YOLO-based computer vision system for autonomous vehicle object detection, successfully identifying pedestrians, animals, traffic signs, and traffic lights.

Python YOLO Computer Vision Embedded Systems
C Systems Programming

C Systems Programming Project

A systems programming project simulating industry-standard operations through a 5-stage process, incorporating bit manipulation, cache optimization, and server networking protocols.

C Systems Programming Networking Cache Optimization
Guitar Amplification

Guitar Amplification Simulation

Customized Arch Linux distribution for real-time audio processing on Raspberry Pi, utilizing BASH scripting and low-level system optimization for responsive audio with 25+ audio effects.

Bash C Embedded Systems Raspberry Pi

Blog

Blog Post 1

May 1, 2025

Building AI-Powered Tools for Medical Diagnostics

Exploring the challenges and opportunities in developing machine learning solutions for healthcare applications, with insights from my work at DementiAnalytics...

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Blog Post 2

April 15, 2025

Computer Vision for Autonomous Vehicles

A deep dive into the computer vision systems we developed for the Advanced Vehicle Team that helped us secure 3rd place in the Auto Drive Challenge II...

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Blog Post 3

March 22, 2025

Music Generation with RNNs: Behind the Scenes

An in-depth look at how I trained a recurrent neural network on classical piano pieces to generate new compositions...

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Contact Me