My name is Paul Constantin Chelarescu. I am a Machine Learning Engineer and a Photographer, driven by a deep passion for both technology and art. I firmly believe that genuine fulfillment is attained by embracing and honing both of these crafts.
My professional experience spans the fields of Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, and Software Engineering. I hold an MSc from the University of Edinburgh, where I have researched ways to safely develop Artificial Intelligence algorithms. Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience in a diverse range of industries, including e-commerce, high-energy physics, finance, and media. This work has taught me how science and technology can work together creatively to benefit society.
Work Experience
Automattic | Parse.ly
Sept 2021 - March 2023
Machine Learning Engineer
In collaboration with a distributed team of engineers, I developed a recommendation system based on Large Language Models (LLMs) that uses semantic similarity to suggest the most relevant media articles in order to drive user engagement. Based on its success, I created the outline of a subsequent Reinforcement Learning recommendation system based on news article impressions.
CERN
June 2018 - Sept 2018
DevOps Intern
While part of the High-Energy Physics department at the European Organization for Nuclear Research, I integrated a supercomputer package manager with the build system of the particle acceleration experiments to achieve a 100x reduction in build time. The internship gave me a deep insight into the world of applied scientific research and offered me an opportunity to impact the future of particle physics.
Predictiva
February 2021 - April 2021
Quantitative Research Intern
I created a Reinforcement Learning Trading agent based on historical equity prices and technical analysis, as part of an industrial collaboration with The University of Edinburgh. The project was widely acclaimed, receiving an award from IBM for most innovative student projects.
The Hut Group
June 2017 - May 2018
Software Engineer
My first role was to build and maintain the backbone of the e-commerce platform THG, which powers hundreds of websites in the fitness, fashion, and beauty sectors. Over the years, millions of parcels have arrived at customers’ doors thanks to my code that generated labels, integrated with warehouse and delivery services, and adjusted prices based on customer demand. At the end of my role, I participated in a data centre replication in order to maintain 99.9% worldwide website uptime.
Education
The University of Edinburgh
Sept 2020 - Sept 2021
Master of Science in Artificial Intelligence
I’ve attended courses covering Machine Learning, Natural Language Understanding, Reinforcement Learning, and Game Theory. I’ve learned about Transformers from leading researchers and built an equities trading agent that was awarded by the University as a top 1% project. I’ve additionally written my dissertation on AI Safety in Multi-Agent Reinforcement Learning based on my published research review outlining existing problems in the field. Currently, my paper has accumulated 10 citations.
Massachusets Institute of Technology
Jan 2020 - Dec 2020
MicroMasters in Statistics and Data Science
Through the online educational platform edX, I’ve taught myself the foundational principles of Probability, Statistics and Data Science by taking proctored exam courses from MIT. The experience was invaluable in corroborating my knowledge and experience necessary for undertaking subsequent Machine Learning courses.
The University of Manchester
Sept 2015 - June 2019
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
This course laid the essential groundwork upon which I have built my extensive knowledge and practical experience. Throughout my academic journey, I immersed myself in diverse subjects such as Computer Engineering, Computational Theory, Computer Vision, Advanced Algorithms, and Object-Oriented Programming. Additionally, I eagerly participated in more than 11 hackathons, collaborating with teams to create innovative projects within intense 24-hour timeframes, garnering noteworthy recognition with prizes awarded in two of these events. Near the end of my degree, I became increasingly interested in artificial intelligence. I applied game theory algorithms to poker in my dissertation, which allowed me to examine decision-making in games with incomplete information.
Colegiul National Unirea
Sept 2011 - June 2015
Mathematics-Informatics Specialisation
My passion for Computer Science and Mathematics began in High School in Targu Mures, Romania, where I have attended specialized courses. I learned about Advanced Algorithms and attended coding competitions such as the local Informatics Olympiad. I graduated with a 97.5% grade in my Baccalaureate.
Areas of Expertise
Artificial Intelligence
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Proficient in developing and implementing machine learning algorithms for various tasks, including classification, regression, clustering, and anomaly detection. Skilled in feature engineering, model selection, hyperparameter tuning, and model evaluation. Experienced in working with popular frameworks such as TensorFlow, PyTorch, and scikit-learn.
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Knowledgeable in applying techniques and models for natural language processing (NLP) tasks, including text classification, sentiment analysis, named entity recognition, and machine translation. Proficient in working with language models such as BERT, GPT, and transformer architectures. Skilled in leveraging pre-trained models and fine-tuning them for specific tasks.
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Experienced in self-supervised learning techniques, which enable training models without the need for labeled data. Proficient in developing and implementing methods such as contrastive learning, generative models, and autoencoders to learn useful representations from unlabeled data.
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Well-versed in reinforcement learning algorithms and methodologies, including Markov decision processes, Q-learning, policy gradients, and deep reinforcement learning. Skilled in designing and implementing reward structures, exploration-exploitation strategies, and training agents to solve complex tasks.
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Proficient in computer vision tasks such as object detection, image segmentation, image classification, and image generation. Experienced in using convolutional neural networks (CNNs) with deep learning frameworks like TensorFlow and PyTorch as well as using MATLAB for image processing and analysis. Skilled in computer graphics techniques for rendering, visualization, and 3D modeling with libraries such as OpenGL.
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Knowledgeable in applying game theory concepts to model and analyse strategic interactions. Skilled in developing algorithms and simulations for game theory problems, including game equilibrium, auction mechanisms, and multi-agent systems. Proficient in applying game theory principles to decision-making and optimization problems in various domains.
Software Engineering
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Experienced in working with large-scale codebases, including projects with hundreds of thousands of lines of code. Skilled in understanding complex systems, identifying areas for improvement, and refactoring code to enhance maintainability, performance, and scalability. Proficient in using design patterns, code modularity, and efficient algorithms to optimize software systems.
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Knowledgeable in designing scalable and robust software architectures. Proficient in selecting appropriate software design patterns, creating modular and reusable components, and ensuring system extensibility and maintainability. Experienced in system integration and API design.
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Skilled in using version control systems such as Git for source code management and collaboration. Proficient in continuous integration and continuous deployment (CI/CD) pipelines, automated testing, and deployment strategies. Familiar with cloud platforms like Google Cloud for deploying and managing software applications.
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Experienced in optimizing software performance and efficiency. Skilled in profiling and analysing code, identifying bottlenecks, and implementing optimizations to enhance system speed and resource utilization. Proficient in utilizing caching mechanisms, algorithmic improvements, and parallel computing techniques.
Photography
In addition to my passion for science and engineering, I have explored ways to express my artistic side through the captivating medium of photography. I’ve developed my expertise in various genres, including event, street, and portrait photography. My current aspirations revolve around versatility, as I strive to encapsulate the essence of life's finest moments whenever they come to surround me.
