Hi, I’m Michael Halpern! I’m a junior at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, pursuing a dual major in Computer Science and Information Technology and Web Science, with concentrations in Data Science and Machine Learning, and a minor in Philosophy. My academic and professional journey revolves around leveraging technology to solve complex problems, from quantum computing research to real-time software development.
I’ve had the privilege of working on innovative projects like developing a graph convolutional network model to enhance the Quantum Approximation Optimization Algorithm (QAOA), which I presented at the ACM/IEEE ICCAD 2024 QCAS Workshop. My work includes creating tools like EmergencyRoom.compare, an award-winning web app designed to optimize emergency room wait times, and contributing to VZCode, a collaborative programming tool with thousands of downloads.
When I’m not coding, you can find me in the mountains. I’m deeply passionate about outdoor adventure and serve as a leader and chair for winter mountaineering, mountain biking, and ice climbing with the Rensselaer Outing Club. From climbing icy peaks to navigating rugged backcountry trails, these experiences have taught me resilience, teamwork, and a deep appreciation for the natural world.
My love for exploration drives everything I do, whether it’s solving technical challenges, developing IoT projects like NoiseScape to address urban noise pollution, or planning my next adventure. Welcome to my site—thanks for stopping by!