Derrick Richard

I'm a

About

Hey there! I am Derrick Richard, a passionate Computer Science and Data Science student with a drive to solve complex problems through technology and innovation.

Currently pursuing a dual degree - Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering from Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai (CGPA: 9.87/10) and Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Applications from IIT Madras (CGPA: 9.11/10). My academic journey has been marked by consistent excellence, achieving rank 1 twice and maintaining perfect scores across various courses.

My passion lies at the intersection of machine learning, deep learning, and software development. I've contributed to open-source projects through Google Summer of Code, working on extending TorchVision support in R for computer vision tasks. Currently, I'm also involved in biomedical research, focusing on early detection of DMD and DCM disorders using genomic data analysis.

Beyond academics, I've led multiple organizations including serving as President of Sophrosyne Toastmasters and Data Science Lead at IEEE RAS. My project portfolio spans from multimodal classification systems to full-stack web applications, each designed to address real-world challenges. Whether it's winning hackathons, leading teams, or contributing to research, I believe in creating technology that makes a meaningful impact.

About sticker

Skills

Programming Languages
  • Python
  • R
  • C
  • C++
  • Java
  • HTML
  • CSS
  • JavaScript
  • Matlab
  • PostgreSQL
  • Assembly (8051,8086,ARM)
Frameworks and Libraries
  • React.js
  • Vue.js
  • Flask
  • Express.js
  • Node.js
  • MongoDB
  • Axios
  • Postman
  • Tensorflow
  • Torch
  • OpenCV
  • Scikit-learn
  • Firebase
  • LibGDX
  • Figma
  • Socket.io
Tools and Systems
  • Linux
  • Git
  • MongoDB
  • Celery
  • Database Management
  • CISC
  • Selenium
  • Tableau
  • RISC
  • PowerBI
  • Google Cloud
  • Redis
Core Domains
  • Machine Learning
  • Deep Learning
  • Image Processing
  • Optimization
  • Multithreading
  • Distributed Computing
  • Cloud Computing
  • Computer Vision
  • Full Stack Development
  • Data Structures & Algorithms

Education

Bachelor of Technology in Computer Science and Engineering (CGPA: 9.87/10)

June 2023 – Present (2027)

Vellore Institute of Technology, Chennai, India

Relevant Courses: Data Structures and Algorithms, Operating Systems, Compiler Design, Computer Networks, Differential Equations, Statistical Analysis, Complex Variables

Bachelor of Science in Data Science and Applications (CGPA: 9.11/10)

June 2023 – Present (2026)

Indian Institute of Technology Madras, Chennai, India

Relevant Courses: Theoretical Foundations of Machine Learning, Machine Learning in Action: Model Development and Optimisation, Web and App Development, Business Analytics, Linux System Commands

All India Senior School Certificate Examination (96.6% with Distinction)

June 2021 – May 2023

St. John's English School and Junior College, Besant Nagar, Chennai, India

Relevant Courses: Computer Science, Physics, Chemistry, Mathematics

All India Secondary School Examination (91.2% with Distinction)

June 2009 – May 2021

St. John's English School and Junior College, Besant Nagar, Chennai, India

Relevant Courses: Computer Science, Mathematics

Experience


Google Summer of Code (GSoC) – Software Developer, R Project

June – September 2025

Contributing to the R Project by implementing core computer vision datasets, adding models like Faster R-CNN, Mask R-CNN, FCN, and quantized ResNet, and improving GPU support and API consistency in the TorchVision R interface. Focused on building scalable, modular, and production-ready vision pipelines in R.


Biomedical Engineer Research Intern – JSS Medical College

May 2025 – Present

Conducted deep analysis of genomic and clinical datasets to identify key biomarkers associated with Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM) in children. Designed and implemented machine learning and deep learning models to enable early-stage diagnosis, aiming to support clinical decision-making through scalable bioinformatics-driven solutions.

Projects


FlowSpeak - Speech Therapy Assistant

Developed a comprehensive mobile application and intelligent therapy bot to support individuals who stutter. Integrated advanced speech analysis algorithms, progress tracking features, and personalized therapy recommendations. Won 1st place at IIITDM Kancheepuram for innovative approach to assistive technology.


Genome Classification for Muscular Disorders

Designed a comprehensive machine learning pipeline to classify genetic sequences related to Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy (DMD) and Dilated Cardiomyopathy (DCM), leveraging deep sequence embeddings and ensemble models. Achieved high accuracy in identifying genetic markers for early disease detection.


FinFlow - Finance Tracking & Budget Management

A feature-rich full-stack finance tracker built using the MERN stack and optimized for desktop-first experiences. The application enables users to manage expenses, track budgets, and visualize financial data through an intuitive and dynamic dashboard. Enhanced with custom animations, real-time data updates, and an AI-powered chatbot, it offers personalized financial insights and a seamless user experience.


Zephyraxis - Multiplayer Game System

Created an advanced network-based multiplayer game using WebSockets and real-time synchronization protocols. Implemented robust client-server architecture for seamless player interactions, featuring real-time state management, collision detection, and optimized network communication.


HandyPro - Household Services Application

Developed a comprehensive web application using Flask, Bootstrap, HTML, CSS, and JavaScript to connect users with local household service providers. Integrated real-time booking system, service tracking capabilities, secure user authentication, and payment processing functionality.


Breaking Bonds - Bail Reckoner & Legal AI Assistant

Developed an intelligent web application using the MERN stack to automate the bail application process. Implemented AI-powered case suggestion system for legal precedence analysis and integrated a comprehensive lawyer recommendation system. Ranked Top 25 in Smart India Hackathon among thousands of teams nationwide.


Quiz Master - Automated Quiz Application

Quiz Master V2 is a full-stack quiz management system built with Flask for the backend and Vue 3 + Vite for the frontend. It leverages Celery as a task queue and Redis for caching and message brokering to enable real-time updates. The system supports user registration and login, an admin dashboard for managing subjects, chapters, quizzes, and questions, as well as quiz attempts and scoring. The project demonstrates integration of asynchronous task processing and real-time features in a modern web application stack.

Leadership

Leadership roles and responsibilities

Chairperson – IEEE RAS, VIT Chennai

Provided strategic leadership for the Robotics and Automation Society chapter, driving initiatives in robotics, AI, and data science. Organized national-level technical events, hands-on workshops, and research-oriented hackathons to foster an innovative community. Collaborated with industry professionals to bring expert sessions and mentored students on robotics projects, significantly enhancing the chapter’s technical impact.


Student Council Member – VIT Chennai

Served as the official representative of the student body, facilitating smooth communication between students and the administration. Actively contributed to policy discussions, campus development plans, and academic improvements. Led feedback collection initiatives, addressed student concerns, and proposed actionable solutions to enhance student experience and campus facilities.


President – Sophrosyne Toastmasters, VIT Chennai

Oversaw the operations and strategic growth of the Toastmasters club, empowering members to improve public speaking, leadership, and communication skills. Mentored members through personalized feedback sessions and coordinated over 20+ workshops, impromptu speaking contests, and leadership training events, creating an inclusive environment for personal and professional growth.


Vice Chair – Open Source Programming Club, VIT Chennai

Played a pivotal role in cultivating a strong open-source culture by spearheading coding bootcamps, hackathons, and community-driven projects. Guided students in collaborative software development using Git and GitHub, and built partnerships with tech communities to bring in real-world coding challenges. Designed structured training sessions to help peers excel in open-source contributions and internships.

Programme Representative – VIT

Acted as the key liaison between CSE Core students and the faculty, addressing academic challenges and streamlining communication. Coordinated curriculum feedback sessions, proposed changes for better course delivery, and ensured smooth resolution of administrative issues. Took initiatives to enhance academic resources and fostered a collaborative academic environment.


Captain – VIT Tennis Team

Led the university tennis team by formulating training plans, mentoring team members, and fostering sportsmanship. Successfully represented VIT at multiple inter-college tournaments, securing notable wins and promoting a competitive spirit. Coordinated logistics for events, practice sessions, and team-building activities to enhance performance and cohesion.


Overall Coordinator – TechnoVIT Fest

Directed the planning and execution of TechnoVIT, one of VIT Chennai’s largest technical festivals, attended by thousands of participants. Managed sponsorship acquisition, event scheduling, and large-scale operations involving 50+ clubs and over 100 technical events. Oversaw logistics, technical infrastructure, budgeting, and safety protocols to ensure the seamless success of the fest.


Ex-Data Science Lead – IEEE RAS, VIT Chennai

Directed data science initiatives within IEEE RAS by designing AI-driven robotics projects, conducting data analysis workshops, and mentoring students on machine learning applications in automation. Developed a research-focused environment by collaborating with faculty and students to work on interdisciplinary projects that combined robotics, AI, and data science for real-world problem-solving.

Hackathons & Competitions

Notable victories and achievements in competitive programming and hackathons

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1st Place – LogicLoom 2.0, IIT Madras

Won LogicLoom 2.0 for developing an advanced machine learning system to distinguish AI-generated content from human-written text with exceptional accuracy. The project implemented sophisticated NLP techniques including multi-layer transformer architectures, attention mechanisms, and fine-tuned BERT models. Utilized advanced feature engineering to capture linguistic patterns, writing style variations, and semantic nuances that differentiate human creativity from AI generation. The solution incorporated ensemble methods combining multiple transformer models and novel embedding techniques to achieve superior classification performance, positioning it at the forefront of AI authenticity verification technology.


Winner – Vashisht 2.0, IIITDM Kancheepuram

Developed FlowSpeak – AI Speech Therapy, a comprehensive mobile application and intelligent therapy bot designed to support individuals who stutter. The solution integrates advanced AI/ML models like Wave2Vec for real-time audio analysis and stutter classification (repetitions, prolongations, blocks), and BERT for generating context-aware speech correction suggestions. Featuring interactive therapy exercises with adaptive pacing, progress tracking, and personalized therapy recommendations, FlowSpeak delivers a user-friendly, real-time interface for effective speech therapy. Built using a robust technology stack comprising Python, TensorFlow, BERT, React-Vite, Flask, WebRTC, and Wave2Vec, the system achieved 87% accuracy in stutter detection and classification. Recognized for its innovative approach to assistive technology and healthcare solutions, FlowSpeak won 1st place at the Vashisht 2.0 Hackathon, demonstrating its real-world impact and potential to revolutionize digital speech therapy.


Top 25 – Smart India Hackathon (Bail Reckoner)

Developed a comprehensive legal AI assistant to help users understand bail eligibility and automate legal processes using the MERN stack. Implemented AI-powered case suggestion system for legal precedence analysis and integrated comprehensive lawyer recommendation algorithms. Created intelligent document processing capabilities and real-time legal consultation features. Ranked among the top 25 teams nationwide out of thousands of participants from premier institutions, showcasing exceptional innovation in legal technology and artificial intelligence applications for social impact.

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1st Place – DSA Triathlon, IIT Madras

Secured first place in DSA Triathlon featuring three rounds of intense algorithmic challenges, demonstrating exceptional problem-solving skills under time constraints. Competed against top programmers, solving complex data structures problems involving dynamic programming, graph algorithms, and tree traversals. Successfully completed all rounds within strict time limits, showcasing coding efficiency.


1st Place – AI Analytics, IIITDM Kancheepuram

Analyzed real-world financial transaction datasets to detect and predict fraudulent activities by applying advanced machine learning techniques, including ensemble models and anomaly detection algorithms, to achieve high accuracy in fraud identification. As part of the AI Analytics Challenge (Winner – Best EDA), I played a key role in tackling a highly imbalanced classification dataset by leading the data preprocessing pipeline, handling missing values, performing robust encoding, and conducting in-depth feature engineering to optimize model performance. I also developed scalable, automated pipelines for data cleaning and transformation, enabling us to deliver the most insightful and actionable exploratory data analysis (EDA) among all competing teams, ultimately securing 1st place for exceptional data science implementation.

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Runner-Up – Literacy Tracker, Xplore 2024

Built a comprehensive, real-time data analytics and visualization platform designed to track and monitor literacy rates across multiple districts, enabling NGOs and educational organizations to make informed, data-driven decisions for targeted interventions. Leveraged MongoDB for scalable data storage and management, and React.js for creating an intuitive and interactive user interface that simplifies data interpretation and reporting. Designed innovative technology-driven solutions focused on maximizing social impact, improving transparency, and enhancing the effectiveness of education monitoring systems. This impactful project earned the Runner-Up position for its exceptional approach to leveraging technology for advancing literacy initiatives and empowering community-driven educational reforms.

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Winner – EncryptID, IIT Madras

Successfully solved complex, multi-layered encryption systems and intricate cryptic clue challenges by leveraging advanced cybersecurity tools, logical reasoning, and in-depth problem-solving skills. Demonstrated strong expertise in modern cryptographic algorithms, reverse engineering methodologies, and comprehensive security analysis techniques. Achieved first place in the prestigious EncryptID cybersecurity competition, highlighting exceptional versatility across diverse security domains, strategic thinking under pressure, and a proven ability to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges with innovative solutions.

Languages

  • English

    Native proficiency - Primary language for academic and professional communication

  • Tamil

    Native proficiency - Mother tongue, fluent in speaking, reading, and writing

  • French

    Intermediate proficiency - Studied as additional language, conversational ability