Thinker. Coder.
Problem solver.


Hi, I’m Gavin Mallott. I’m a student, programmer and problem solver from Minnesota.

More About Me

Gavin Logo

Who am I?


I am a student, programmer, and problem solver. I was drawn to programming, and subsequently my passion for computers, because I enjoy solving problems. For me, computer programming is simply an extension of my real-world problem solving skills. When I’m presented with a problem I tackle it using logic, critical thinking, and experimentation.

Some examples of problems I have solved include writing computer programs to calculate mathematical and chemical equations. Most of the time these problems come from school — a chemistry worksheet for example. When I can write a program to solve a problem for me, then I know I truly have a mastery over the subject.

My love of solving problems has fed into my love of learning. From a young age I have wanted to learn as much about everything as possible, because the more I know, the more problems I can solve. To quote Albert Einstein, “No problem can be solved by the same consciousness that created it.”

When I am not in front of a computer, I enjoy spending time outdoors and with my family and friends. Living in Minnesota, there are always plenty of fun things to do outside — hiking, camping, swimming, etc. The most important thing for me, however, is the relationships I have with my friends and family; they are the source of my inspiration and motivation.


Read About My Skills

Skills


Object-Oriented-Programming

I have experience using a variety of Object-Oriented Programming languages, including Python, C++, and Java. I have used them to encrypt text documents, solve matrix-based math problems, and perform chemical stoichiometry.

HTML/CSS

I learned HTML and CSS at a very young age and have grown to be proficient in each. I've coded websites in HTML and CSS in conjunction with the Bootstrap framework, including this site!

Shell-Scripting

Most of my experience with shell scripting is on Unix based systems. I have a strong background in using bash scripts, including automating the C++ compile and build commands.

MacOS

I have a far-reaching understanding of Apple's operating system and its many applications found in the iWork and iLife suites, as well as its mobile iOS counterpart.

Windows

I have extensive knowledge of Microsoft's operating system, including Windows 7, 8 and 10. I also have a powerful grasp on the Office Tools, such as Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Linux

I have a solid background in the Unix command-line. I've installed Ubuntu Linux on my old Chromebook laptop and have used it in a virtual machine on my own PC.

Android

In addition to the mobile iOS platform, I also have many years of experience using the Android mobile platform on my personal cell phone. I also know the fundamentals of Android app development using Java.

Google

As far as office tools go, Google’s products are by far my favorite. I use Google Docs, Slides, and Spreadsheets on a weekly basis for both personal and school purposes.

Troubleshooting

To compliment my programming and technology skills, I demonstrate strong troubleshooting and problem solving skills using critical thinking and experimentation.

Interests


Mock Trial

I was actively involved in my school’s Mock Trial team, as Senior Captain. Mock Trial has been an excellent sport to grow in technical writing ability, public speaking and performance under pressure. It has also provided me with long-term leadership experience as the team captain.

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Martial Arts

Before I joined Mock Trial, my favorite sport was Taekwondo, a form of Korean Martial Arts. I am currently a red belt and the process has given me many invaluable skills — not just physical strength, but confidence, self-control, and mental fortitude.

Reading

I enjoy reading, both fiction and nonfiction. I usually read around 40 books per year, not including those required in school. One of my favorite books is Stephen Hawking’s A Brief History of Time.

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Rock Climbing

From a young age, I've been an avid climber. I love climbing rocks, trees, or just about anything I think would be fun to scale.

Hiking

Being from an outdoorsy family, I have always felt at home in nature, and I enjoy hiking or biking through trails around my city or through a nature preserve.

Family

My family has always been an important part of my life. We make a point of spending time together — from playing cards and badminton to watching the latest season of The Amazing Race.

Education


Farmington High School

Graduated: June 2017
GPA: 4.1
ACT: 32
SAT: 1380

I took 6 AP courses and four college courses through nearby universitites during my junior and senior years. I was a member of the National Honor Society and the captain of the Mock Trial team. In addition to schoolwork, I pursued learning about computers and programming through online resources and books.

University of California - Irvine

Graduation: June 2021
School: Henry Samueli School of Egnineering
Major: Computer Science and Egineering

I am currently a first year student at UCI studying Computer Science and Engineering.

Work Experience


Instructor

Computer Explorers
May 2015 — August 2016

Computer Explorers is a local company offering summer and after-school camps to elementary-aged kids. As an instructor, I taught video game building, Lego engineering, movie making, and Java/Python programming classes all around the Twin Cities area.

Connect With Me


Interested in anything I'm doing or want to know more?