Nicholas Papciak
data engineer with a background in ml + cs theory
I build declarative data systems using algorithmic foundations to make pipelines more reliable and accessible.
Education
Dec. 2025
M.S. in Computer Science, Machine Learning
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Graduate Coursework: Game AI, Deep Learning, Natural Language Processing, High Performance Computer Architecture, GPU Hardware & Software, Graduate Algorithms, Randomized Algorithms, Continuous Algorithms: Optimization & Sampling
Dec 2024
B.S. in Computer Science, Intelligence & Theory
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
GPA: 4.00/4.00
Faculty Honors
Zell Miller Scholar
Experience
Jun. 2025 — Present
May. 2025 — Aug. 2025
Meta, Menlo Park, CA
Software Engineering Intern,
Marketplace Feed Delivery
Machine learning engineering on Facebook Marketplace. Left to pursue Datafruit in the YCombinator S25 batch.
Nov. 2022 — May. 2023
Small Satellite Research Lab, Athens, GA
Flight Software Developer,
MOCI Cube-Satellite Project
Embedded systems development for the MOCI cube-satellite project. Developed on an interface board enabling command and control between the on-board computer (NVIDIA Jetson TX2i) and two cameras via USB. Saved 4 GB of memory by reverse-engineering proprietary camera drivers. Gained experience with mission critical systems, embedded development, USB protocol, and Linux kernel development.
Leadership
May. 2024 — May. 2025
Georgia Institute of Technology, Atlanta, GA
Head Teaching Assistant,
Design & Analysis of Algorithms
Head TA for the foundational algorithms courses, CS 3510 and CS 3511 (honors section). Led course logistics and staff organization so faculty could focus on lecturing. Created assignments, resources, and recitation materials to support over 1200 students in mastering core algorithmic concepts, including graph algorithms, dynamic programming, divide-and-conquer, cryptography, and complexity theory.
Jan. 2025 - May. 2025
Head Teaching Assistant, CS 3511
Head TA for Prof. Merrick Furst for 70 students.
Aug. 2024
Head Teaching Assistant, CS 3511
Head TA for Dr. Gerandy Brito for 551 students.
May. 2024
Teaching Assistant, CS 3510
TA for Dr. Gerandy Brito for 77 students.
Jul. 2023 — Present
Fulton Science Academy, Alpharetta, GA
Project Supervisor,
Cube-Satellite & Astronomy Team
Manage $80,000 in equipment and resources. Oversee logistics, talent, and stakeholder organization. Provide technical guidance and mentorship. The team won the 2023 NCSSS Innovative STEM Student Program of the Year Award.
Honors and Awards
2024
Faculty Honors
For maintaining a 4.0 GPA every semester.
2023
NCSSS Innovative STEM Student Program of the Year Award
https://www.ncsss.org/awards/
2022
Zell Miller Scholar
Scholarship which fully covers the cost of tuition throughout college.
2022
Presidential Scholar
For "A record of strong academic achievement and a history of accomplishment and leadership in co-curricular activities."
Tech
Languages: Python, JavaScript, Swift, Java, Rust, Zig, C, CUDA, Wolfram Language
Data: TensorFlow, PyTorch, NumPy, Pandas, scikit-learn, Seaborn, PyDeck, PowerBI, ApacheSpark, MySQL
Cloud: AWS Lambda, EC2, SageMaker, Heroku
Tools: Git, GitHub, Docker, ROS2, Linux, Unix, Mathematica, Postman
Conceptual: Scrum, Object-Oriented Design, Data Structures, Algorithms, Machine Learning, Mathematics