Kathryn Knudsen

Professional Summary

Entry-level software developer with extensive self-directed experience building applications, developer tools, automation systems, and algorithm-focused projects in Python and other high-level programming languages. Strong foundation in software development concepts including testing, debugging, networking, data structures, algorithms, and command-line tooling. Quick learner with experience independently designing and completing complex technical projects, with a focus on writing reliable, maintainable, and user-focused software.

Portfolio Projects

CHIP-8 Emulator and Assembler (Python)

• Developed a fully functional CHIP-8 emulator implementing all 35 standard instructions, along with additional debugging and testing extensions.
• Built SDL-based display and input handling to emulate the original 64×32 graphics system and hexadecimal keypad.
• Designed and implemented a custom assembler featuring a Python-based macro system.
• Created an automated integration testing suite using a 1,300+ line hand-written CHIP-8 assembly program.
• Included bundled ROM support and a command-line ROM browser for usability and testing.

Source code: CHIP-8 Emulator Repository

Mastermind Five-Guess Solver (Rust)

• Implemented Donald Knuth’s five-guess Mastermind algorithm in Rust.
• Leveraged concurrency and optimized computation to rapidly evaluate candidate guesses and solution states.
• Focused on performance optimization, algorithmic efficiency, and systems-level programming practices.

TurtleNav Navigation Library (Lua)

• Developed a navigation and movement abstraction library for ComputerCraft robots.
• Implemented automatic position and orientation tracking with coordinate-based navigation.
• Simplified robotic movement logic by enabling high-level movement commands and automated path return functionality.
• Achieved 89% unit test coverage through comprehensive automated testing.

Source code: TurtleNav Repository

Browser Automation & UI Enhancement Userscript (JavaScript)

• Developed a browser userscript providing UI enhancements, keyboard shortcuts, and workflow automation features for a browser-based game.
• Designed automation timing behavior using human reaction-time distribution research to produce more natural interaction patterns.
• Improved usability and reduced repetitive manual interaction for end users.

GZDoom Modpack Launcher & Configuration Manager (Python)

• Built a launcher and configuration management tool for the open-source GZDoom engine.
• Designed a modpack management system supporting compatibility tracking across multiple maps and configurations.
• Implemented automatic INI generation and synchronization between global and modpack-specific configuration files.
• Streamlined launch workflows through interactive modpack and map selection tools.

Source code: kas_launcher Repository

Technical Skills

Programming Languages

Python (17 years of self-directed experience), Rust, JavaScript, Lua, SQL, HTML, CSS

Frameworks & Technologies

React, Redux, SDL, Linux, Windows, command-line tooling

Networking & Systems

TCP/IP, NAT, ARP, DHCP, HTTP/HTTPS, configuration management, automation tooling

Computer Science & Algorithms

Big O analysis, A* pathfinding, hill climbing, sorting algorithms, graph and digraph analysis and processing, concurrency, probabilistic systems

Development Practices

Automated testing, integration testing, CLI development, debugging tooling, configuration management, self-directed learning

Professional Strengths

• Fast learner with strong self-teaching ability
• Strong analytical and technical problem-solving skills
• Clear written communication
• Adaptable across many programming languages and technical domains
• Comfortable collaborating in team environments
• Strong time management and independent project execution

Education

Tarrant County College

Software Development Studies (2010–2012)