Hello! I am Christopher Marinich
Introduction
Hello, my name is Christopher Marinich. I am a computer science major at SUNY Polytechnic Institute of Technology. I grew up in Owego, NY, and am seeking a job in my major. I am well versed in Python and C++, with knowledge bases in Java, and HTML. Outside of my studies, I am an avid hiker, tinkerer, and maker. I do most of my hiking in the Adirondack High Peaks, where I saw the solar eclipse in 2024. I also enjoy skiing during the winter and paddleboarding on the Finger Lakes during the summer. I play two instruments piano and trombone which I use as a means to further express myself.
Experience
I am currently a senior at SUNY Polytechnic Institute majoring in Computer Science. Throughout my academic journey, I’ve developed a strong foundation in programming, with hands-on experience in Python, C++, Java, and HTML. I enjoy bridging the gap between software and hardware through project based learning. One of my key personal projects involved building a computer vision-based light switch system using OpenCV. This system detects specific hand gestures, such as drawing a circle in the air, to toggle a light on or off, replacing the need for a physical switch. The project gave me valuable experience in real-time image processing, gesture recognition, and integrating software with physical components. I’ve also created a fully interactive dashboard interface for the BeamNG driving simulator, complete with a custom speedometer, tachometer, and physical toggle switches. In addition, I’ve worked on Arduino based systems involving IR communication and keyboard emulation. These experiences have helped me build a problem solving mindset and the ability to adapt quickly to new technologies and challenges. Here are a few examples of my previous projects.
Projects
Parking Brake and Driving Dashboard System (BeamNG Integration)
This project involved the creation of a physical dashboard interface designed for the BeamNG.drive driving simulator. The system included a speedometer, tachometer, parking brake lever, and various toggle switches, all linked to in-game functions. I used Arduino microcontrollers to capture and transmit physical inputs to the simulator via serial communication. The implementation required real-time signal processing, debouncing of mechanical components, and integration with BeamNG’s scripting environment through Lua and Python. This project enhanced my ability to work across both software and hardware, and demonstrated my skill in developing interactive systems with tight feedback loops.
Computer Vision Light Switch with Gesture Control
I developed a computer vision based light control system using Python and OpenCV. The application detects a user’s hand, tracks its movement, and recognizes when a circular motion is drawn in the air. This gesture acts as a virtual switch, toggling a light on or off. The system replaces a conventional wall switch, offering an intuitive and accessible method of interaction. The project required knowledge of contour detection, object tracking, and gesture classification, and strengthened my experience with real time image processing and user centered design.
Remote Heater Control System via Infrared and IoT
This project focused on enabling remote control of a space heater while I was away at university during the winter semester. I reverse-engineered the heater's infrared remote and directly interfaced with its circuitry using an optocoupler, allowing an Arduino to simulate button presses electronically without physically altering the remote. The Arduino was connected to the Arduino IoT Cloud platform, which enabled me to toggle the heater from my smartphone using the Arduino IoT mobile app. This project combined hardware interfacing, safe signal isolation, cloud-based control systems, and practical problem-solving. It demonstrated how IoT technologies can be leveraged to retrofit non-smart appliances with modern remote functionality.
Laser Engraved Dice Tower for Tabletop Gaming
For this project, I designed and constructed a custom dice tower using a Glowforge Spark laser engraver. I utilized Autodesk’s Tinkercad to create a detailed, functional 3D design tailored for tabletop gaming. The design was then exported and precisely engraved on wood using the Glowforge interface. This hands-on project combined CAD design, fabrication, and physical prototyping, and gave me experience with laser cutting workflows, material tolerances, and iterative design practices. The final product was a fully functional and aesthetic dice tower that enhances gameplay while showcasing personalized craftsmanship.
