Blain Polishak

Blain Polishak

Software developer and hardware builder

I'm an aspiring engineer with experience in both software development and hardware electronics. My background is in computer science and engineering, and I like solving problems with practical solutions.

When I'm not coding or soldering, you can find me working out or playing games with friends. I'm always learning and exploring new technologies to grow my skill set.

Work experience and publications

Work experience

  • Software Developer and IT Systems Analyst (Internship), BC Hydro May 2025 – Aug 2025 · Vancouver, BC (hybrid)

    Analyzed and improved existing systems, defined requirements and worked with users to design and develop internal web applications that support business operations and BC Hydro's organizational goals.

    C# Razor (.cshtml) HTML SQL Requirements Gathering Systems Analysis Web Application Design User Collaboration

Papers and publications

  • Behavioural Biometric Identification Using MIDI Keyboard Performance Signatures Published on Zenodo

    DOI: 10.5281/zenodo.22061940

  • Algal Bloom Detection and Water Monitoring Using IoT Connectivity Published on Zenodo, submitted for publication

    DOI:

Software projects

MIDI Behavioural Biometrics

Identifying Musicians by How They Play: MIDI Behavioural Biometrics

A machine learning system that identifies a keyboard player from MIDI timing, velocity, articulation and pitch movement alone. All three models identified the correct player in all 7 unseen performances.

Machine Learning Python scikit-learn Research
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Aura Android app sign-in screen

Aura: Android Dating App with Firebase Backend

A native Java Android Dating app with Firebase authentication, Realtime Database and image storage, location-aware preference matching, mutual-match detection and chat.

Java Firebase Android Studio Location Services
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SQL Inventory Management Database Website

SQL Inventory Management Database Website

SQL inventory system for cataloguing and finding personal items, built to keep track of my tools and materials.

PHP SQL CSS AJAX XAMPP
View project

Electronics projects

IoT Algal Bloom Detection System

IoT Algal Bloom Detection System

A low-cost water monitoring station that samples lake water and predicts harmful algal bloom risk with random forest and gradient boosting models.

IoT Sensors Machine Learning Python
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3D-Printed Robotic Arm with Twin Controller

3D-Printed Robotic Arm with Twin Controller

A 1-meter, fully 3D-printed 5-axis arm with custom planetary gearboxes, controlled by moving a 1:5 scale potentiometer replica of itself.

Fusion 360 3D Printing Arduino Python Stepper Control
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Vacuum Pump Wall Climbing Suit

Vacuum Pump Wall Climbing Suit

A wearable four-pad vacuum system for climbing flat walls, with diagonal pad release and real-time pressure monitoring that signals when it's safe to move.

Embedded C Pneumatics Pressure Sensing Wearable Design
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Wearable Separation Alert Device

Wearable Separation Alert Device

A hidden ESP32-C3 wearable that alerts emergency contacts if the wearer's phone is forcibly taken, running 18+ hours on a recycled battery.

ESP32-C3 Low-Power Design iOS Shortcuts Safety Device
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Farnsworth Fusor Reactor

Farnsworth Fusor Reactor

Demo fusion reactor with a custom high-voltage transformer and rectifier circuit that can sustain low levels of nuclear fusion.

HV Circuitry Soldering 3D Modelling and Printing Vacuum Chamber Design
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Sensory Amplification Shirt for the Visually Impaired

Sensory Amplification Shirt for the Visually Impaired

Wearable distance-sensing and haptic feedback device that conveys obstacle proximity and direction to visually impaired users.

Embedded C Wearable Technology Design 3D Modelling and Printing Microsoldering
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Custom Arcade Machine and Arcade Game

Custom Arcade Machine and Arcade Game

Custom-built arcade cabinet running RetroPie, plus an original arcade game designed to be played on it.

Game Design Raspberry Pi Woodworking Wiring Schematics and Design
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Recycled Vape Battery Cell Power Bank

Recycled Vape Battery Cell Power Bank

Custom designed and printed 30,000 mAh power bank built from 35 recycled 1000 mAh vape 18350 cells and 2 custom soldered PCBs.

Recycling Soldering Battery Technology 3D Modelling and Printing PCB Microsoldering and Design
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VEX Tower Takeover

VEX Tower Takeover

Led a VEX Robotics team as designer, builder and primary coder, placing 1st in qualifying rounds and 6th overall at BC Provincials.

C++ Robot Coding Mechanical Robot Design Autonomous Code
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Get in touch

Interested in collaborating or have questions about my work? Feel free to reach out.