Derek Armfield

Derek Armfield is the Founder of Avalon and an undergraduate student based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He studies Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence at Carnegie Mellon University, where he has developed reinforcement learning control algorithms for self-driving race cars. His technical experience extends to the aerospace sector, having built software systems for a lunar rover under a contract with NASA. Through his educational technology startup, Avalon, Armfield engineered a software platform that has processed and graded more than 50,000 university assignments. Outside of software engineering, he previously worked as a hibachi chef at Benihana and ranked as a Top 10 under-20 javelin thrower in the United States after just one year of practice. His current focus centers on applying advanced machine learning and autonomous systems to solve complex technical problems in the education and aerospace industries.