Elisabeth Chkheidze
Amherst,MA
Summary
Reinforcement Learning Grid-World Simulation | Python
(Code available upon request)
- Designed and implemented a custom tabular grid-world environment with stochastic transitions, configurable rewards, adversaries, exits, and agent start states.
- Represented policies as state–action probability matrices, using softmax normalization to generate valid stochastic policies.
- Simulated agent behavior using a transition function with slip probability to model action uncertainty.
- Evaluated policies via Monte Carlo simulation, averaging cumulative reward across multiple episodes to reduce variance.
- Implemented an iterative policy search loop to identify the highest-performing policy, with early termination upon reaching optimal reward.
- Enforced environment constraints and input validation to ensure correctness and robustness across configurations.
Multiplayer Game System (“Nugzara”) | Lua
(Demo video available upon request)
- Designed and implemented a real-time multiplayer game featuring two controllable characters with distinct mechanics and objectives.
- Built shared game state logic including randomized resource spawning, quest progression, collision handling, and win/termination conditions.
- Implemented a camera/viewport system for a map larger than the display, dynamically following a player within the game world.
- Developed movement, obstacle constraints, and diagonal navigation logic within a bounded environment.
- Integrated time-based gameplay dynamics, including increasing difficulty and adaptive pacing synchronized with in-game audio.
- Implemented a complete game loop managing initialization, state updates, victory determination, and clean termination.
Overview
2
2
years of professional experience
Work History
Administrative assistant, Computer Science Computing Facility (CSCF) - Part-time
Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences, UMass Amherst
Amherst, MA
12.2025 - Current
- Securely removed SSDs from decommissioned machines to prevent data recovery during hardware recycling.
- Conducted hardware diagnostics and disassembly of AV equipment (e.g., projector) under supervision, supporting fault identification and coordination of component replacement with senior staff.
- Participated in facilities and infrastructure testing, observing system behavior under controlled conditions to support reliability and operational readiness.
- Independently tested a Request Tracker (RT) version upgrade on a non-production copy to evaluate update behavior and compatibility prior to planned deployment, with emphasis on system security and stability.
Junior Penetration Tester - Full-time
ISSP Georgia
Tbilisi, GE
12.2023 - 07.2024
- Engaged in securing critical infrastructure for major banks and government agencies by identifying vulnerabilities across systems, networks, and web applications.
- Conducted penetration testing and security assessments using tools such as Metasploit, Burp Suite, Nmap, Wireshark, and Nessus, adapting testing approaches in collaboration with senior team members to meet evolving threat and compliance requirements.
- Discovered and prioritized high-impact vulnerabilities, leading to a reduced attack surface and strengthened defenses across regulated environments.
- Delivered actionable reports to both technical and non-technical stakeholders, supporting faster remediation, and reinforcing a proactive security posture.
Math & Physics Tutor
Pi Academy
Tbilisi, GE
09.2023 - 07.2024
- Provided online individual tutoring in mathematics and physics, emphasizing derivation of formulas, first-principles reasoning, and structured solution approaches, tailored to each student’s requested level (including Cambridge International AS & A Level).
Education
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science | Minor in Business
University of Massachusetts Amherst
Amherst, MA05.2029
Skills
Cybersecurity
- Vulnerability assessment methodologies
- Attack surface analysis
- Threat modeling fundamentals
- Risk-based vulnerability prioritization
- Security reporting and communication
Systems & Operations
- Systems-level troubleshooting
- Operational risk awareness
- Change validation in non-production environments
Artificial Intelligence & ML
- Reinforcement learning (theoretical foundations)
- Markov Decision Processes (MDPs)
- Policy evaluation and optimization
- Basic reward design and learning objectives
Analytical & Mathematical
- Mathematical reasoning for learning systems
- Translating theory into algorithmic structure
Certifications
- Certified Security Specialist (ECSS), 2022
- Introduction to Quantum Computing, 2023
- API Security Fundamentals, 2023
- OWASP API Security Top 10, 2024
Honors And Awards
NASA Space Apps Challenge — Global Nominee (Team) | Nov 2023
- Led the team’s problem formulation and analytical approach, defining how magnetic reconnection could be modeled and addressed using data-driven methods.
- Directed background research and translation of scientific constraints into an implementable prototype under strict time limits.
SCSA CTF Hackathon — 1st Place (Individual) | Aug 2023
- Solved web-focused security challenges, identifying server-side vulnerabilities and extracting flags under time pressure.
- Applied targeted enumeration, request analysis, and scripting to progress through challenges efficiently.
Web Cyber Hygiene Hackathon — 3rd Place (Team) | Nov 2022
- Took on a technical leadership role in designing a gamified cybersecurity education tool for children, focused on common online threats.
- Implemented core mechanics simulating malware behavior and defensive responses for educational use.
Timeline
Administrative assistant, Computer Science Computing Facility (CSCF) - Part-time
Manning College of Information & Computer Sciences, UMass Amherst
12.2025 - Current
Junior Penetration Tester - Full-time
ISSP Georgia
12.2023 - 07.2024
Math & Physics Tutor
Pi Academy
09.2023 - 07.2024
Bachelor of Science - Computer Science | Minor in Business
University of Massachusetts Amherst