Hi, I'm Christian Rutherford

Computer Science & Russian Studies @ Davidson College

Gritty. Curious. Adaptable.

View my work

About Me

Pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science with a minor in Russian Studies at Davidson College. Member of the school's NCAA Division I wrestling team and possesses deep interests in blockchain and DeFi technology, quantitative finance, and open-source intelligence (OSINT).

Attracted to the national security space to apply analytical, technical, and language skills in support of counterintelligence/intelligence, counterterrorism, and international operations objectives in law enforcement or private intelligence companies.

Passionate about utilising data-driven insights to overcome relevant, real-world challenges, pushing the boundaries of innovation and effectiveness, while simultaneously developing personal skillset.

10+ Projects Completed
4+ Years Learning
500+ Hours Coding
Christian Rutherford

Education

Davidson College

Davidson, NC Expected May 2026
Bachelor of Science in Computer Science
Minor in Russian Studies

Academic Honours

  • 2025 Dobro Slovo National Slavic Honor Society
  • 2023 Gilman Scholar (U.S. Dept. of State)
  • 2023 Critical Language Award (Azerbaijani)
  • 2021 QuestBridge National College Match Scholar

Extracurriculars & Leadership

  • President of Russian Language Club
  • Investment and Finance Association
  • Blockchains Club
  • Eastern European Club
  • Society of Physics Students
  • Pre-Consulting Society

Relevant Coursework

Data Structures Computer Organization Multivariable Calculus & Modeling Blockchains Data Visualization Discrete Structures Linear Algebra Machine Learning Analysis of Algorithms Mathematical Modeling Statistical Linear Models Calculus II Real-Time Systems Russian 201 Russian 202 Advanced Russian Conversation Advanced Russian II: Contemporary Culture Russia & the West Intro to International Relations Elementary Chinese I

University of York

York, United Kingdom August 2024 - January 2025
Study Abroad Participant
Computer Science and Russian Studies

Coursework

Involvements

  • Halifax College Rugby
  • UoY Athletics Club
  • UoY Judo
  • Trading Society
  • Turkish Society
  • Cocktail Society

Azerbaijan University of Languages

Baku, Azerbaijan Summer 2024
Study Abroad Participant
Secondary Language Learning – Azerbaijani

Program Summary

  • 8-week intensive language program by American Councils for International Education
  • 16 hours/week studying grammar, reading, writing, and conversation
  • Achieved B-1 proficiency rating on the CEFR scale

Professional Experience

Research Fellow

College Crisis Initiative Davidson, NC January 2025 - Present Part-Time
  • Design and conduct research on 500+ US higher-education institutions offering any of 17 Department of State critical-need language programs, analysing national trends in language availability
  • Lead a team of data collectors, defining collection parameters, delegating tasks, and ensuring methodological consistency in building a comprehensive dataset on program offerings and associated financial aid opportunities
  • Evaluate financial-aid accessibility for critical-need language study and synthesise findings into organised, research-ready outputs that inform broader institutional analysis at the College Crisis Initiative

AI Student Team

Davidson Technology & Innovation Davidson, NC September 2025 - Present Part-Time
  • Develop & update educational resources promoting effective use of generative AI tools on-campus, enhancing digital literacy among students, faculty, and staff
  • Collaborate with the AI Innovation Initiative to evaluate emerging AI technology, contribute to prototype apps, and advise on institutional practices for AI integration
  • Lead community engagement efforts, translating complex AI concepts into artifacts, fostering informed dialogue on the role of AI in academic and creative work

Investment Analyst

Davidson Investment and Finance Association Davidson, NC August 2024 - Present Part-Time
  • Conduct equity research and financial analysis on publicly traded companies across varying sectors, contributing to the management of over $800,000 in Davidson College's endowment
  • Perform valuation modeling and prepare investment memos to support buy/sell recommendations
  • Collaborate with student analysts monitoring portfolio performance, identifying market trends, and assessing risk across holdings

Information Technology Intern

Paradigm Companies Washington, DC April 2025 - August 2025 Internship
  • Provided support to company-wide system maintenance, network configuration, and cybersecurity
  • Developed custom Python, PowerShell, and JavaScript programs maximising operational efficiency, increasing Active Directory management speed by 74% for the IT team, and improving day-to-day workflows
  • Led anti-threat initiatives through social engineering, analysing simulation results, and identifying key areas of vulnerability

Data Collector

College Crisis Initiative Davidson, NC September 2022 - January 2025 Part-Time
  • Gathered information for 12+ research projects on US higher-education institutions using data analysis tools and OSINT methods
  • Coordinated with team members to meet deadlines, ensuring analysts received accurate datasets for decision-making
  • Collected data from 1500+ US colleges & universities on standardised test policies & scores, COVID-19 policies, board of trustee member demographics, accent-reduction programs, student recruitment patterns, and IPEDS UnitIDs

NCAA Division 1 Wrestler

Davidson College Men's Wrestling Team Davidson, NC August 2022 - Present Full-Time
  • Devote 20-30 hrs/week to team events, including practices, workouts, and mindset meetings, while simultaneously managing a rigorous course load each semester
  • Analyse film to improve skills and technique in preparation for competition, both for specific individuals and teams as a whole
  • Promote the program to prospective recruits and their families, giving tours, and hosting athletes overnight

Poll Worker

Rhode Island Board of Elections Rhode Island 2020 - 2022 Seasonal
  • Ensured smooth operation of polling stations during federal, state, and local elections
  • Assisted voters with ballot completion, equipment operation, and voting procedures while maintaining strict neutrality
  • Maintained accurate voter records and handled sensitive election materials with integrity and confidentiality
  • Collaborated with election officials to resolve technical issues and ensure compliance with election laws

USA Wrestling Official

USA Wrestling Rhode Island & North Carolina 2018 - 2022 Part-Time
  • Officiate wrestling matches at youth, high school, and collegiate levels, ensuring fair play and athlete safety
  • Make split-second decisions under pressure while maintaining composure and authority
  • Continuously study rule changes and attend clinics to maintain certification and improve officiating skills
  • Communicate effectively with coaches, athletes, and tournament directors to resolve conflicts and clarify rulings

Skills

Programming Languages

Python C C++ SQL JavaScript/HTML/CSS TypeScript Solidity PowerShell BASH

Libraries & Frameworks

React.js Node.js Next.js FastAPI TensorFlow/PyTorch SciKit-Learn Pandas NumPy SciPy Matplotlib/Plotly Seaborn D3.js Three.js OpenZeppelin

Tools & Technologies

Git/GitHub Azure VSCode Jupyter Notebook Streamlit Wireshark Microsoft 365 Power Automate Active Directory Google Workspace Agile Kanban

Professional Skills

Azerbaijani Russian Data Analysis Open-Source Intelligence Research Project Management Risk Assessment

Soft Skills

Critical Thinking Problem Solving Communication Leadership Teamwork Time Management Decisiveness Cultural Adaptation

Volunteering & Leadership

Eagle Scout

Boy Scouts of America 2015 - 2022

Achieved the highest rank in Scouting, demonstrating leadership, community service, and outdoor skills. Led multiple community service projects and mentored younger scouts in leadership development.

Patrol Leader Troop Instructor Quartermaster Webmaster

Young Marine

US Young Marines 2016 - 2022

Advanced through ranks to Gunnery Sergeant within the Rhode Island Young Marines, demonstrating exceptional leadership and dedication. Participated in and directed community service events, leadership trainings, and mentorship programs.

Gunnery Sergeant Rank Unit Gunnery Sergeant Unit First Sergeant National Advanced Leadership School Top #5 Graduate

Volunteer

Animal Welfare League of Arlington 2025 - 2025

Provide care and support for rescue animals, assisted with adoption events, and helped maintain facility operations. Contributed to animal welfare initiatives and community outreach programs.

Assistant Coach & Volunteer

Mayo Quanchi Judo & Wrestling 2022 - Present

Coach youth athletes in judo and wrestling techniques, promoted sportsmanship and discipline, and assisted with tournament organisation and facility management.

Organisations & Memberships

Mensa Society

International High IQ Society

Member of the international society for individuals with high IQ, fostering intellectual discussion and community engagement.

QuestBridge

Educational Non-Profit

Alumni of the prestigious program connecting high-achieving, low-income students with leading colleges and universities. 2021 National College Match Scholar.

Languages

English

Native

Native speaker with professional writing and communication skills.

Russian

Advanced (C1)

Academic study and practical application through coursework and cultural immersion.

Azerbaijani

Intermediate (B1)

Achieved through intensive 8-week immersion program at Azerbaijan University of Languages.

Mandarin

Beginner (A1)

Academic study and practical application through coursework and cultural immersion.

Honours, Awards, & Certifications

UR2PhD Undergraduate Pre-Research Experience Course

Computing Research Association

September 2025

Completed NLP research on model bias detection and learned applied computational research methods.

View Credential

Dobro Slovo National Slavic Honor Society

American Council of Teachers of Russian (ACTR)

April 2025

Recognised for academic excellence in Slavic studies and demonstrated interest in Slavic languages, literature, or culture.

View Credential

Yale Financial Markets (with Honours)

Yale University / Coursera

July 2025

Completed the Yale Financial Markets course with Honours distinction, covering market structure, risk management, behavioral finance, and financial crises. Credential awarded by Yale University via Coursera.

View Credential

ACTFL Oral Proficiency Interview - Azerbaijani

ACTFL

1 Aug., 2024 - 2 Aug., 2026

Achieved B-1 proficiency in Azerbaijani through standardised assessment. Certification demonstrates ability to handle routine social and professional conversations with confidence.

Benjamin A. Gilman Scholar

U.S. Department of State

2023

Prestigious scholarship recipient for study abroad program, recognising academic excellence and leadership potential in international education.

View Credential

Critical Need Language Award

U.S. Department of State

2023

Special recognition for Azerbaijani language studies, supporting critical language learning initiatives. Awarded in conjunction with Benjamin A. Gilman Scholarship.

QuestBridge National College Match Scholar

QuestBridge

2021

Selected as a National College Match Scholar, providing full four-year scholarship to Davidson College based on academic achievement and leadership potential.

Young Marine of the Year

Young Marines

2021, 2022

Recognised as Young Marine of the Year by Rhode Island and New England Marine Corps League divisions for exceptional leadership, dedication to service, and outstanding performance in all aspects of the program.

Writing Samples

Analysis of the Russia-Ukraine War Through the Lens of The Four Contemporary International Relations Theories

POL-161 – Introduction to International Relations

Davidson College

Comprehensive analysis examining the Russia-Ukraine conflict through the theoretical frameworks of realism, liberalism, constructivism, and critical theory. The paper explores how each IR theory explains the causes, conduct, and consequences of the war, providing a multi-dimensional understanding of contemporary international relations.

The Financialisation of Housing

Financial Markets Course

Yale University

In-depth examination of how financial markets have transformed residential housing from a basic necessity into a financial commodity. The paper analyses the role of institutional investors, mortgage-backed securities, and global capital flows in reshaping housing markets and their socioeconomic implications.

Projects

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Featured

Arbihedron

A programmatic triangular arbitrage system for cryptocurrency and forex markets, employing both traditional and Graph Neural Network detection engines. Exploits price discrepancies across currency triples through automated circular trading strategies with opportunity detection.

🧠

Machines: Learnt

Collection of applied ML projects spanning medical diagnostics, environmental forecasting, and agricultural analysis. Features cancer classification from miRNA data (95%+ accuracy), E. coli prediction models, and farmland characteristic identification from aerial imagery.

🏢

Unit Economist

ML system predicting apartment rent prices with 97.31% accuracy (XGBoost), featuring a real-time API, rich analytics, and a full end-to-end pipeline. **Proof of Concept**

📈

Options-and-Such

Options pricing and volatility analysis dashboard featuring Black-Scholes models, implied volatility extraction, and interactive 3D visualisations.

⛏️

Sims n Stuff

Interactive 3D modelling of mineral and petroleum deposits using realistic geological parameters and formations.

💹

Trading Tools

A Streamlit dashboard for backtesting trading strategies, analysing risk-return profiles, and visualising real-time market data.

⚡

Active Directory Automation

A set of PowerShell scripts with GUI support for automating user creation, license assignment, and group management in Active Directory using CSV-driven logic.

🖥️

Simple Shell

C program simulating a shell found in modern computer operating systems, featuring BASH reading, parsing, and command execution functionality.

🔐

Cipher Encryptor/Decryptor

Python program providing encryption/decryption functionality for various ciphers using bruteforce or given keys. Supports Caesar, Vigenere, Rail Fence ciphers, and ASCII conversions (decimal, hex, binary, octal).

🏗️

The Watchtower

Web application project demonstrating full-stack development capabilities with modern technologies and responsive design principles.

Let's Connect

I'm always open to discussing new opportunities, collaborations, or just a coffee chat about OSINT, AI/ML, or significant events in the markets.

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