Robert Casey Lafferty
I am an experienced video game developer and software engineer with hands-on experience in projects like Call of Duty, casino slot machines, and military weapon systems. Holding both a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Computer Science, I focused my studies on cyber security and video game development.
In addition to my industry background, I have spent eight years as an educator and tutor, with three years as an online tutor, two years as a Graduate Teaching Assistant, and three years as an Undergraduate Teaching Assistant, helping students in the field of computer science and various core subjects. My interests encompass game development, software development, cyber security, artificial intelligence, web development, and more.
Computer Skills
Programming Languages
Game Dev Tools
Developer Tools
Professional Work Experience
AI Engineer
Phoenix Dawn
Unreal Engine C++ and Blueprint
Part Time
March 2024 - Present
I work on AI systems to prototype new mechanics, behaviors, and components to enhance in-game player experiences.
Computer Science Tutor
Pear Deck Learning
C#, C++, Java, JS, Python, HTML/CSS
Part Time
August 2021 - Present
As a tutor for Pear Deck Learning, I primarily assist students with Computer Science, Math, Physics, Writing, and Music related topics. Many students seek help with school assignments, but I also receive occasional requests for learning extra curricular topics, such as game development.
Math + English Tutor
TutorMe
Math + English, 2nd - 4th Grade
Part Time
March 2024 - June 2024
As a tutor for TutorMe Education, I primarily supported 2nd to 4th-grade students in Math and English. While many sought help with assignments, I also focused on gamifying lessons and highlighting real-world applications to make learning more engaging.
Gameplay Engineer - Call of Duty
Treyarch
C++, Python, Lua, Proprietary Tech
Full Time
October 2022 - September 2023
During my time with Treyarch, I worked as a gameplay engineer on 6v6 multiplayer systems with a primary focus in killstreaks, field upgrades, and equipment. I primarily worked on an unannounced title in a cross-studio collaboration. While at Treyarch, I also gave a presentation about a proprietary tool to help my team improve their workflow. My primary responsibilities were C++, Lua, Python, collaborating with designers to refine designs to meet performance standards, collaborating with artists for animation- and modeling-related tasks, and updating documentation.
Software Engineer - Level Up U
Activision Blizzard
C++, Unreal Engine, Proprietary Tech
Full Time
July 2022 - October 2022
Level Up U was a 13-week internal bootcamp to Activision Blizzard. During my time with Level Up U, I learned about the different disciplines within Activision Blizzard, learned how to work in proprietary AAA game engines, and designed and implemented my own game mode within the Call of Duty engine.
Software Engineer II - Game Server & Systems
AGS - American Gaming Systems
C#, C++, MS SQL Server
Full Time
December 2021 - July 2022
I worked as a software engineer on the Game Systems and Server team at AGS, where I maintained a .NET-based system actively used in casinos across the USA and Mexico. The Windows Server-based system ran C# and C++ desktop applications for casinos to manage all AGS products on the floor and communicate with the machines directly as needed. My primary responsibilities were maintaining the C++ applications, migrating C++ applications to use C#, creating new C# applications based on internal requests, testing the system, and updating documentation.
Software Engineer - Tomahawk Weapons Control System
Naval Surface Warfare Center
C++
Full Time
March 2021 - September 2021
During my time with NSWC, I was a UI engineer on the Tomahawk weapon system team where I focused on maintaining the system's usability and stability. The proprietary system was primarily built in C++. While with NSWC, I also aided in improving the onboarding process via aggregating relevant documentation and creating a "new hire checklist" for any new hires to follow. My primary duties included C++ desktop development, networking, updating documentation, and testing.
Graduate Teaching Assistant - CSCE 155N
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
MATLAB
Part Time
August 2019 - August 2020
I was the Graduate Teaching Assistant in charge of grading for an introductory Matlab course at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. This course is taught primarily to non-Computer Science majors in their freshman or sophomore years. My primarily duties include coordinating grading assignments for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs), creating grading policies and rubrics with help from the professors, and handling grading questions brought to me by the students. I also ensure the GTAs and UTAs follow department feedback and grading policies.
VR Development Intern
University of Nebraska Medical Center
Unity Engine, C#
Part Time
May 2019 - August 2019
During this summer internship, I helped lead a team of interns in designing and developing a virtual reality simulation for use in autism research and therapy. This simulation, built in Unity C# for the Oculus Rift and Oculus Quest, was a haircut simulator where an autistic patient could train up to realistic environmental variables in a controlled environment with help of a trained therapist. The environmental variables included sensitivity to light, noise, and crowds. My primary duties included character design, character animation, event scripting, behind-the-scenes manager scripting, code optimization, and rendering optimization.
Graduate Research Assistant
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
HTML/CSS, JS, PHP
Part Time
August 2018 - May 2019
During my time as a Graduate Research Assistant with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln's Office of TRIO, I migrated a PHP-based, self-hosted website to the university's content management system that did not support PHP. I also migrated the website to a new university-wide template with new style requirements. Since TRIO is a USA federal program, we had to ensure the website met the federal web guidelines as well as university guidelines. My primary duties included PHP- and HTML5-based web development, ensuring the website met all necessary guidelines, attending university-wide web developer meetings, and office-wide technical support.
Graduate Teaching Assistant - CSCE 156
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Java
Part Time
January 2018 - May 2018
During my time as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Intro to Computer Science II, I was primarily in charge of overseeing grading for a course of 150+ students as well as leading several labs. The course taught Java to introductory Computer Science freshman students, concepts from which include intermediate data structures, algorithms, databases, PHP scripting, and intermediate Java techniques. My primarily duties included coordinating grading assignments for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs), leading weekly labs based on course lessons, and meeting with students one-on-one to discuss grades and course concepts.
Graduate Teaching Assistant - CSCE 155A
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
Java
Part Time
August 2017 - December 2017
During my time as a Graduate Teaching Assistant for Intro to Computer Science I, I was primarily in charge of overseeing grading for a course of 150+ students as well as leading several labs. The course taught Java to introductory Computer Science freshman students, concepts from which include basic programming language syntax, data structures, algorithms, and IDE usage. My primarily duties included coordinating grading assignments for Graduate Teaching Assistants (GTAs) and Undergraduate Teaching Assistants (UTAs), leading weekly labs based on course lessons, and meeting with students one-on-one to discuss grades and course concepts.
Projects
See the projects listed on the Home page for details.
Education
University of Nebraska-Lincoln
M.S. in Computer Science
Lincoln, NE
August 2017 - December 2020
C.S. GPA: 3.39
Kansas State University
B.S. in Computer Science
Manhattan, KS
August 2012 - May 2017
C.S. GPA: 3.26
Music Minor
Honors & Activities
Game Jam Participant (11 total)
Spring 2015 - Spring 2020
Manticore Games Alpha Tester - Core
Fall 2019 - Spring 2020
Co-Founder and President of UNL Game Dev Club
Spring 2019 - Fall 2019
ACM Programming Contest Graduate Student Representative
Fall 2018
Graduate Teaching Assistant Student Representative
Fall 2017 - Spring 2018
Contestant in KSU ACM Programming Contest
Fall 2013 - Spring 2017
Regional Programming Contest - Top 33%
Fall 2014 and Fall 2016
1st Place Overall - KSU Game Jam Competition
Spring 2015
Eagle Scout
September 2012