North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
Summary
- Bachelor of Engineering in Computer and Electronic Engineering, North-West University, South Africa (conferred 2025)
- Lead Application Designer at YR-Less International since January 2025: mobile apps on Google Play and the Apple App Store
- Software development, embedded systems and machine learning
- Award-winning final-year project: machine learning check-mark recognition, 98% accurate
- English (fluent), Afrikaans (native), German (basic,
Duolingo Score 31, CEFR A2)
Languages
- English - Fluent
- Afrikaans - Native
- German - Basic (
Duolingo Score 31, CEFR A2)
Key Interests and Skills
- Machine Learning
- Embedded Systems Development
- Software Development
- Digital Electronics
- Data Analysis
- Linux Servers
- Quick to adapt to and learn new technologies
Tertiary Education
North-West University (NWU), Potchefstroom Campus, South Africa
- Undergraduate engineering degree, conferred on 28 March 2025
- Final-year project awarded best software project in the School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering, 2024
Secondary Education
Hoërskool Wolmaransstad, a secondary school in Wolmaransstad, South Africa
- South Africa's national school-leaving qualification, completed after Grade 12, with admission to bachelor's degree studies
- Among the top 10 academic achievers throughout high school
Short Courses
Experience
Jan 2025 – Present
- General software engineering and codebase maintenance
First-year digital systems module, under senior lecturer Piet van Huyssteen
Jan 2022 – June 2024
- Demonstrated the practical application of digital fundamentals to first-year students
- Assisted students with understanding the theory and practical aspects of digital electronics
- Graded assignments and provided feedback to students
- Aided in curriculum choices and development
Projects
Jan 2025 – Present
- Aided with development, working together in a team to develop the application
- Published and live on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store
Jan 2025 – Present
- Maintain SPOTBOT, a published mobile app available on both the Google Play Store and the Apple App Store
- Migrated the SPOTBOT codebase from a vanilla JavaScript project to a React TypeScript project
- Developed full-fledged custom software for the business administration of a guest house
- Reference can be provided upon request
- Developed a machine learning model and software platform to identify and detect check marks on graded exam papers, reducing the time taken to enter marks into the database by hand
- The model achieved an accuracy of 98% on the test set
- The software platform has a user-friendly interface, and feedback to the model is used to improve its accuracy
- Developed with Python, PyTorch, Streamlit and PostgreSQL
With this project, I received the 2024 award for best software project in North-West University's School of Electrical, Electronic and Computer Engineering.
Public Repositories
- Token voting for organisations: an organiser sets up a ballot, hands each voter a six-digit PIN and opens one question at a time; results publish themselves
- Static React and TypeScript client with every voting rule enforced in PostgreSQL
- github.com/PJKloppers/VotingStation vote.paulkloppers.co.za
- Native macOS WhatsApp client: a SwiftUI interface on a Go engine built on whatsmeow, linked into a single binary
- github.com/PJKloppers/WhatsappUI
GitHub Activity
Technologies
Languages: C++, C, Python, SQL, JavaScript, TypeScript, HTML and CSS, VB.NET, MATLAB
Still Acquiring: Swift
Technologies: Qt Framework, PyQt, PyTorch, TensorFlow, Scikit-learn, Flask, Node.js, Node-RED, OpenCV, Matplotlib, Pandas, NumPy, Bootstrap 5, React, Supabase (basics)
Tools: Docker, Git, Nginx, Apache, Postman, MQTT Communication, MATLAB, Claude Code
Operating Systems: Windows, Linux, macOS
Databases: PostgreSQL, MySQL, SQLite
Embedded Platform Development: Arduino, Raspberry Pi, ESP32, ESP8266, STM32, Texas Instruments - PIC, SIEMENS PLC
Engineering Related Software: LTspice, MATLAB, Simulink, SIEMENS NX, FEMM, KiCad, SIEMENS PLC, TIA Portal
Other General Software: Microsoft Office, Adobe Photoshop, Adobe Premiere Pro, Adobe Audition
My Mission
I am passionate about Computer & Electronic Engineering and Machine Learning. I believe technology can solve many global problems, especially in healthcare. My goal is to contribute to Machine Learning advancements to make healthcare more affordable and accessible, ultimately making a positive impact on the world.
My objective is to excel in the field of Machine Learning, pursuing both a Master's and a PhD. I aspire to inspire and mentor the next generation of Computer Science and Engineering enthusiasts, helping them achieve their full potential and make meaningful contributions to the field.