Omar Kawach

Summary

Omar Kawach has a 3-year Advanced Diploma in Biotechnology from Algonquin College and is in his 4th year at the University of Victoria's Combined Major in Geography and Computer Science (Geomatics). His work experience spans many fields, such as, Architecture, Geography, Biotechnology, and Computer Science / Engineering. Given Omar's expertise and experiences in numerous areas, Omar has the following information to highlight:

Languages: Intermediate in JavaScript, C/C++, and Python

Version Control Systems: Regular use of Git

Open Source Libraries: Proven track record with OpenLayers and GeoPandas

Software and Tools: Experienced with AutoDesk Forge Viewer, QGIS, GeoDa, ArcGIS Pro, and ArcGIS REST API for JavaScript

Skills: Stellar ability to conduct valuable research, superb work ethic, and great team player

Clearance: Highest clearance achieved was SECRET level II (expired)

Authorizations: Previously trained in Bio-Containment Level 2 & 3 experiments (bacteria, fungi, viruses)


Full resume available upon request

Achievements

Hackathons

Autodesk University 2020 Forge Hackathon

Rank: 1st for Best 3D Video Game & 2nd for Best Overall Project

Languages: Python, JavaScript, and NodeJS

Libraries: D3JS and Three.js (r71)

Tool: Autodesk Forge Viewer

Built a COVID game simulator as an interactive real-world application that is fun to play and could train industry practitioners to make informed risk assessments and facilities management.

AEC 2020 Hackathon

Rank: 1st for Best Hack for Humans

Languages: C++, Python, and JavaScript

Libraries: D3JS and Three.js (r71)

Tool: Autodesk Forge Viewer

The goal of this hackathon was to use BIM data to simulate the spread of viral particles in buildings. My contribution to the project was by developing the visualization aspect.



Publications


A cloud-based workflow for the integration of BIM to DEVS

Awards

2021 Esri Canada GIS Scholarship - Nominated by University of Victoria

Languages: Python

Libraries: GeoPandas, and Matplotlib

Tools: ArcGIS Pro, and ArcMap

Through Esri's GIS Scholarships program, Canadian post-secondary institutions are recognized for their ability to deliver strong, multidisciplinary GIS courses and programs. Students can either apply independently representing their University or be nominated by their University.

Education

After completing my 3-year advanced diploma in Biotechnology, I realized that many fields were opening more and more to those with coding backgrounds. In order to stay competitive and relevant, I decided to go back to school. Having worked in virus/vaccine research, I noticed the need in spatial data mapping for outbreaks, threat-level detection, etc. For such reasons, University of Victoria's combined major program in Geomatics caught my eye. With the benefit of the program being a general computer science degree, it provides me with an opportunity to branch out and learn other skills.

University of Victoria (2019 - Present)


Bachelor of Science Combined Major: Geomatics (Geographic Information Systems and Computer Science)

Courses: Data Structures & Algorithms (Java), Artificial Intelligence (Python), Discrete Mathematics, Calculus, Statistics (R), Linear Algebra, Human-Computer Interaction Design, Computer Architecture (AVR assembly), Image Processing/Computer Graphics (OpenCV), Remote Sensing, and GIS Analysis

Algonquin College (2015 - 2018)


3-Year Advanced Diploma (or Associate's Degree): Biotechnology with Dean’s Honors List for High Academic Standing

Courses: Genetic Engineering, Molecular Biology, Microbiology, Biochemistry, Bioinformatics, Regulatory Affairs, and Natural Sciences

Research Project: I played a role in the collaborative research effort between the Federal Government of Canada, and the Ontario Government to investigate factors that influence the success of oral rabies vaccination of raccoons.

Experience

Projects

Remote Sensing for Sea Ice Classification using Deep Learning
GitHub Link: /sea_ice_remote_sensing

Languages: Python, Shell, and Batch

Machine Learning and Neural Network Libraries: Scikit-learn, Tensorflow, and Keras

Computer Vision and Image Processing Libraries: OpenCV, Scikit-image

Other Libraries: Imbalanced-learn, Pandas, Seaborn, Matplotlib

Description: Performed sea ice concentration classification using Sentinel-1 optical data with deep learning approaches on pixel-based image segmentation.

Work Experience

GIS and Software Development Consultant at Omar Kawach Services
Employment dates: May 2021 - Present
Sample Work: UBC ISU Clinic Map

GIS Web Developer at Statistics (Contract)
Employment dates: January 2021 - August 2021
Department: Statistical Geomatics Centre (SGC)
Worksite: Tunney's Pasture
Background: Omar's contribution at the SGC

Research Assistant at Carleton University (Intern)
Employment dates: June 2020 - Dec 2020
Supervisor: Dr. Gabriel Wainer
Worksite: Advanced Real-Time Simulation Laboratory
Background: Omar's contribution at the lab

Lab Assistant at Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Intern)
Employment date: May 2017 - August 2018
Supervisor: Dr. Christine Fehlner-Gardiner
Worksite: Ottawa Animal Health Laboratory - Center of Expertise for Rabies

Security Guard at Commissionaires
Employment date: May 2016 - May 2018
Worksite: National Capital Region (Ottawa)

Lab Assistant at Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Intern)
Employment date: Jan 2015 - June 2015
Supervisor: Hongsheng Huang
Worksite: Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield - Food Science

Sales Associate at Calvin Klein
Employment date: Nov 2014 - Jan 2015

Busboy at Cedarhill Golf Course & Country Club
Employment date: Aug 2014 - Nov 2014

Lab Assistant at Canadian Food Inspection Agency (Intern)
Employment date: Sept 2013 - Jan 2014
Supervisor: Hongsheng Huang
Worksite: Ottawa Laboratory Fallowfield - Food Science

Paperboy at Penny Savers
Employment date: 2005 - 2012

Volunteer Experience

Global Community Mentor at UVIC
Employment date: Sept 2019 - Apr 2020

Flight Sergeant at Air Cadet League of Canada
Employment date: 2009-2015