Picture of Ben Schmidt

Ben Schmidt

University of Utah | Computer Science

About Me

Hey! I'm Ben, a recent graduate from The University of Utah. With a passion for coding and problem-solving, I have gained extensive experience working with a variety of programming languages, including C++, C#, Python, Java, and SQL. Through my coursework and personal projects, I have honed my skills in developing efficient algorithms and creating robust software solutions. I thrive in collaborative environments, leveraging my strong communication and teamwork abilities to contribute effectively to projects. As I continue to pursue my education, I am excited to apply my technical knowledge and practical experience to tackle new challenges and make a positive impact in the field of computer science.


Education

University of Utah, May 2025
Major: Computer Science
Emphasis: Entertainment, Arts, and Engineering

2021 Fall

Courses

  • Digital Content Creation
  • Calc I
  • Object-Oriented Programming (Java)
  • Intro to Writing

2022 Spring

Courses

  • Intro Alg & Data Struct
  • Intro to Game Design
  • Calc II
  • Intermediate Writing

2022 Fall

Courses

  • Discrete Structures
  • Software Practice
  • Video Game Storytelling
  • Asset Pipeline
  • Calc III

Project

2023 Spring

Courses

  • Software Practice II
  • Computer Organization
  • Interactive Machinima
  • Linear Algebra
  • Sport-Amer Society

Project

  • Multiplayer Snake Game Server and Client

2023 Fall

Courses

  • Eng Prob Stats
  • Algorithms
  • Intro Design Thinking
  • Traditional Game Development
  • Physics for Science & Engineering

Project

2024 Spring

Courses

  • Computer Systems
  • Database Systems
  • Alternate Game Development
  • Design Human Center Exp
  • Writing with New Media

Project

  • Canvas LMS Relational Database

2024 Fall

Courses

  • Found. of Data Analysis
  • Programming Languages
  • Artificial Intelligence
  • Capstone I

Projects

2025 Spring

Courses

  • Models of Computation
  • Mobile App Programming
  • Capstone II

Projects

  • Football Stats Website
  • Drawing App

Course Highlights

Artificial Intelligence Computer Organization Computer Systems Calculus 3
Foundation of Data Analysis Design Human Center Experience Design Thinking Database Systems
Traditional Game Development Discrete Structures Mobile App Programming Asset Pipeline

Projects

Clay Beats - Couch Co-op Rhythm Game (Blueprints, C++, Unreal Engine 5)
  • Collaborated with a team of 32 developers to create a rhythm-based game in Unreal Engine 5.
  • Designed and implemented several gameplay systems, including player interactions, camera mechanics, level transitions, and song selection.
  • Contributed to the development of the options menu and settings functionality to enhance user experience.
  • Performed performance optimizations increasing performance by 30%.
  • Assisted with building and packaging the game for deployment, ensuring seamless functionality across platforms.


Work In Progress - Football Stats Website (React, HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Api)
Football Cards Football Teams Football Games
  • Built a modern, responsive web application that displays football statistics in a visually appealing interface
  • Integrated with ESPN’s public endpoints to fetch live data about players and teams
  • Enabled users to select and track their favorite players and teams for quick access to personalized stats
  • Focused on user experience with intuitive navigation and clean UI design using React components


Phone Website (HTML, CSS, JavaScript) | Weather App | Music App | Calculator App
  • Created an interactive phone interface website with multiple functional “apps” representing different websites I developed.
  • Developed a weather app utilizing a third-party API to provide real-time weather information.
  • Built a music app and a calculator app, each with interactive interfaces and functional backends.
  • Developed a settings app to modify preferences and configurations, enhancing user experience.


Car Database Website (SQL, Python, HTML, CSS, JavaScript)
Car Database Website Screenshot Car Database Website Screenshot Car Database Website Screenshot
  • Designed and created a relational database using MariaDB to efficiently store and manage extensive data on car makes, models, and specifications
  • Implemented a custom RestAPI in Python that retrieved data from the MariaDB database and transformed it into a user-friendly JSON format
  • Developed a dynamic website that fetches data from the API and presents it in an appealing and user-friendly manner, including specifications for each car model and images/3d models of each car


Scrappy - 2D Platformer (C#, Unity)
  • A game made with a team of 7 in Unity using C#
  • Implemented Scrum methodology for effective weekly meetings.
  • Designed and implemented dynamic boss jumping mechanics and attacks.
  • Engineered a robust checkpoint/respawn system for seamless gameplay.
  • Developed a save/load system for player progress persistence.
  • Enhanced user interface functionality for improved player experience.