Hi, I'm Kannika Armstrong.

Aspiring Software Engineer with a strong foundation in secure systems, cryptographic algorithms, and distributed applications.

About Me

I’m a Master’s student in Computer Science and Systems at the University of Washington Tacoma, specializing in Cryptography, Post-Quantum Cryptography, Secure Multiparty Computation, and Distributed Systems. My research focuses on optimizing cryptographic protocols like Kyber and Ascon-MAC for real-world use in resource-constrained environments. With a prior career in meteorology, I bring a strong foundation in data analysis and problem-solving. I’ve gained hands-on experience in Python, Java, cryptographic libraries, and machine learning tools, and I’ve enjoyed helping others succeed in technical courses through teaching assistant and mentoring roles.

Skills

  • Programming Languages: Java, Python, R, SQL, MS SQL Server, MySQL, JavaScript, HTML, CSS, PHP
  • Libraries & Tools: PyCryptodome, Cryptography, Qiskit, hashlib, hmac, NumPy, pandas, TensorFlow, scikit-learn, Matplotlib, MS SQL Server, Git, GitHub, NLP (TF-IDF, BERT, LSTM)
  • Cryptography: Post-Quantum Cryptography, Threshold Digital Signatures, Lattice-based Cryptography, Kyber, MAC, Ascon-MAC
  • Database: SQL Development, Database Internals, Data Analysis, Query Optimization, database performance tuning, query plan analysis

Researches & Projects

Researches

Master’s Thesis - University of Washington Tacoma (In Progress)

Optimizing Performance and Efficiency of Lattice-Based Post-Quantum Cryptography Algorithms in Resource-Constrained UAV Environments

  • Developing a secure communication protocol combining Kyber (lattice-based PQC) and Ascon-MAC (lightweight authentication) for UAV networks
  • Applying optimization techniques including Number-Theoretic Transform (NTT), vectorization, caching, and parallelization to enhance algorithm efficiency
  • Simulating performance in constrained UAV environments using Python and evaluating metrics such as computation time, memory footprint, energy consumption, and latency
  • Conducting formal security verification using ProVerif to ensure resistance to quantum attacks and protocol robustness under optimization

Cryptography

Post-Quantum Cryptography

Lattice-Based Cryptography

Kyber

Ascon-Mac

Python

Independent Study - University of Washington Tacoma (January 2025 - March 2025)

Post-Quantum Cryptosystems

  • Conducted an in-depth study of cryptographic schemes designed to resist quantum attacks, focusing on lattice-based, hash-based, and multivariate systems.
  • Analyzed theoretical foundations (e.g., computational complexity, quantum vulnerabilities) and practical implementations, including Learning with Errors (LWE) encryption and homomorphic encryption.
  • Produced a comprehensive research report/project evaluating current post-quantum standards and exploring novel cryptographic approaches.

Cryptography

Post-Quantum Cryptography

Learning with Errors

Projects

Database Systems Internals Project (In Progress)

Database Systems Internals Project:Query Optimization

  • Design and implement a database in MS SQL Server to study query optimizer behavior under schema and data distribution changes.
  • Analyze and enforce different query plans by modifying indexes, constraints, and table cardinalities.
  • Investigate optimizer mispredictions by crafting queries and manually overriding execution plans using query hints and XML plans.
  • Benchmark query plans by comparing estimated costs and actual execution times.
  • Focus on understanding and improving database query performance through systematic schema and data manipulation.

SQL optimization

MS SQL Server

performance tuning

query plan analysis

SQL Development

Database Internals

Distributed Systems Research Project (January 2025 - March 2025)

Integrating Secure Multiparty Computation with Threshold Digital Signatures for Quantum-Resistant Distributed Systems

  • Designed an SMC protocol with threshold digital signatures for quantum-resistant systems.
  • Developed a hybrid cryptographic framework using lattice-based & hash-based digital signatures.
  • Implemented in Python (PyCryptodome, NumPy, SciPy) and evaluated performance.
  • Conducted security analysis & benchmarking to assess computational overhead.

Distributed Systems

Cryptography

Post-Quantum Cryptography

Secure Multiparty Computation

SMC protocol

Machine Learning Project (September 2024 - December 2024)

Machine Learning for Social Media User Profiling

  • Developed ML models to predict demographics & Big Five personality traits.
  • Achieved 76% accuracy in gender prediction (baseline: 59%) and 63% in age prediction.
  • Applied TF-IDF, BERT embeddings, and LSTMs for NLP-based feature extraction.
  • Enhanced personality prediction using Gradient Boosting Regressor, exceeding baseline models.

Machine Learning

Python

NumPy

Gradient Boosting Regressor

Prediction Models

Cryptographic Application

This project is an application for asymmetric encryption and digital signatures at the 256-bit security level. The algorithm used SHA-3 derived function KMACXOF256, ECDHIES encryption, and Schnorr signatures.

Cryptography

Java

Git

TikTalk: Chat&Weather App

This project is the Android chat and weather application that develops and maintains two distinct (Client and Server) code bases. The team used the Scrum/Agile methodologies framework to implement the software development process.

Java

JavaScript

Node.js

PostgreSQL

Android Studio

Husky Trivia Maze Game

The husky trivial maze game was a team project considering the software life cycle, naming, and coding style, user stories, iterations planning, Agile methodologies, and UML Class Diagrams. We also implemented an SQL database using SQLite.

Java

Swing GUI

JUnit

SQLite

Git

Unemployment Analysis

This study shows that the unemployment rate in March 2021 in the urban counties is lower than that of the rural county counterparts in Washington State and Oregon State. However, the object of this study was to analyze the real-world data using statistical techniques.

R

R Studio

Statistic

analysis

Movie Tickets Reservation Systems

his project is an online movie ticket booking system that provided the database's conceptual model and developed a functional front end of the database application to demonstrate the significant functionalities.

MySQL

PHP

HTML

CSS

Bootstrap5

More Projects On GitHub ...

Some more of my students' and self-taught projects are on GitHub.

Work Experiences

    University of Washington Tacoma, WA (September 2024 - Present)

    • Teaching Assistant (March 2025 - Present)

      • Attend, conduct, provide feedback, and grade for the labs of the Programming Principles course.
      • Assist with class projects, problem-solving strategies, and Java code debugging.

    • Computer Science Mentor (September 2024 - March 2025)

      • Mentored 50+ students in data structures, algorithms, and computer science coursework.
      • Assisted with class projects, problem-solving strategies, and debugging Python/Java code.
      • Designed visual explanations for complex topics, improving student comprehension.

    Pierce College, WA (October 2020 - December 2021 and January 2024 - December 2024)

    • Computer Science and Mathematics/Calculus Supplemental Instruction Tutor

      • Tutored and mentored 4 classrooms of 86 undergraduate students in Calculus, Introduction to Programming (Python), and Computer Science I & II (Java and Object-Oriented Programming).
      • Facilitated out-of-class group study sessions to reinforce course material and enhance understanding of class criteria.
      • Provided individualized and group support to students needing extra help, employing diverse teaching techniques to promote critical thinking and problem-solving skills.
      • Focused on content mastery and effective learning strategies to help students achieve passing grades.
      • Maintained a positive, encouraging learning environment and coordinated with professors to align supplemental instruction with course objectives.

    The Princeton Review / Tutor.com, (Remote) (January 2024 - December 2024)

    • Mathematics and Computer Science Tutor

      • Tutored students in Algebra, Trigonometry, Calculus, and Computer Science, helping them deepen their understanding of core concepts outside of class hours.
      • Enhanced academic performance and supported retention in Mathematics and Java courses by applying effective instructional strategies.
      • Utilized diverse teaching techniques to encourage content mastery and independent problem-solving.

    Thai Meteorological Department, Bangkok, Thailand (May 2006 – May 2018)

    • Meteorologist Practitioner, Climatological Center (February 2010 - May 2018)

      • Analyzed historical and real-time climate data from meteorological stations, radar, satellite imagery, and computer models to develop accurate climate and seasonal predictions.
      • Collaborated in developing and refining weather models using statistical and predictive analysis, supporting seasonal outlooks for Thailand and Southeast Asia.
      • Provided expert insights on global and regional climate factors (e.g., ENSO, IOD, Asian monsoon, MJO, SST) to guide strategies in pollution control, agriculture, water management, and climate change mitigation.
      • Presented climate predictions and recommendations at local and international seminars, conferences, and forums, including participation in the ASEAN Climate Outlook Forum.

    • Meteorologist Practitioner, Marine Meteorological Center (December 2008 - January 2010)

      • Analyzed wave height data in the Gulf of Thailand and the Andaman Sea using the WAM (Wave Analysis Model) for sea state forecasting.
      • Participated in international meetings and conferences on marine meteorology and tsunami preparedness, contributing to professional discussions and seminars.

    • Meteorologist 4, Marine Meteorological Center (May 2008 - November 2008)

      • Forecasted wave heights and sea conditions using the Wave Analysis Model (WAM).
      • Represented Thailand in marine meteorology and tsunami preparedness conferences.

    • Meteorologist 3, Marine Meteorological Center (May 2006 - April 2008)

      • Collected and recorded marine meteorological data from buoys and automatic weather stations for wave observation reports.
      • Researched air-sea interactions and coordinated with domestic and international agencies to enhance data accuracy and dissemination.

Educations

    University of Washington Tacoma, WA

    • Master of Science in Computer Science and Systems (September 2024 – Present)

      • Expected Graduation: March 2026
      • GPA: 3.86 / 4.0
      • Thesis: Optimizing Performance and Efficiency of Lattice-Based Post-Quantum Cryptography Algorithms in Resource-Constrained UAV Environments
      • Relevant coursework: Advanced Algorithms, Machine Learning, Applied Distributed Computing,
        Post-Quantum Cryptography, Database Systems Internals

    • Bachelor of Science in Computer Science and Systems (January 2021 – December 2022)

    Pierce College, WA

    • Associate in Arts in Academic Transfer AA DTA, Computer Science (January 2020 – December 2020)

    Chiang Mai University, Thailand

    • Bachelor of Science in Physics with Minor in Mathematics (May 1999 – March 2004)

Awards & Achievements

  • Outstanding Service Award of Summer Quarter 2024, Pierce College, WA
  • Chancellor's Lists of Spring and Fall Quarter 2020, Pierce College, WA
  • Secretary of the Deputy Director-General (2014 - 2018), Thai Meteorological Department, Bangkok, Thailand
  • ESCAP/WMO Typhoon Committee member for long range forcasting (2017), Thai Meteorological Department, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Committee and Secretary of the Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) Project 87 Stations (2014), Thai Meteorological Department, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Committee and Secretary of the Daily Meteorological Dictionary Team (2014), Thai Meteorological Department, Bangkok, Thailand
  • Construction Supplies Acceptance Committee and secretary of the Marine Meteorological Warning System Project (2010 - 2013), Thai Meteorological Department, Bangkok, Thailand

Contact