About Me

Matthew Allen Curtis

Hi all! I'm Matthew Allen Curtis, a Software Engineering student based in Victoria, BC.

Right now, the two areas that excite me most are data compression—especially video compression—and educational technology.

I’m currently working on an educational videogame website for card-based math games. Think coolmathgames.com but with card games!

I'm also deeply involved in my school's Engineering and Computer Science Students' Society, having served as President, VP Internal, and VP Corporate.

This site is a place where I share what I’m working on, what I’m learning, and things I think are cool.

Work Experience

Good Things Consignment

Good Things Consignment

Victoria, BC | Jan 2025 – Present

Full Stack Web Developer

  • Consignment & POS software to streamline store operations, replacing manual tracking with an automated inventory, sales, and payout system.
  • Built full-stack iPad & web apps using AngularJS, Ionic, and an Express back-end with MongoDB, optimizing data flow and operational efficiency.
  • Communicated technical challenges & pain points with users to refine features and usability—significantly reducing user errors.
AngularJS AngularJS HTML5 HTML5 CSS3 CSS3 Bootstrap Bootstrap Ionic Ionic MongoDB MongoDB Express Express Node.js Node.js
Virtool – CFIA

Virtool – CFIA

Remote | Sep 2023 – May 2024

Backend Software Developer

  • Contributed to Virtool, a bioinformatics platform for genomic analysis and pathogen tracking, supporting food safety and agricultural health.
  • Implemented robust PyTest suites to ensure data integrity and system reliability across the platform.
  • Led migration from MongoDB to SQL, enhancing data handling and query performance for large genomic datasets.
Python Python Django Django MongoDB MongoDB PostgreSQL PostgreSQL

Projects

Custom Video Codec

  • Engineered a C++ compressor and decompressor for real-time decompression of 30 fps 480p video streams, ensuring seamless playback and improved user experience.
  • Reduced YCbCr input file size by a factor of 4.5+, 12+, 14.8+ for low, medium, and high respectively – Achieving 1 bit per pixel for low and medium quality.
  • Implemented P-frames and motion vector compensation techniques to optimize video compression, resulting in enhanced video quality and reduced file sizes.

GZIP Compression Algorithm Implementation

  • Created a C++ implementation of the GZIP compression algorithm, optimizing for speed and efficiency with support for DEFLATE block types 0, 1, and 2.
  • Achieved an average of 200% compression of a 211 MB dataset in approximately 90 seconds on large files while maintaining memory efficiency.
  • Utilized advanced data structures and algorithms, including LZSS, dynamic Huffman coding via the Package Merge Algorithm, and block type optimization logic.

Volunteer Experience

UVic Engineering and Computer Science Student Society

UVic Engineering and Computer Science Student Society

May 2024 – May 2025

VP Corporate

  • Represented the council to Engineers and Geoscientists BC, ensuring alignment between industry standards and student interests.
  • Established and maintained collaborative relationships with local industry, acting as the primary liaison between the society and industry partners.
  • Secured sponsorships and industry participation for networking events while creating professional development opportunities for students.
UVic Engineering and Computer Science Student Society

UVic Engineering and Computer Science Student Society

Sep 2023 – May 2024

President

  • Organized and facilitated semesterly general meetings with 60+ attendees, ensuring transparent governance and member participation.
  • Streamlined study resources through digitizing the exam bank, boosting accessibility to various exams for improved studying experience.
  • Raised over 4,500 dollars for the Vancouver Children's Health Fund by recruiting and organizing the volunteers for our charity event, Order of Pi.