# Cody Burkard

> master of Computer Science & Engineering, University of Washington, 2017

**Wikidata**: [Q113667903](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q113667903)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cody-burkard

## Summary
Cody Burkard is a computer scientist and alumnus of the University of Washington, where he earned a Master of Science in Computer Science & Engineering in 2017. He is recognized for his academic research focused on improving the resistance of machine learning models to adversarial examples through intelligent hyperparameter selection.

## Biography
*   **Education:** Master of Science & Engineering, University of Washington (2017)
*   **Field(s):** Computer Science, Computer Engineering
*   **Known for:** Research on adversarial examples and hyperparameter selection
*   **Academic Advisor:** Brent Lagesse

## Contributions
Cody Burkard's primary documented contribution is his master's thesis, **"Can Intelligent Hyperparameter Selection Improve Resistance to Adversarial Examples?"**, submitted in 2017. This work investigated methods to harden machine learning systems against adversarial attacks by optimizing the selection of hyperparameters. His research was conducted under the supervision of Brent Lagesse at the University of Washington.

## FAQs
**What degree did Cody Burkard earn?**
Cody Burkard earned a Master of Science & Engineering in Computer Science and Computer Engineering from the University of Washington in 2017.

**What was the focus of Cody Burkard's research?**
His research focused on cybersecurity and machine learning, specifically analyzing whether intelligent hyperparameter selection could enhance a system's resistance to adversarial examples.

**Who supervised Cody Burkard's graduate studies?**
He conducted his thesis work as a student of Brent Lagesse.

## Why They Matter
Cody Burkard's work addresses the critical intersection of machine learning and security, a vital area in modern computer science. By exploring how the configuration of learning algorithms (hyperparameters) affects their vulnerability to malicious inputs (adversarial examples), his research contributes to the broader effort to make AI systems more robust and reliable. His academic background places him within the class of computer scientists who focus on the theoretical and practical design of secure computational systems.

## Notable For
*   **Academic Achievement:** Earning a Master’s degree in Computer Science & Engineering from the University of Washington.
*   **Security Research:** Authoring a thesis on defense mechanisms against adversarial machine learning attacks.
*   **Collaboration:** Working within the academic research group of Brent Lagesse.
*   **Professional Classification:** Being identified as a computer scientist specializing in technology and systems analysis.

## Body
### Education and Academic Background
Cody Burkard is associated with the **University of Washington**, where he pursued advanced studies in technology. In **2017**, he successfully completed his academic requirements to obtain a **Master of Science & Engineering** degree. His specific fields of study were **Computer Science** and **Computer Engineering**. During his time at the university, he was listed as a student of **Brent Lagesse**, indicating a mentorship or supervisory relationship in his research.

### Research and Thesis
Burkard's academic culmination was the production of a master's thesis titled **"Can Intelligent Hyperparameter Selection Improve Resistance to Adversarial Examples?"** This work suggests a focus on **Artificial Intelligence** and **Cybersecurity**. The thesis investigated the vulnerability of machine learning models to "adversarial examples"—inputs specifically crafted to cause models to make mistakes. Burkard's contribution involved analyzing "intelligent hyperparameter selection" as a potential defensive strategy to mitigate these risks.

### Professional Classification
As a graduate in Computer Science & Engineering, Burkard falls under the professional classification of a **Computer Scientist**. This occupation involves the study and practice of the theoretical foundations of information and computation. Professionals in this field, including Burkard, are classified as technology specialists and systems analysts who work across industrial and service sectors to design computational systems.

### Data Provenance
Biographical data regarding Cody Burkard is derived from academic records and Wikidata structured properties. He is listed on the focus list of the **WikiProject PCC Wikidata Pilot/University of Washington**, verifying his status as a recognized alumnus and researcher within that institutional dataset.

## References

1. WorldCat