Robert Barkalov

Full Stack Developer & Robotics Educator

About Me

Passionate full-stack developer and dedicated STEM educator with extensive experience in inspiring and teaching students across multiple educational platforms. Currently serving as a Teacher for Code Wiz Durham, Teacher Assistant at Wize Computing Academy, and Volunteer Python Tutor for Kidz Code, where I guide students through programming, robotics, and mathematical concepts.

My educational journey spans from mathematics instruction at Art of Problem Solving to hands-on STEM camps featuring Minecraft Modding and LEGO SPIKE Robotics. I specialize in making complex technical concepts accessible to elementary and middle school students, with expertise in Python programming, robotics education, and interactive learning methodologies.

Beyond education, I'm an accomplished hackathon participant with first-place wins at ScrapYard RTP 2025, Counterspell DC 2024, and Hack_NCState 2025. My technical expertise includes React, Next.js, TypeScript, and full-stack development, with a proven track record of creating innovative solutions that solve real-world problems while fostering the next generation of technologists.

Work Experience

Teacher Assistant for Art of Problem Solving

Art of Problem Solving
July 2025 - July 2025
  • Supported instruction for multiple math courses including 5th Grade Math and 7th-8th Grade Algebra 1 classes
  • Managed classroom environment and facilitated student engagement to maintain focus during instructional sessions
  • Served as lead instructor for the second half of each class, independently delivering lessons and guiding students through challenging mathematical concepts

Teacher for Code Wiz Durham

Code Wiz
June 2025 - Present
  • Led hands-on STEM summer camps focused on creative technology and robotics for elementary and middle school students
  • Taught Minecraft Modding camp, guiding students through designing and building custom mods, which includes the designing, coding, and building, these mods, using MCreator and Blockbench software
  • Led LEGO SPIKE Robotics camp, introducing students to basics of robotics, engineering, and block-based programming

Teacher Assistant for Wize Computing Academy®

Wize Computing Academy
March 2025 - Present
  • Managed the deployment, collection, and organization of all tablets and laptops used by students during each session, ensuring equipment accountability and preventing loss or damage
  • Provided individualized support and guidance to students in understanding robotics concepts, troubleshooting building challenges, and developing coding skills using Lego robotics kits
  • Facilitated a positive and collaborative learning environment by proactively guiding student interactions and addressing behavioral challenges to ensure focused engagement in robotics activities

Volunteer Python Tutor

Kidz Code
June 2025 - Present
  • Volunteer tutor for a nonprofit organization providing free one-on-one Python programming lessons to elementary and middle school students
  • Follow a structured curriculum to teach fundamental coding concepts and computational thinking skills
  • Use Replit for live coding and real-time collaboration with students over Zoom
  • Adapt teaching methods to individual learning styles, providing personalized support and fostering student engagement in STEM

Hackathon Projects

subpoenai.tech

University of Maryland, BitCamp 2025

Solely developed subpoenaI.tech, an AI-powered web application leveraging the Gemini API to simplify legal tasks for individuals. Implemented tools for: Terms of Service simplification, Small Court Claims preparation guidance, Landlord-Tenant Rights explanation, Traffic Ticket summarization. Enabled users to ask follow-up questions for enhanced understanding of legal topics. Responsible for the full-stack development of the application.

YouTube Chaos Extension

Panther Creek High School, ScrapYard RTP 2025 - 1st Place Winner

Developed 'YouTube Chaos Extension,' a playful Chrome extension that injects humorous disruptions into the YouTube viewing experience, including random muting and unexpected video switching. Leveraged JavaScript and Chrome Extension APIs to engineer unique and engaging user interactions.

Code Stars

Georgetown University, HoyaHacks 2025

Led a team in the development of 'Code Stars,' a Kahoot-style coding education game designed for school integration. Integrated Google Gemini API to generate an infinite array of customizable coding questions based on teacher-selected topics and student-adjustable difficulty levels. Developed the real-time game backend using Supabase for live updates on gameplay, storage of question data, and student scoring. Showcases leadership, full-stack development skills, and experience with AI integration for educational applications.

Customizable Navigation Platform

North Carolina State University, Hack_NCState 2025 - Infrastructure Track Winner

Architected customizable navigation platform using React and Google Maps API to reimagine map personalization. Implemented real-time location tracking system with smooth marker animations and accuracy visualization. Engineered device orientation integration for dynamic map heading adjustments and route visualization. Built custom navigation overlay system featuring interactive direction displays and ETA calculations. Led backend development whilecoordinating with UI designer to integrate themed visual elements. Developed extensible theming system allowing for custom map styles and unique navigation markers.

Browser-based Game

Capital Charter High School, Washington DC / Counterspell DC 2024 - 1st Place Winner

Engineered award-winning browser-based game using TypeScript, Next.js, and Canvas API for core gameplay mechanics. Implemented complex physics system including gravity simulation and character collision detection. Developed smooth character animation system and integrated custom artwork assets. Collaborated in cross-functional team handling game logic while coordinating with art and sound designers. Led technical development to create a winning project among around 30 competing teams. Built responsive game loop ensuring consistent performance across different devices.

Full-stack Fitness App

Stevenson High School, Chicago, Windy City Hacks 2024

Developed a NextJS full-stack fitness app integrating Strava API for workout data analysis. Engineered AI training system that generates personalized running plans and tracks progress. Implemented social features including XP-based competitions and friend challenges. Created e-commerce integration to showcase trending running gear deals.

Hurricane Katrina Data Platform

University of Maryland, BitCamp 2024

Built data analysis platform examining Hurricane Katrina's impact on real estate prices. Developed interactive visualizations using Chart.js to display housing market correlations. Created engaging disaster simulation mini-game using JavaScript and CSS animations. Implemented real-time user controls and scoring system.

AR Object Detection Game

Boston, Wonderland 2024

Developed AR object detection game using JavaScript and Google Teachable Machine. Built real-time multiplayer scoring system with 30-second round mechanics. Implemented camera-based object recognition for interactive gameplay. Created responsive web interface for seamless user experience.

Image Metadata Tool

Georgetown University, HoyaHacks 2024

Engineered Python-based image metadata modification tool using Taipy framework. Implemented features to edit location, device, and temporal image metadata. Developed file handling system for modified image export and download. Collaborated with team of three to complete project within 24-hour timeframe.

AI Fitness Assistant

NightHacks 2023

Created AI fitness assistant integrating ChatGPT API for personalized workout generation. Developed custom meal planning algorithm based on user fitness goals. Built responsive interface using React.js for workout plan visualization. Implemented user goal tracking system including weight loss and sports performance.

Nutrition Planning Tool

WaffleHacks 2023

Developed web-based nutrition planning tool using HTML, CSS, and JavaScript. Created database integration for fast food options and healthy recipe alternatives. Built intuitive interface for meal planning and recipe discovery. Led frontend development in team of four developers.

Personal Projects

BookCircle

Try it out
Next.js - React - TypeScript - Tailwind CSS - Supabase - PostgreSQL - Vercel

BookCircle is a full-stack social media application for book lovers, inspired by Goodreads. It allows users to create profiles, search for books, and manage their personal libraries by tracking reading status (e.g., "Want to Read," "Currently Reading," "Completed"). The application fosters a community environment where users can share their thoughts on books by creating posts, leaving comments, and liking content. A key feature is the "Reading Circles," which are book-specific forums that allow for dedicated discussions. The backend is built on Supabase and PostgreSQL, featuring a comprehensive schema with user profiles, book data, and social interaction tables, all secured with row-level security policies.