Hi there! I’m Ignacy Kajdan, a software engineer and researcher passionate about programming, electronics, embedded systems, artificial intelligence1, free software, DevOps, and cybersecurity. With a diverse technical skill set and a drive to explore new frontiers, I am always eager to learn.
My name is pronounced “ig-NAH-tsih KAI-dahn” (IPA: [iɡˈnat͡sɨ] [ˈkai̯dan]). Ignacy is a male name with uncertain etymology. According to the most widespread theory, it originates from the Latin word ignis, meaning “fire”. In Spanish, Ignacy translates to Nacho. Additionally, the Polish word kajdan (plural: kajdany) refers to shackles, chains, or fetters used to restrain a person, typically on the wrists or ankles.
I am close to earning my MSc in Automatic Control and Robotics from the Poznan University of Technology. During my university years, I was part of the Formula Student racing team, PUT Motorsport. I also worked part-time as an R&D engineer at the Mobile Robotics Lab, developing an autonomous mobile platform for cargo transportation.
I enjoy computer programming, lately focusing on Python, C/C++, and Kotlin. Besides that, I have a strong interest in embedded systems and IoT, working with microcontrollers, especially STM32 and ESP32. I’m equally fascinated by machine learning, particularly deep learning and natural language processing.
I have a great appreciation for free and open-source projects, as well as the decentralized “Bazaar” development model2.
Outside of tech, I enjoy classical music, visual arts, philosophy, and hard science fiction, particularly post-apocalyptic and cyberpunk genres. I have a white cat and a broken keyboard. My favorite meal is burgers, especially this one.
I speak (nearly) flawless Polish, quite good English, terrible German, and a bit of Spanish. I can also translate some PSL (Polish Sign Language) signs.
Online, I often go by ikajdan, though I don’t use social media much. I prefer one-on-one communication.