CS Graduate Researcher · Bradley University
Ryan Dodd
XR & Computer Vision · Entrepreneur
Building extended reality feedback systems for the Air Force Research Labs and shipping production software. Graduate researcher in computer vision, co-founder, and open source advocate.
About
I'm a graduate researcher and software engineer focused on computer vision and extended reality. I've been programming since 2017 and earned my B.S. in Computer Science from Bradley University, where I graduated Summa Cum Laude with minors in Mathematics and Music and distinctions from the Entrepreneurial Scholars and Honors programs.
I'm currently pursuing my M.S. in Computer Science at Bradley while working as a researcher on a $12.5M AFRL-funded contract and serving as CEO of Dormly Software, LLC.
Outside of work you'll find me rock climbing, camping, or troubleshooting my Linux laptop. I also enjoy making things and am an avid 3D printing enthusiast. My trusty Ender 5 Plus has served me well! I'm also an I'm also an adult adviser for the Order of the Arrow in Scouting America — an organization that has shaped a lot of who I am.
Bradley University · Currently enrolled · Expected May 2028
Bradley University · Summa Cum Laude · Minors in Mathematics & Music · Entrepreneurial Scholars & Honors distinctions
YOLO-based computer vision · Edge device deployment · Extended reality systems · HoloLens 2 · Meta Quest 3
Python · C# · C++ · TypeScript · Unity · React · Next.js · Lua
Open source · Local LLMs (Llama, Qwen) · Homelabs · 3D Printing · Linux · Rock climbing · Scouting America
Research
XR Feedback Systems · UDRI / AFRL
Bradley University · Feb 2024 – Present · Peoria, IL
Demo video — pending clearance
Developing extended reality applications that provide real-time live feedback for Air Force operations including spraying, blasting, and robotics control. Work targets Meta Quest 3, HoloLens 2, and desktop platforms under a multi-year, $12.5M contract between Bradley University, the University of Dayton Research Institute (UDRI), and the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL). Also training and evaluating YOLO-based computer vision models for edge device inference, and attended IEEE/CVF CVPR 2026.
Projects
Residential management platform for universities. Co-founded and serve as CTO. Placed 2nd at Bradley's Big Idea Competition — $4,000 in funding and six months of coworking space. Also led a senior capstone team in developing a project across an entire academic year.
Roblox to Discord management system handling 1.6M+ user records with GDPR compliance, OAuth2 authentication, and role-based access control.
Staff engagement platform powering the Enthusiasm initiative across five residential buildings at Bradley University.
Section G9 App
Internal scheduling app for Scouting America's Order of the Arrow Section G9.
Experience
Software Developer
Aevadur LLC · Peoria, IL
Building React Native iOS and Android health applications, a Next.js web platform, and AI-assisted server-side recommendation systems.
Enterprise Technologies Intern
First Trust · Wheaton, IL
Engineered time-constraint scheduling logic preventing events from running outside allowed windows, eliminating on-demand server spin-up. Implemented recursive job cloning for a tree-structured dependency system. Built automated adoption tracking that triggered targeted outreach to non-adopters of new features.
Extended Reality Graduate Researcher
Bradley University · UDRI / AFRL · Peoria, IL
Developing XR applications in Unity targeting Meta Quest 3 and desktop platforms under a $12.5M UDRI/AFRL-funded research contract. Training and evaluating YOLO-based computer vision models for real-time edge device performance, collaborating daily with a full-time research team. Attended IEEE/CVF CVPR 2026.
Senior Service Desk Consultant
Bradley University · Peoria, IL
Led migration from SolarWinds Web Help Desk to SolarWinds Service Desk, transferring 120 knowledge base articles and building automation workflows. Deployed and maintained an open-source IT homepage on local hardware, negotiating domain integration with university administration. Delivered staff training across Canvas, Google Slides, and on-the-job formats for 12 consultants.
Resident Advisor
Bradley University · Peoria, IL
Served on honors and innovation learning community floors, planning weekly events in collaboration with adjacent floor teams. Administered StarRez residential management software, managing security permissions, enabling mobile staff access, and authoring role-specific documentation. Led Enthusiasm, a cross-building staff engagement initiative spanning 5 buildings, and served as responding RA during a critical on-campus incident.
Construction Worker
Firchau Construction · Glen Ellyn, IL
Assisted in manual labor tasks building high end Trex decks. Designed decks using Menards Deck Builder and Simpson Strong-Tie deck planners.