About
Hello there! I'm Carlos, a former Apple intern who spent two summers working on the Vision Pro's audio team (think Spatial Audio). I'm passionate about algorithms, app development, audio engineering, and spatial computing. Basically, if it involves making computers do cool things, I'm interested.
I currently work as a Research Assistant exploring LLM-Human Computer Interaction, generating synthetic expert corpus data, and building full-stack mobile and web applications across iOS, Android, and the web. Before that, I worked at Specify Collections Consortium developing and testing features for their Python/TypeScript SaaS platform running on AWS with Docker, your standard industry tech stack.
I won Apple's WWDC23 Swift Student Challenge and have spoken at international conferences in Japan, Korea, and the US. I write technical articles on Swift, Computer Vision, LLMs, Graphics, and Audio Engineering that have reached 25K+ views. Currently building Reze, a macOS job search assistant using on-device AI.
Work Experience
Education
Skills
Languages & Core
Swift
JavaScript
SQLApple Technologies
AI & Machine Learning
PyTorch
TensorFlowTools & Infrastructure
Git
Docker
Firebase
Flask
Streamlit
OpenGLCool Stuff I've Built
Check out some of the projects I've worked on. From mobile apps to research prototypes.
Built a macOS pipeline combining YOLO11 and DSP for real time fretboard tracking with audio transcription. Integrated an Audio to Midi CoreML Model with a custom heuristic algorithm to map notes to ergonomic tabs.
Developed an on device multimodal framework combining Speech Diarization, Automatic Speech Recognition, Computer Vision, and Depth Estimation to dynamically spatialize audio and identify active speakers. Published an article outlining the algorithm design, system integration, and applications in AR/VR and Media.
Developed CheckYoSelf, a web + iOS app using Swift, Javascript, and Smart Contracts to verify product authenticity. Used Apple's Object Capture for 3D model scanning to create digital twins of products.
Designed and developed a 3D rendering pipeline using C++, OpenGL, Swift, Metal, and MSL featuring dynamic lighting and instanced rendering. Then used those skills to create a series of articles on building a similar pipeline with Swift and Metal. Implemented interactive camera modes (default, tracking, ground) and split screen with user control via keyboard.
I like building & sharing things
I've had the privilege of speaking at international conferences, competing in global challenges, winning prestigious awards and other fun things.
Deep Dish Swift - Conference Speaker
Chicago, IL
Leading a technical audio workshop for industry professionals at a premier iOS and Swift conference in Chicago.
Apple Japan: Hello Swift Students - International Speaker
Tokyo, Japan
Spoke at Apple Tokyo's Hello Swift Students event, mentoring and teaching international developer communities.
Community for Swift Students Korea - International Speaker
Seoul, South Korea
Spoke at Community for Swift Students Korea, mentoring and teaching international developer communities.
IMC Prosperity Trading Challenge
Global (Online)
Designed algorithmic trading strategies under real world constraints, achieved top 1.6% rank (221 of 13,614) globally. Solved open ended manual market challenges by modeling statistical behaviors and automating trade execution.
HackKU 2025
Lawrence, KS
Built PeTAI (Personal Trainer AI), a cross-platform app using Computer Vision to provide real-time feedback on exercise form. Developed native iOS/iPadOS/tvOS apps with Swift and Vision framework, plus a web app using ML Kit. The system analyzes movements, compares them to tutorial videos, and helps prevent injuries while improving form with Apple Watch data.
Midwest Block-a-Thon
Lawrence, KS
Developed CheckYoSelf, a web + iOS app using Swift, Javascript, and Smart Contracts to verify product authenticity. Used Apple's Object Capture for 3D model scanning. Won 2nd Place and Best Hack Award.
HackKU 2024
Lawrence, KS
Built Pocket DJ, a web app using Python, Streamlit, and AI mood analysis for image-driven song recommendations. Won the 'Most Creative Adobe Express Add-On' Award.
WWDC23 Swift Student Challenge Winner
Worldwide
Awarded as 1 of 350 worldwide winners for Rhythm Snap, a rhythm training app using iPad's camera and computer vision for hand gesture recognition.
On Air
My analog break from digital work. Broadcasting has been my creative outlet to connect with communities and explore audio in a different way.
Grand Line Radio
BFF.fm (San Francisco, CA)
Hosted a radio show on BFF.fm, San Francisco's community radio station, sharing banger music selections and connecting with the Bay Area community.
The Embassy
Leeds Student Radio (Leeds, UK)
Hosted radio shows during my exchange semester at University of Leeds, bringing diverse music and perspectives to the student community with two other DJs.
Jazz in The Morning / Grand Line Radio
KJHK 90.7 FM (Lawrence, KS)
Hosted a weekly radio show on KJHK 90.7 FM, the University of Kansas student-run radio station, curating music, engaging with the campus community and writing blog articles.
Get in Touch
Want to chat? Just send me a message on LinkedIn or email me at carmbendera@gmail.com and I'll respond whenever I can.