David Werkhoven

My Journey

I'm a Game Developer and AI enthusiast with a large passion for building intelligent systems and engaging, data-driven game worlds. My journey began in 2016 when I enrolled in a Game Development course at Grafisch Lyceum Utrecht. There, I created my first major project, High Tide, with a good friend, which increased my passion for building games from the ground up.

From there, I continued as a game developer creating Pirate Era, a Minecraft MMORPG server that grew to over 30,000 members. This long-term project was my real-world classroom, teaching me everything from server architecture and custom plugin development to managing SQL databases and using Python tools to analyze player behavior and balance gameplay.

To formalize my self-taught skills, I pursued a propaedeutic in Software Engineering, which I passed with Cum Laude distinction. This solidified my engineering foundation and led me to the University of Amsterdam. There, I completed my BSc in Artificial Intelligence, served as a Teaching Assistant for core computer science courses, and volunteered with the Dutch Nao Team.

I am currently expanding my expertise in my MSc in Artificial Intelligence at the University of Amsterdam, focusing on advanced machine learning, deep learning, and reinforcement learning. I am eager to apply these skills to the next generation of intelligent systems and game development challenges.

Education

MSc Artificial Intelligence

University of Amsterdam

Sep 2024 - Jun 2026 (Current)

Relevant: Advanced ML, DL, Reinforcement Learning

BSc Artificial Intelligence

University of Amsterdam

Sep 2021 - Jun 2024

GPA: 7.56 | Volunteered for Dutch Nao Team

Propaedeutic Software Engineering

Amsterdam University of Applied Sciences

Sep 2020 - Jun 2021

Passed with Cum Laude distinction (GPA: 8.29)

Secondary Vocational Game Development

Grafisch Lyceum Utrecht

Sep 2016 - Jun 2020

Core Skills

Data Science & AI

  • Machine Learning & Deep Learning
  • Natural Language Processing (NLP)
  • Data Processing, Analysis, & Visualization
  • Statistical Modelling
  • SQL/MySQL, Jupyter, NumPy, Pandas
  • PyTorch, TensorFlow

Programming & Software Development

  • Python, Java, C++, C
  • HTML5, CSS, JavaScript, PHP
  • Version Control (Git)
  • Agile/Scrum

Game & Application Development

  • Minecraft Plugin & Server Architecture
  • Unity3D
  • Deployment, Redis, CI/CD
  • Algorithm Design & System Optimization