Tristan Hodgson

Hello, I'm Tristan (he/him), a second-year mathematics student at Oxford. I'm drawn to problems that make me stop and think; for me the appeal lies less in the final solution than in understanding the structure behind it and learning something new along the way.

Education

BA in Mathematics, University of Oxford

(2024-2027, Expected)

Modules Taken
- MT Year 2
  - Linear Algebra
  - Complex Analysis
  - Probability
  - Metric Spaces
  - Differential Equations 1
- MT Year 1
  - Analysis I
  - Linear Algebra I
  - Geometry
  - Introductory Calculus
  - Probability
  - Computational Mathematics (continued in HT1)
- HT Year 1
  - Analysis II
  - Linear Algebra II
  - Groups and Group Actions (continued in TT1)
  - Multivariable Calculus
  - Dynamics
  - Computational Mathematics (continued from MT1)
- TT Year 1
  - Analysis III
  - Groups and Group Actions (continued from HT1)
  - Statistics and Data Analysis

High School

(2018-2024)

A Levels: Mathematics A*, Further Mathematics A*, Physics A*, Chemistry A*
AS Levels: Computer Science A
GCSEs: 10 Grade 9s, 1 Grade 7

Projects

Code Breaking with Machine Learning

(Github)

Experimented with classification and Seq2Seq Neural Networks in PyTorch to decrypt encryption algorithms such as Caesar Ciphers and Enigma by exploiting statistical weaknesses
Engineered a data pipeline to process text from Project Gutenberg into a useable format

Geometric Brownian Motion for Pension Risk

(Coursework)

Applied Geometric Brownian Motion methodology in Python to model long-term pension fund performance and quantify associated investment risks
Leveraged Matplotlib to illustrate risk projections and portfolio outcomes, and NumPy for efficient vectorised operations enabling rapid execution of Monte Carlo simulations

House Pricing Dashboard

(Github)

Developed a full data pipeline to analyse real-world house pricing data using Pandas, SQLalchemy, and ArcGIS
Created a dynamic Streamlit dashboard to dynamically visualise the data with choropleth, time-series, and rebased views allowing analysis based on geographic regions

Convex Hull Algorithms

(Coursework)

Implemented Graham's Scan and Divide and Conquer algorithms in Python to compute the convex hull of data points, and analysed the time complexity of the algorithms

Homelab

Deployed a server, using Proxmox and Docker to self-host containerised open-source services
Gained hands-on Linux experience, including server administration (managed securely via SSH), and use of desktop Linux as a development environment

Relevant Experience

IT Officer, Trinity JCR

(Nov 2025-)

Operations Internship, It's Our Planet Too

(One Week, Summer 2025)

Partnered with the business owner to develop a tailored solution; streamlining business operations by re-engineering core spreadsheets with Power Queries, User Forms, and Pivot Tables
Developed dynamic dashboards tailored to different operational tasks, simplifying the management of subscription, shipping, and sales data
Created documentation to enable users to understand and maintain the new system

Oxford University Student Ambassador

(Jan 2025-)

Led Q&A sessions for prospective students, addressing questions about what a degree is like on a day-to-day basis, to contribute to a positive impression of the University
Collaborated with a team of ambassadors to execute events for prospective students, including residentials and tours

Mathematics Tutor

(Dec 2022- Jul 2024)

Communicated concepts in clear, accessible terms, helping students to develop strong mathematical reasoning skills
Supported classroom learning by guiding students through problem-solving and adapting explanations to different learning styles

Awards and Certifications

London Stock Exchange Group, Financial Essentials

(Aug 2025)

Completed a certification program covering the foundational principles of financial markets, investment, and their economic and regulatory drivers

Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award

(Oct 2022-Jul 2024)

Adapted quickly to new challenges, learning navigation, and teamwork in unfamiliar environments
Independently planned and completed an expedition, demonstrating resilience, and self-sufficiency

Audited Courses

I have completed the full program of study for the courses listed below but did not proceed with formal certification, either because it was contingent on a paid exam or because it was not a feature of the course

Databases: Relational Databases and SQL by Stanford Online (2025) Studied the theory of databases and key concepts of SQL, including subqueries and aggregate functions
Developing Generative AI Applications with Python by IBM (2025) Focused on integrating LLMs into Python applications, including Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) techniques using LangChain; and building a voice assistant using STT/TTS APIs
PyTorch tutorial by freeCodeCamp.org (2025) Gained practical skills in building, training, and evaluating Linear and CNN models for classification tasks in PyTorch, utilising custom datasets, tensor operations, and GPU acceleration
SQLBolt (2021) Developed practical SQL skills by completing hands-on exercises, strengthening abilities in query structure, multi-table JOINs, and aggregate functions to solve data problems

Interests

Tennis, playing board games with my friends, eating vast quantities of chocolate
Video games, especially strategy games such as Satisfactory and City Skylines
I'm currently reading The Dictator's Handbook by Bruce Bueno de Mesquita and Alastair Smith, it is about how political leaders maintain power by distributing resources to key supporters. It is fascinating framework for understanding the world of politics, both in the everyday and global sense.