Hi, I'm Brennan Duncan

Programming Engineer & Security Researcher

Welcome to my corner of the internet. I'm a Computer Science graduate from BYU with a heavy emphasis on systems programming, cryptography, and computer security.

Skills & Core Technologies

  • Rust & C++ (Experienced)
  • Python, Java, C, C#
  • Cryptography & Security (OpenSK / AES-GCM)
  • Linux, Bash, x86/Y86 Assembly
  • CNO Development

Professional Resume

Experience

Programming Engineer

Present
General Dynamics | Salt Lake City, Utah
  • Developing and maintaining mission-critical defense systems and applications.
  • Applying rigorous systems programming principles, emphasizing C++ and systems-level memory management.
  • Integrating secure communication modules and hardening software architecture against external exploitation.

Research Assistant (HCI Lab)

May 2024 - Present
Brigham Young University | Provo, Utah
  • Leading a team of 5 undergraduates researching the implementation of backups for security keys based on Yubico's proposals.
  • Authored over 300 lines of Rust in OpenSK to implement cryptographic algorithms, enabling secure backup mechanisms.
  • Presented research findings and the project poster at USENIX Security 2025.

Teaching Assistant - Computer Security

Sep 2024 - Apr 2025
Brigham Young University | Provo, Utah
  • Authored an encrypted server and client project using AES-GCM methods in Rust and designed its automated grading solution.
  • Taught the basics of Rust and advanced cryptographic principles (variables, bindings, types, error control) to 40+ security students.

Education

B.S. Computer Science

May 2026
Brigham Young University
  • GPA: 3.5 | Emphasis: Computer Security
  • Coursework: Operating Systems, Computer Security, Software Design, Discrete Mathematics

GitHub & Projects

Check out my academic projects, low-level system designs, and security-focused repositories.

OpenSK-Backups (Rust)

Cryptographic implementation based on Yubico's protocol for secure key backups. Uses Rust and integrates directly with the OpenSK firmware.

View Repository

XV6 Operating System

Modifications and systems-level development built upon the XV6 teaching operating system, demonstrating deep knowledge of OS process and memory management.

View Repository

Datalog Interpreter

A fast, custom-written Datalog interpreter built entirely from scratch in C++, utilizing advanced data structures and parsing techniques.

View Repository

The Grand Library

"Beyond the cliffs of code lies an ocean of stories."

Currently Exploring

Sky Pride

Royal Road Web Serial

An expansive and addictive progression fantasy serial following an epic journey of growth, power, and limitless potential.

Treasured Tomes

The Way of Kings

Brandon Sanderson

A truly epic journey across the shattered plains of Roshar, where storms shape the very stone.

The Name of the Wind

Patrick Rothfuss

The beautifully written tale of Kvothe's legendary journey through magic and music.

Dune

Frank Herbert

A masterpiece of worlds, politics, and the shifting sands of Arrakis.

The Will of the Many

James Islington

A gripping tale of power, hierarchy, and ancient mysteries in a Roman-inspired world.

The Way of Shadows

Brent Weeks

A dark and thrilling journey into the life of an assassin where magic and morality blur.

The Blade Itself

Joe Abercrombie

A gritty, character-driven story proving that you have to be realistic about these things.

The Warded Man

Peter V. Brett

A tense fight for survival in a world where demons rise at night, held at bay only by ancient wards.

Ready Player One

Ernest Cline

A nostalgic, fast-paced quest through a sprawling virtual reality universe.

Eragon

Christopher Paolini

A classic tale of a farm boy, a dragon, and a destiny that changes an empire.

The Path of Ascension

C. Mantis

A fantastic progression adventure blending sci-fi and fantasy as tiers of power are climbed.

Shade's First Rule

A.F. Kay

An engaging LitRPG adventure filled with survival, magic, and discovering the rules of a new reality.

Jake's Magical Market

J.R. Mathews

A unique blend of deck-building, magic, and running a shop in a post-apocalyptic world.

A Thousand Li

Tao Wong

A grounded and immersive cultivation journey following the long path to immortality.

Dungeon Born

Dakota Krout

A highly entertaining look at the world from the perspective of a sentient, trap-filled dungeon.