Kia Ora,

I am Brad Heap, a PhD student in the School of Computer Science and Engineering, The University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia.

Research Interests
My research interests are in agent based simulation and artificial intelligence. My research at PhD level is focused on Multi-agent Communication and Cooperation in an Unknown Environment. Within the UNSW I am a member of the CSE AI Research Group. Prior to this my research at honours and undergraduate levels has focused on agent based vehicle traffic simulation and congestion modeling. At Massey University I was a member of the Complex Systems and Simulations Research Group within the Institute of Information and Mathematical Sciences.

Computing Knowledge
From both my university education and my own personal learning I have developed an experience in and a vast knowledge of programming languages. I am most skilled in and primarily use Java, C++, HTML, PHP, MySQL, Javascript and C#.

Education
I completed my honours degree (first class honours, A+ Average) in Computer Science at Massey University Albany in 2009. I also completed my undergraduate Bachelor of Science at Massey University Albany from 2005 – 2007 achieving an A- Average (GPA 6.92). I achieved 6 A+ grades (including 100% in one third year Computer Science paper); my lowest mark was a B-. I completed my high schooling at Mount Albert Grammar School.

Leadership Experience
I am currently (2010) a Post-Graduate Student Representative for the School of Computer Science and Engineering at UNSW. During 2009 I was a coach for the Albany Senior High School’s debating teams. Previous to this I have had three years experience on the Albany Students’ Executive Committee as President in 2008, Vice-President in 2007 and Education Officer in 2006. In 2008 I was a member of the Massey University Council. I was involved in the Massey University Student Leadership Programme in 2006 and a Senior Peer Support Leader at Mount Albert Grammar School in 2004.

Political Views
I consider myself a Social Liberal. I believe that Education should be free, that everyone should be treated as equal, I believe that all nations should be independent and be governed by democracy. I am currently a supporter of the New Zealand Green Party. From 2005 – 2006 I was a member of United Future New Zealand. I voted Green/Labour in 2008 and United Future/National in 2005 general elections.

Religious Views
I am a Evangelical Pentecostal Christian. On campus I have been involved in Student Life (Campus Crusade for Christ). For more details on my beliefs click here, and for my testimony click here.

Hobbies
I have a keen passion for tramping. I have summited the mountains of Ruapehu, Tongariro and Ngauruhoe. In the Coromandel I have summited The Pinnacles and have also done various other tramps in the surrounding area. I have also done various tramps/walks in the greater Auckland region. I also enjoy Orienteering and Skiing. During my years at High School I was involved in debating. I worked my way through the junior ranks and made the senior debating team in 2002. Since school I have been involved in a number of one off debates and also used the skills in the arena of student politics.