Sam Farber ’20 is spending his summer working for Bitcoin Center, working with technology such as blockchain, which is a growing list of records linked by cryptography, and smart contracts, which allow credible transactions without third parties.
What is Bitcoin Center?
Bitcoin Center is the only place in the U.S. dedicated to promoting Bitcoin and cryptocurrencies, educating the public, and hosting the local Bitcoin community. The center was founded by Nick Spanos, an accomplished entrepreneur who was featured in the Netflix documentary Banking on Bitcoin. They share the space with Spanos’ other venture, Blockchain Technologies Corp. This is mainly where my work is involved.
What are you responsibilities?
I develop smart contracts using the programming language Solidity, which are then implemented onto the Ethereum blockchain platform. I also develop Zap Oracles which are able to access data off chain (outside of blockchain) so that it can be used in the smart contracts and on blockchain.
What does your average day look like?
The first few weeks I mainly worked in a bootcamp to learn about the programming language Solidity as well as the intricacies of blockchain technology and cryptocurrency. Now, I’ll spend some of my day learning from the head developers about the technology. However, most of my day I spend working with my team on a long-term blockchain-based project.
Major: Computer Science
Hometown: Livingston, N.J.
High School: Livingston High School
How has your general experience been working with Bitcoin Center?
This summer I’ve gained an incredible amount of experience in the cryptocurrency sector and have a learned a lot about blockchain and it’s amazing potential and power to enhance so many different industries.
What else are you doing this summer?
I am also playing tennis at nights and on the weekends, as well as stringing racquets at a local club.What are your future plans/aspirations?
I’d love to have a career in software engineering, as technology is my passion.
Farber is one of 200 Hamilton students conducting research or completing an internship supported by the College this summer.
