David Chen
Computer Science student at University of Maryland · Smart Contract Engineer · Validator Operator · MEV Searcher
About Me
Hello! I'm a software engineer and security researcher currently pursuing a B.S. in Computer Science with minors in Mathematics and Economics at the University of Maryland. I specialize in blockchain technology, smart contract development, and system optimization, with a strong background in security and CTFs.
Experience
Software Engineer Intern — Suilend
Jun 2025 – Aug 2025
Improved load times up to 50% for Suilend, Steamm, and Save through backend, cache, and frontend optimization. Implemented LP performance charts and flash-loan functionality. Fixed Defillama's data adapters and reversed engineered Ledger's undocumented SUI transaction hash format.
Solana Validator Operator
Oct 2024 – Present
Optimized custom bare metal machines to run a top performing JITO MEV bundle enabled Firedancer validator. Created open source deployment scripts and built custom validator code modifications.
MEV Searcher
Sept 2021 – Present
Executed DeFi liquidations on Solana using custom Rust trading software with sub-50 ms latency. Performed price arbitrage across DEXs and staking protocols.
Projects/Links
Solana Validator
Operating a top performing JITO MEV bundle enabled validator running Jump Trading's Firedancer client with custom optimizations and modifications.
Chromium Security Research
Found and reported unintended behavior in Chromium's implementation of the HTML media tag.
Solana Protocol Bug
Discovered a critical liveliness bug in Solana's P2P protocol.
Misc Interests/Links
- Mediocore Chess and Go player(1250 chess.com and ~20kyu)
- Goodreads <– send me book recommendations!
- Novice coxswain for Maryland Men's Crew
- Paradox game addict(EU4, Victoria3, CK3, HOI4)