About me

Welcome to my website!

I am a Cryptography Researcher at Blockstream and a Kharkiv Karazin National University MA student majoring in Applied Mathematics.

With over four years of experience, my work is focused on applied cryptography. I am passionate about advancing the state-of-the-art in post-quantum cryptography, anonymous identity systems, zero-knowledge proofs, and neural network privacy and security. I also have a strong background in academic research, writing, and teaching.

Here, I have accumulated most of my achievements and materials gathered throughout my career. Feel free to contact me. I'm more than happy to answer any questions you may have!

Dmytro Zakharov

Cryptography Engineer
MA Applied Mathematics

Contacts

zamdmytro@gmail.com

Formal Resume

(Last Updated: Sep 2024)

Work experience

Blockstream

Jan 2026 - Present ·

Remote (from Valencia, Spain)

Cryptography Researcher

Full-time
- Working in state-of-the-art research in post-quantum cryptography, in particular lattice-based schemes: evaluating schemes efficiency and contributing to protocols security specifications (see "Lattice-based Signature Schemes for Bitcoin" survey).
- Conducting workshops and seminars on post-quantum zero-knowledge proving systems.
- Implementing and optimizing cryptographic algorithms for real-world applications.

Distributed Lab

4 years 3 months

Kyiv, Ukraine

R&D Engineer in Applied Cryptography

Full-time

Jun 2023 - Jan 2026 · 2 years 7 months
- Leading development of a highly optimized client-side zero-knowledge Machine Learning framework.
- Researching state-of-the-art technologies in Applied Cryptography and Decentralized (Blockchain) Systems, focusing on low-level optimizations of zero-knowledge protocols and the Mathematics behind them.
- Writing and publishing academic research papers.
- Heading internal lectures (ZKDL Camp) on Modern Algebra and Zero-Knowledge Cryptography to improve the company's general Mathematics and research writing level.
- Implementing cutting-edge zkEVM and blockchain scalability cryptographic protocols in Rust for leading companies in the Blockchain field.
Golang Backend Developer

Full-time

Jan 2022 - Jun 2023 · 1 year 6 months
- Optimized zero-knowledge PlonK-based circuits for elliptic curve operations (addition, multiplication, and pairing) in Rust using state-of-the-art research.
- Integrated KYC and deposits/withdrawals functionality for an investing platform.
- Implemented backend notifications service for a DAO platform featuring integration with Telegram, Discord, Slack, emails, and web pushes.
- Led Backend Team on open-source tokenized books store project.
- Implemented document aggregator service that downloads and sorts all account transactions and operations on the private blockchain regardless of timeframe specified.
- Implemented piece of cross-chain bridge functionality on the Pact programming language.
- Developed Backend service for the P2E game with Solidity contracts integration.
- Developed Backend responsible for Decentralized marketplace statistics processing.
- Developed Backend service for the IGO crowdfunding website.
Intern Golang Backend Developer

Full-time

Nov 2021 - Dec 2021 · 2 months
- Programmed microservice using Golang Language.
- Studied how to work with databases (specifically, PSQL).
- Studied Docker and Docker Compose.
- Studied basics of Blockchain and Cryptocurrency.
- Worked with Linux and Git (GitLab & GitHub).

Ukraine Global Scholars

Finalist 2021, Math Test Creation Lead

Jun 2021 - Nov 2021 · 6 months

Ukraine

One of 56 finalists out of 550 applicants selected through a rigorous 3-stage selection process focusing on academic skills, extracurricular achievements, and character. Currently, an entrance math test creation lead that is being used for assessing more than 300 students.

Education

Karazin National University

Applied Mathematics Major, Master's Degree

Sep 2026 - Jun 2028 · 2 years

Kharkiv, Ukraine

Kyiv School of Economics

Pure Mathematics Major, Master's Degree (program discontinued following relocation to Spain)

GPA: 92/100

Sep 2025 - May 2026 · 1 year

Kyiv, Ukraine

Studied at top private university in Ukraine, majoring in Pure Mathematics. My studies included Commutative Algebra, Algebraic Geometry, Homological Algebra, Sheaf Theory, Elliptic Curves, Ergodic Theory, and many other advanced topics.

Karazin National University

Applied Mathematics Major, Bachelor's Degree

GPA: 96/100

Sep 2021 - Jun 2025 · 4 years

Kharkiv, Ukraine

Studied at one of the best Ukrainian national universities (top-1 according to QS), majoring in Applied Mathematics, School of Mathematics and Informatics. Defended Bachelor's Thesis on the topic "Applications of Kolmogorov-Arnold Convolutional Neural Networks to Computer Vision Problems". Received the Supreme Council of Ukraine and Akhiezer Foundation scholarships for research activity and academic achievements. Taking classes in advanced Mathematical topics such as Real Analysis and Measure Theory, Complex and Functional Analysis, Statistics and Probability Theory, Controllability Theory, Computer Modelling in Python, Biomechanics etc.

View GitHub

Kharkiv Physics & Mathematics Lyceum

GPA: 11.8/12

Sep 2014 - Jun 2021 · 7 years

Kharkiv, Ukraine

Graduated from one of the best schools nationally (top-6 according to 2021 rating) with national exam scores (External Independent Testing) in 4 subjects of 794/800. Received two President of Ukraine scholarships for a junior Physics research paper and outstanding final exam results.