I am a computer scientist and cryptography researcher from New Zealand, holding a PhD in mathematics from the University of Auckland. I am particularly interested in digital signature schemes, elliptic curves, and supersingular-isogeny based cryptosystems. My other academic interests include cyber security, algebraic number theory, algebraic geometry, and mathematical computer science such as logic, category theory, and programming language theory.
Outside of university, one of my biggest interests was Bitcoin. I am an ex-maintainer of Bitcoin Core, a role in which I was primarily focused on development of the Bitcoin Core wallet. Particular interests of mine in the Bitcoin space are the Bech32 checksum, descriptors, and Miniscript. I no longer contribute to Bitcoin but still occasionally give talks on Bitcoin and the cryptography behind it to various groups.
Previously I have worked as a freelance programmer, tutor, and a consultant for various local companies. Past jobs I have been involved in have ranged from backend web development to android apps. I enjoy coding and have competed in programming contests such as the ICPC, in which I was a world finalist in 2019, representing the University of Auckland.
Please use my PGP key when sending confidential information or to verify my identity:
PGP: CA03 882C B1FC 067B 5D3A CFE4 D300 116E 1C87 5A3DFeel free to email me at samuel.dobson.nz@gmail.com or use one of the links above.
Last updated 14/12/2022