Resume
A comprehensive overview of my professional experience, academic background, and technical skills.
Work Experience
- Sept 2025-Present

Writer/Reviewer
Mercor Intelligence- Wrote complex PhD level condensed matter training material for NDA disclosed AI reasoning models.
- Served as a reviewer for training data for complex PhD level physics problems for NDA disclosed AI reasoning models--ensuring that writers create coherent and cogent training data.
- Jan 2019-Sept 2024

Doctoral Researcher
Northeastern University - 2D Quantum Materials Laboratory- Developed neural network methods that achieved more precise convergence with 2D quantum material synthesis experimental results after 10 samples and with increased speed after ~150 samples, surpassing Gaussian Processes.
- Reduced computational predictions for 2D quantum material synthesis by developing a new thermodynamic model using Python, NumPy, GPAW, ASE, and SciPy.
- Developed Computational Fluid Dynamics software using the Lattice Boltzmann method to predict CVD gas flow, cutting experimental discovery time by 90%.
- Constructed comprehensive automated DFT software for material categorization and DFT value convergence, saving pre-calculated values to shorten future computation times by up to 99%.
- Created a Blender3D plugin for visualizing DFT-derived electron cloud density changes over time.
- Designed and constructed a self-calibrating Raman Spectroscope with a Qt-based GUI software and faster motor control, resulting in ~$500k savings for the lab.
- Fabricated custom circuit boards for full digital control over CVD gas flow controllers, enhancing experimental precision and enabling remote monitoring.
- Designed a robotic system in SolidWorks for the automated stacking of 2D materials.
- Created automated Raman curve fitting and analysis software (using Tkinter, Python, and LMFit), reducing data collection time by up to 90% per sample.
- Established a shell script for installing GPAW on ARM-based Apple products before availability on conda-forge.
- Discovered a novel method for graphene synthesis that lowered temperature by 20% and enabled atmospheric pressure, leading to 54% energy reduction.
- Successfully synthesized a 2D trigonal potassium-centric crystal (K2CoS2) through theoretical and experimental investigations.
- Collaborated with NASA engineers to create a method for synthesizing graphene on the ISS.
- Oversaw laboratory safety training, purchasing, and compliance, managing over $400k in equipment and supplies.
- Mentored 5+ undergraduate and graduate students on condensed matter physics experimental protocols.
- Served as Teaching Assistant for Physics 1 and 2 classes, instructing 40+ students.
LeadershipSafety ComplianceMachine LearningPyTorchTensorFlowBayesian OptimizationGaussian ProcessesDeep Neural NetworksPhysics Inform Neural NetworksSoftware EngineeringPythonSlurm (HPC)Full StackMechanical EngineeringSolidWorksAutoDeskEagleCAD3D PrintingMicrocontroller DevelopmentPhysicsComputational ChemistryComputational PhysicsExperimental PhysicsCondensed Matter PhysicsDensity Functional Theory (DFT)ASE/GPAWChemical Vapor Deposition (CVD)Atomic Force Microscopy (AFM)Raman SpectroscopyScanning Electron Microscopy (SEM)Transmission Electron Microscopy (TEM)NV MagnetometryQtPyQtObjective-CCondaOpenVDBBlender3D - June 2015-Aug 2018

Research Assistant - Engineer III
The Wyss Institute - Disease Biophysics Group- Served as the in-house engineer for all software projects, developing 10+ robotic and software systems.
- Developed high-speed real-time video processing software for muscular cell tracking, decreasing computational time by 99.7%.
- Utilized Python to create high-density patterning software for photolithography mask development.
- Designed a microfluidic connecting robot for high-throughput Organ-On-a-Chip testing using SolidWorks and Blender.
- Engineered an automated nanofiber collection system for 3D printed heart ventricles.
- Developed compact low-powered electrospinning technology (<15 watts) achieving comparable nanofiber development to high-voltage techniques.
- Engineered stainless steel quick connect systems for Organ-On-a-Chip replacements, reducing preparation time by ~15x.
- Developed a signal filtering circuit for tracking insulin in a microfluidic Organ-On-a-Chip.
- Rendered 20+ 3D models and images for publications and grant applications.
- Contributed to the development of heart, brain, and pancreas on a chip technology, culminating in a Nature publication and a patent.
- Engineered web-based administrative software for handling purchase requests and tracking grant purchases.
- Redesigned the laboratory WordPress website with custom front-end and modified back-end.
- June 2015-Aug 2018

Laboratory Manager
Harvard University - Disease Biophysics Group- Supervised a biophysics research group of 40+ graduate students and post-docs.
- Trained and assisted 30+ researchers on lab equipment usage.
- Managed lab supply restocking for NIH, DARPA, and NSF grants.
- Conducting annual inventories of 500+ chemicals/$3M+ in lab equipment.
- Organized 40+ presentations and managed end-of-year laboratory meetings.
- Led the lab to be recognized as the most compliant and safe on the Harvard SEAS campus.
- May 2018-June 2018

Visiting Scholar
Sogang University- Modified existing FDM 3D printers into gel-based 3D bioprinters, saving $5k+.
- Constructed circuits to dynamically control chemical states of a novel material.
- Assisted in engineering a bioreactor system for closed-environment microfluidic biological testing.
- May 2014-May 2015

Undergraduate Researcher
University of Central Arkansas- Engineered Python-based software via FreeCAD for dynamic design of Venturi resonators.
- 3D printed and tested dynamically designed Venturi resonator systems controlled by Raspberry Pi.
- Acquired $10k in funding from Arkansas Space Grant Consortium for NASA-focused research.
- Jun 2014-Aug 2014

REU Summer Intern - NSF
Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences- Utilized C++ and OpenCV to develop high-speed video processing software to analyze heart cell force exertion on Muscular Thin Films (MTFs) for use in Organs-On-a-Chip technologies. Results showed an over 200x increase in speed over prior processing techniques. GUI software was created to accommodate the software for ease of use for researchers.
- Jun 2013-Aug 2013

REU Summer Intern - NNIN
Harvard University School of Engineering and Applied Sciences- Assisted in engineering a Rotary Jet Spinning machine to create Extra-Cellular Matrix (ECM) nanofibers for use in 3D printed heart valves and heart ventricles.
- Mar 2006-Mar 2012

Electronic Warfare Technician (SSgt)
United States Air Force- Led and mentored a team of specialized technicians; managed technical training and performance management.
- Managed a fleet-wide technology upgrade program, coordinating transition of 20+ aircraft to new laser defense systems.
- Served as primary program liaison between USAF and Northrop Grumman for LAIRCM systems.
- Directed maintenance operations in a high-pressure deployed environment (Afghanistan).
- Performed root cause analysis on a systemic avionics failure affecting the C-12 fleet; engineered a solution restoring 100% of critical communication missions.
- Engineered and deployed a web application (PHP, MySQL) to automate inventory management database merger, reducing manual data consolidation by >80%.
- Designed and implemented a new 'waterfall' workflow for optimizing operational readiness, establishing a new efficiency record for Air Mobility Command.
Education

PhD: Condensed Matter Physics
Northeastern University (May 2020-Sept 2024)Dissertation: Harnessing Machine learning and Computational Modeling for Optimizing the Experimental Synthesis of 2D Quantum Materials

Master of Science: Condensed Matter Physics
Northeastern University (Sept 2018-May2020)
Graduate Certificate: Nanophysics
Harvard Extension School (Sept 2016-May 2018)
Bachelor of Science: Mathematical Physics
University of Central Arkansas (Aug 2012-May 2015)Awards & Honors
The NSF Graduate Research Fellowship Program (GRFP) is a highly competitive and prestigious fellowship awarded by the National Science Foundation (NSF) in the United States. It provides financial support to outstanding graduate students pursuing research-based master's and doctoral degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics 1 (STEM) fields or in STEM education. The GRFP aims to recognize and support individuals early in their graduate careers who demonstrate the potential to make significant contributions to research and innovation.
I was invited by Brigadier General Michael Phillips (Professor and Head, Department of Mathematical Sciences 2006-2016) to give a special talk over the utilization of Linear Algebra techniques for high-speed computer vision video processing to track cellular movement and extract the physics of biological systems.
The 2017 LG Ultrawide Festival was a contest hosted by LG Electronics where participants submitted videos showcasing their 'dream setup' and how an LG ultrawide monitor would enhance it. This was a hardware optimization contest that searched for the most powerful gaming PC design, given a monetary constraint of $2k. The grand prize winner received $10,000 worth of gaming gear, and other prizes included LG ultrawide monitors.
The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is a pivotal part of a nationwide network funded by NASA to enhance America's aerospace science and technology capabilities. ASGC partners with 17 four-year universities and colleges across Arkansas, dedicated to advancing space science education, research, and public outreach. Through scholarships, research grants, and educational programs, ASGC supports students and faculty in STEM fields, aligning with NASA's mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers.
The Research Experiences for Undergraduates (REU) program supports active research participation by undergraduate students in any of the areas of research funded by the National Science Foundation. REU projects involve students in meaningful ways in ongoing research programs or in research projects specifically designed for the REU program.

Blake Lilly Prize
2014[as acting SPS chapter president] The Blake Lilly Prize, named after the late Blake Lilly and given in his honor, recognizes SPS chapters and individuals who make a genuine effort to positively influence the attitudes of school children and the general public about physics.
[as acting SPS chapter president] Marsh W. White Awards are made to SPS chapters to support projects designed to promote interest in physics among students and the general public. The Marsh W. White Award dates back to 1975 and is named in honor of Dr. Marsh W. White for his long years of service to Sigma Pi Sigma. Dr. White has served as Executive Secretary (1930-67), President (1968-70), and Historian (1970-90) of Sigma Pi Sigma.
[as acting SPS chapter president] The Society of Physics Students (SPS) Outstanding Chapter Award is given annually to recognize chapters that demonstrate excellence in physics activities, outreach, and community building. It's a prestigious award that highlights the chapter's involvement in professional development, research, and promoting physics within their institution and beyond. Winning chapters are considered to be among the top 10% of all SPS chapters nationwide.

NNIN Grant Awardee
2013The National Nanotechnology Infrastructure Network (NNIN) was an NSF-funded program that provided researchers across the US with access to advanced nanotechnology facilities and expertise. Operating from 2004 to 2015, the NNIN consisted of 14 university sites equipped with state-of-the-art fabrication and characterization tools, fostering innovation in nanoscale science and engineering. It has since been succeeded by the National Nanotechnology Coordinated Infrastructure (NNCI).

US Military Awards
2012Notable achievements: Afghanistan Campaign Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, NATO Medal, National Defense Service Medal
Certifications
Getting started with Firebase Cloud Firestore
Google Cloud (Dec 2025)An introduction to Firebase Cloud Firestore and its various services.
Veteran Career Readiness Program Alumni
Four Block (May 2025)A 10-weektraining on career readiness and transition for veterans.
Outreach

COS Graduate Student Ambassador
Northeastern University (2021-2024)Served 3 years as a graduate student advisor for Northeastern University. In this role, I served as a liason between between the university and the public, participating in different interviews and meetings with outside parties.

Served on behalf of the DoD and Northeastern University as a mentor and guide for undergraduate students pursuing degrees in cyber security or computer science roles. Met with each student once per month to discuss their overall career goals goals, to build up plans and short-term goals to reach the overall desired career path in national defense.

Physics PhD Mentor
Northeastern University (2022-2024)As an upper level graduate student, I served as a mentor for first and second year students, guiding them through research decisions, giving advice on classes, and answering general questions during our weekly department coffee hour with fellow graduate student Dr. Kevin Ng Chau.

As part of scientific outreach through Dr. Kathryn Hollar and the Harvard School of Engineering, I assisted in teaching children about the science behind cooking in a fully interactive program.

I would meet with middle school children about the scientific research that goes on at Harvard and take them around a lab space to introduce them to basic processes.

Performed 1-hour long science demonstration shows for K-12 visitors for 2 years, completing 30+ shows covering topics from forces, momentum, pressure, and electricity & magnetism.

Science Wednesdays
University of Central Arkansas - Physics Department (2014-2015)'Science Wednesdays' was an event that allowed the general public to pick the brain of scientists and experts in a field that pertains to the chosen subject of the month. As the operator of the events, I planned the topics, scheduled the events, rented necessary equipment, and found scientific speakers. Once the event was started, I would take the role of the moderator where I created default questions to initiate the conversation and I ensured that speakers did not dwell on topics too long to keep the tempo moderately high.

SPS Chapter President
University of Central Arkansas - Physics Department (2013-2014)Served as President of the University of Central Arkansas chapter of the Society of Physics Students, organizing events and activities for members.



