Education

University of California, Irvine

Applied Physics, BS
(2024-2028) 4.0

Currently holding a 4.0, I have performed well thus far in my studies. I scored in the top 1% (n≈1400) of my Calculus II (Math 2B) course.
I am a member of the Javier D. Sanchez-Yamagishi lab, working primarily on instrumentation design for van der Waals heterostructure material research at the cutting edge.

Canyon Crest Academy

(And two other high schools)
(2018-2023) 4.0(UW)

A challenge both academically and personally, my high school path was anything but straightforward. I attended 3 high schools in 4 years and still graduated with a 4.0. I took challenging courses and immersed myself in robotics and clubs.

Selected Notable Accomplishments

At 9 years old, I accidentally befriended the CEO of a software company — later resulting in a reality TV show offer. Read about it more here.

At 13 years old, I became the youngest student to ever attend a technical school in Pennsylvania. I required special approval from the state to attend. I was hired to work there that summer. I also set the institution's record for most IT certifications achieved in one day.

At 14, I became one of <100 individuals worldwide to produce a working silicon photolithography system from scratch. To my knowledge, I was the youngest to ever do this, with second place going to Sam Zeloof at 16 or 17.

At 16, I performed collaborative robotics research in collaboration with Philips N.V. towards the automated screw-driving with collaborative vision-guided robotics utilizing a custom-made vision system.

At 19, I became the first of my physics department cohort to join a research organization as a result of my extensive experience with RF and electrical engineering.

Today, you are reading this website. I think that’s a great accomplishment, personally.

Selected Projects

Research towards automated screw-driving with collaborative robotics and vision-guided robotics, in collaboration with Philips N.V.

A basic sample platter of three different species of antenna.

A test coupon to validate the radio frequency performance of the JLC7628 stackup. Spoiler alert, I discover a manufacturer error.

A delightfully educational device for demonstrating the basics of digital communications interfaces.

Work Experience

JDSY Lab (Fall 2024-Present)

Undergraduate Researcher

I independently pursue novel developments in quantum sensing with 2D materials in a cutting-edge experimental condensed matter physics lab alongside undergraduate and graduate-level colleagues. Additionally, I contribute extensively to hardware and software development towards a laser scanning confocal microscope for quantum material characterization.

Genalyte, Inc. (Summer 2023)

R&D Intern, Hardware Team

I was responsible for renewing the BOM for a legacy system in preparation for production, including an SoC and multiple high-speed interfaces. I also performed embedded Linux integration with Buildroot on ARM Cortex-A9 SoC systems for performance characterization and modeling, as well as FPGA integration on the Cyclone V platform. Additionally, I improved a task automation system using an i.MXRT microcontroller from an 80% success rate to >99%.

Eastern Westmoreland CTC (Summer 2019)

IT Intern

I worked with a team of interns on computer maintenance, replacement, and installation. My specialization included networking, systems administration, and virtualization with VMware and HyperV. I was responsible for systems administration for the entire school, as well as implementing a new PXE deployment system.

Skills

  • CAD

    • Proficient in PTC Creo

    • Familiar with AutoCAD Fusion 360

    • Proficient in KiCad

      • RF Design, impedance controlled CPWG validated in practical testing

      • Antenna footprint implemented and fabricated

    • DFM, Design for 3D Printing

    • RF Design

      • Antenna and microstrip specialty

  • CAE

    • Familiar with Ansys Discovery

    • Familiar with Ansys HFSS

      • 3D EM simulations

    • Proficient with Sonnet EM

      • 2.5D EM Simulations

      • Antenna and filter design, microstrip optimization

  • Physical

    • Electronics lab tooling

      • High-speed and general-purpose oscilloscope

      • Benchtop power supply, multimeter, signal generator

      • Vector network analyzer, spectrum analyzer

    • SMD soldering and assembly

    • Rapid prototyping

      • Additive manufacturing and traditional

    • Proficient with metal

      • Lathe and Mill, CNC capable

  • Verilog/SystemVerilog

    • Altera and AMD

    • SoC integration, embedded Linux with Buildroot

  • Python

    • OpenCV, ArUco, machine vision implementations

    • PyTorch on GPU

  • Java

  • Rust

  • English (Native)

    • Technical and conventional Writing

    • Technical and conventional Copyediting

    • Manual Writing

      • Wrote 20 page manual for elementary schoolers

  • American Sign Language (Basic)

Other Accomplishments

Camps and Competitions

  • 2021 University of Cincinnati CEAS Summer Engineering Camp

    • Led team to 1st place

  • IUP GenCyber 2021

  • PA Governor’s STEM Competition 2019

    • 1st Place Districts and Regional

    • Recognition at States

    • I designed and built the prototype

  • SkillsUSA Pennsylvania 2019 (Cybersecurity)

    • 3rd Place at States

Outside of Work

  • 2020-2021 Vice President of Makerspace Club (GLSHS)

    • Made a sign for the student store

  • 2020-2021 Member of Mu Alpha Theta

  • Amateur Wildlife Photography

  • Foil Fencer

  • FIRST Robotics

    • Over 50 hours of volunteer elementary and middle school mentoring

Robotics

  • First Lego League outreach supervisor

    • 52 hours of time with the students

    • Much more spent preparing, polishing, and writing

  • Systems Engineer and project manager for 2022 chassis

    • Project Management

    • Specification, documentation, and integration

  • 2023 Mechanical Team

    • Senior Superpit Designer

    • Subsystem Lead, Team of 5

“Once you can accept the universe as matter expanding into nothing that is something, wearing stripes with plaid comes easy.”

— Albert Einstein