Curriculum Vitae

Education:

Ph.D. Physics, College of William and Mary, 2019 (expected)

M.S. Physics, College of William and Mary, 2014

B.S. Physics, Michigan Technological University, 2012

Research:

Constructed experimental apparatus and was the first group to observe Dynamical Hamiltonian Monodromy in a classical system. Hamiltonian Monodromy is the study of topological properties of systems with multivalued action-angle variables. Dynamical Monodromy exploits the multivalued canonical variables to observe topological changes in a system. The apparatus is a spherically symmetric physical pendulum with a permanent magnet on the end of the pendulum. Electronics circuits were created that generate bipolar currents in coils surrounding the pendulum, producing magnetic fields that control the energy and angular momentum of the pendulum. Image acquisition was used to record the pendulum’s position and momentum.

Studied the mathematical formalism of symplectic geometry to derive canonical symmetries of Hamiltonian systems, such as the action-angle variables. Using semiclassical techniques like the WKB approximation, the canonical variables can be appropriately quantized to determine approximate wavefunctions and eigenvalues for quantum mechanical systems. Current research interest is studying quantum mechanical systems with Hamiltonian Monodromy, the multivalued action-angle variables result in multivalued wavefunctions. Using Hamilton’s optico-mechanical analogy, are their optical systems with Hamiltonian Monodromy?

Previous Work: Control growth techniques of Boron-Nitride nanotubes (BNNTs). Using chemical vapor deposition BNNTs can crystallize onto silicone substrates by heating a Boron powder in an Ammonia rich environment. Focus was controlling BNNTs physical characteristics (i.e. diameter and length) by coating substrates in nanometer thick layers of different metals. The thin layers was accomplished through pulsed laser deposition of target material.

Teaching Experience:

ODU Instructor: PHYS103 Intro Astronomy of the Solar System (Fall 2018)

A four credit-hour course introduces the basic concepts of astronomy with emphasis on our Solar system. Students learned about the tools astronomers use to understand the composition and formation of the planets.

ODU Instructor: PHYS111 Intro General Physics I (Fall 2018)

This course introduces some core topics in physics - mechanics, the propagation of waves in substances and properties of fluids. Through lectures, labs, reading, and homework problem solving student learn how to describe simple physical processes in terms of the laws of physics in their mathematical formulation.

ODU Instructor: PHYS451/551 Theoretical Mechanics (Fall 2018)

A senior level course on classical mechanics. The course is designed for senior physics or majors or graduate students. Topics covered include differential forms, Hamiltonian systems, Strings, membranes, and non-linear dynamics.

ODU Instructor: PHYS104 Intro Astronomy of the Stars (Spring 2018)

A four credit-hour course introduces the basic concepts of astronomy. Emphasizes the study of stars, star systems, cosmology and relativity. Emphasis on how we acquire knowledge of celestial objects to develop models of our Universe.

ODU Instructor: PHYS112 Intro General Physics II (Spring 2018)

A continuation of PHYS111N, introduces core topics in physics electricity, magnetism, light and optics and aspects of modern physics. Through lectures, labs, reading and homework problem solving students learn how to describe simple physical processes in terms of the laws of physics in their mathematical formulation.

Graduate Teaching Assistant: W&M Physics for Life Science Labs (2012-2017)

Instruct and assist students performing introductory physics laboratory experiments. Responsibilities included creating quizzes for each lab session and grading lab reports to assess each student’s knowledge of the learning objectives. Assigned grades to each student at the end of each semester.

Graduate Teaching Assistant: Introduction to Nonlinear Dynamics (Fall 2014)

Taught and assisted senior and graduate level students in flipped classroom style course on nonlinear dynamics. Introduced students to methods of numerical analysis using Matlab software.

Demonstration Lab Technician: MTU Physics Dept. Demonstration Crew (2009-2012)

Responsible for MTU undergraduate physics lab maintenance, class demonstrations, lab equipment troubleshooting/repair, and outreach programs. Objective was providing demonstrations to teach any concept in physics to students and the general public.

Math Tutor: MTU Course Compass ExSEL (2010-2012)

Hosted weekly five hour long math study sessions open to any student and any subject between precalculus and intro differential equations. Sessions ranged between one-on-one tutoring to supplemental lectures for groups of students.

Sport Science Instructor: MTU Summer Youth Programs (July 2012)

Created week long program for 9th to 11th grade students on introductory mechanics in relation to kinesiology and sport activities. Course consisted of five four-hour long sessions that integrated lectures, demonstrations, and laboratory exercises.

Math Coach: MTU Math Learning Center (2009-2011)

Tutor for any student during office hours or by weekly one-on-one appointments.

Co-Instructor: MTU Summer Youth Programs (July 2011, 2010, & 2009)

Prepared and presented material for week long programs in Astronomy and Mechanics for high school students.

Technical Skills:

Program/Math packages: Matlab (expert), Mathematica, Python

CAD/Engineering: AutoCAD, Image analysis/object tracking, 3D printing (beginner)

Other: Linux Mint, Raspberry Pi, Arduino, Pasco Capstone (expert)

Professional Service:

President: W&M Physics Graduate Student Association (PGSA) (2014-2017)

Organize all events the PGSA host for graduate students and faculty at W&M, and ensure all members are fulfilling their respective duties.

Treasurer: W&M Physics Graduate Student Association (PGSA) (2012-2014)

Kept account of all finances the PGSA generated through fundraising or received from the school and refund members for valid purchases made for the PGSA.

Food Manager: MTU Society of Physics Students (2011-2012)

Maintain stock of food and drinks in student group lounge and collect revenue generated from selling food to group members.

Awards:

Graduated Michigan Tech Cum Laude

Inducted into Sigma Pi Sigma Physics Honor Society, March 2011

Presentations:

Poster Presentation at XXXV Dynamics Days, January 2016

Poster Presentation at APS March Meeting, March 2016

Oral Presentation at W&M Graduate Research Symposium, March 2016