User Portlet
The following describes my technical skill set and desired career path. Files referenced in bold print below are attached or available upon request.
What is your personal career plan? I want develop new tools for computational exploration and data analytics over broad range of disciplines.
What technical experience do you have? I have a proven ability to streamline complex processes and to solve both mathematical and physical problems through programming. I am experienced at automating data acquisition and analysis using Mathematica, LabVIEW, Python, C++, and several other computer languages.
Can you demonstrate your technical experience in terms of major projects that you have completed?
Problem Solving Experience: I am completing a Ph.D. in experimental physics focused on quantum states driven by electron-electron interaction (see attached ThesisSummary.pdf). I am heavily involved in all parts of the research process: I design and fabricate test fixtures, optimize sensitive electrical measurements, operate cryogenic equipment, write control software to run experiments, analyze and interpret data, propose new experiments, and publish papers. To do so, I often collaborate with other scientists, engineers, and skilled tradesmen from a variety of different disciplines to discuss the physical meaning of our data and to facilitate the design, installation, and maintenance of laboratory equipment. These experiences enhance my ability to identify research opportunities and to find solutions to complex problems by decoupling small elements from a large process for isolated testing.
Teaching Experience: 1. I teach Mathematica to graduate and undergraduate level students. I help them to solve differential equations using Fourier transforms and to animate the time-development of these solutions. I wrote the attached Tutorial.nb to teach students the basic functionality that they need. 2. I teach undergraduate problem solving and laboratory sections for Optics and for University Physics 1 & 2.
3. I provide private tutoring for both math and physics students. Many former students have commented that they greatly appreciate my teaching style and clarity. I can provide contact information for several former students if requested.
Use of Mathematica in Physics Research: 1. I performed lengthy analytical calculations in theoretical particle physics research. In particular, for one calculation (that would have taken three weeks to complete by hand), I wrote several Mathematica notebooks that shortened the time to several minutes. The attached NPAmplitudesForTPA.nb notebook is a part of this calculation. 2. I numerically simulated the time development of a two-dimensional quantum wave packet interacting with a two-slit barrier potential. The simulation showed the quantum self-interference patterns of the wave packet from reflection/diffraction at the barrier. The time development algorithm used an efficient method based on Chebychev polynomials for accuracy at longer time steps. I used FORTRAN to implement numerical methods and Mathematica to generate figures. A written summary of the project, which discusses the advantages and limitations of the Chebychev polynomial method, is attached (Paper_2DQuantumWavePacket.pdf). 3. I numerically modeled the behavior of solutions to a non-linear differential equation exhibiting chaotic behavior. I fabricated an electronic circuit with voltages governed by that equation, and used the circuit to encrypt and to decrypt analogue waveforms. The circuit behavior is in excellent agreement with the numerical simulations (see the attached summary in Paper_ChaoticEncryption.pdf). 4. I solved several problems related to launching a rocket and boosting it into an elliptical orbit. I am attaching a notebook which plots the calculated trajectory of the rocket and compares it to a circular orbit (RocketBoost.nb).
Other Programming and Computer Experience: 1. I use Python programming to analyze and to plot data. I am familiar with the matplotlib, numpy, and pandas packages. I also use Originlab, Sketchup, and Adobe Illustrator to create scientific figures (see the attached figures showing cooling methods and resistance measurements from my thesis work Figure2A.pdf and Figure2B.pdf). 2. I write automation and control programs for sensitive electrical measurements using National Instruments LabVIEW software. These programs control a variety of lab equipment through USB, GPIB, and Arduino interfaces. 3. I have taken an introductory programming course in C++ and also taught myself Java programming. I am familiar with object oriented programming and have implemented this approach in my LabVIEW programs. 4. I have used Matlab to solve differential equations, to code several linear algebra projects involving cryptography and animation, and to complete various other programming exercises. 5. In addition to the Mathematica experience described above, I have used Mathematica for many class projects, for generating 3D images, and for designing experimental test apparatus. I am a huge fan of the Mathematica software and enjoy teaching it to undergraduates at Wayne State University. I would like to see more students using Mathematica and becoming familiar with its capabilities.
Mathematics Experience: 1. I enjoy reading and writing mathematics. I have included an example proof (ProofKnightonMP04.pdf) and mathematical paper (PaperCardShuffles.pdf) written by myself. 2. I have taken many math-heavy courses: Justifications in Mathematics, Calculus 1-3, Differential Equations, Intro to Analysis, Abstract Algebra 1, Linear Algebra, Math Methods in Physics 1 & 2 (topics include partial differential equations and complex analysis), Thermodynamical Physics, Statistical Mechanics, Quantum Field Theory 1, and many more. Language Skills: I have been studying Mandarin for several years as a hobby and speak at a conversational level sufficient to allow me to research physics at Tsinghua University and to travel independently on several sightseeing excursions through China this past summer.
What are some of your other strengths and interests? I bring strong mathematical and computational problem solving expertise, creativity, and self-motivation to the table. I enjoy teaching, learn well independently or from an instructor, enjoy collaborating with others, and am highly motivated to study new subjects. I am interested in a variety of topics including music, linguistics, chemistry, mathematics, physics, neuro-physics, computing, and psychology. My diverse interests and quantitative skill set are a perfect combination for many types of computational research and development.