WORK EXPERIENCE

Ph.D. Research — Combustion Physics, Computer Vision, and Scientific Machine Learning

Combustion Physics Lab, University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA | August 2023–Present

• Lead doctoral research on quasi-2D flame dynamics using a Hele-Shaw combustion apparatus, generating high-speed imaging datasets for combustion analysis, computer vision, and physics-based model development.

• Designed and implemented a cloud-based database to organize, query, and process high-speed flame-video data.

• Developed automated data-processing pipelines connecting experimental flame videos with combustion-analysis tools, including Cantera, to extract flame speeds and other key physical metrics.

• Deployed server-based workflows to accelerate large-scale post-processing of combustion datasets and improve the efficiency of laminar flame-speed calculations.

• Implemented autoencoder-based neural-network architectures for flame-shape classification and reduced-dimensional representation of complex flame dynamics.

• Developing physics-informed neural-network models for custom 2D flame simulations by incorporating governing partial differential equations into the learning framework.

• Exploring PDE-preserving neural-network methods to improve physical consistency, interpretability, and generalization in combustion modeling.

• Investigating machine-learning-accelerated approaches for direct numerical simulation workflows, with a focus on reducing computational cost while preserving physical accuracy.

Research Assistant — Combustion and Experimental Apparatus Development

Combustion Physics Lab, University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA | October 2019–March 2020

• Supported combustion research and experimental apparatus development in the Combustion Physics Lab during undergraduate research work.

• Assisted with the design, iteration, and manufacturing of mesoscale combustion and respirator-related experimental apparatuses using computer-aided design, machining, and rapid prototyping methods.

• Helped design and fabricate a diffusion apparatus for a prototype respirator filter, including CAD modeling, lathe machining, and precision groove cutting for O-ring placement.

• Contributed to laboratory prototyping, component fabrication, and experimental setup development for combustion and transport-related research projects.

Fund Advisor — Aerospace and Startups

Status-Quo Holdings
Remote | 2026–Present

• Advise on investment opportunities in aerospace, advanced manufacturing, robotics, artificial intelligence, and other deep-technology startup sectors.

• Bring technical expertise in aerospace engineering, combustion, propulsion, computational modeling, and experimental research to support startup evaluation and funding decisions.

• Assess early-stage companies by reviewing technical feasibility, market relevance, engineering risk, product defensibility, and founder execution capability.

• Help identify whether proposed technologies are scientifically credible, commercially promising, and aligned with long-term innovation trends in aerospace and engineering.

• Translate complex technical concepts into practical investment insights for non-specialist stakeholders.

Mathematics Research Assistant — SURF Award Recipient

University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA | September 2021–August 2022
Full-time: Summer 2022 | Part-time: Academic Year

• Conducted research at the intersection of graph theory, optimization, and machine learning, with a focus on neural-network approaches to the Max-Cut problem.

• Created datasets of adjacency matrices and corresponding maximum cuts to train and evaluate machine-learning models.

• Used MATLAB deep-learning and machine-learning toolboxes to train feed-forward neural networks with multiple model architectures.

• Compared neural-network performance against Goemans-Williamson algorithm outputs, evaluating the limits of learned approximations for combinatorial optimization.

• Designed and optimized an unsupervised neural network with a custom loss function to estimate Max-Cut values in polynomial time using stochastic gradient descent.

• Studied optimization problems involving the integral over the boundary of a convex set under a Gaussian distribution.

• Used MATLAB simulations to generate and test convex sets while investigating methods for producing sets with larger perimeters.

• Identified symmetry properties in polygons that reduced certain maximization problems to the “two-line case.”

• Developed proof-based arguments showing contradictions that arise when applying a triangle-collapsing method to reach the two-line case under biaxial symmetry.

Academic Tutor

B.C. Academics
Highland Park, IL | 2015–Present
Los Angeles, CA | 2019–Present

• Founded and operated a private tutoring practice for high-school and college-level students in STEM and engineering subjects.

• Tutor students in physics, chemistry, algebra II/trigonometry, precalculus, calculus AB/BC, computer science, engineering, CAD, and design.

• Provide long-term academic mentorship to students pursuing coursework in mathematics, physics, business, engineering, and technical design.

• Support students with concept mastery, problem-solving strategy, exam preparation, project development, and academic confidence.

Machine Shop Management and Mechanical Engineering Intern

Accurate Metal Fabricating
Chicago, IL | Summers 2021–2022; Remote 2023

• Supported machine-shop operations, mechanical design, and manufacturing integration projects for a precision metal fabrication company.

• Assisted with the acquisition and operational integration of Marvel Metals into Accurate Metal Fabricating workflows.

• Reorganized and created SolidWorks drawings and Amada turret files to align acquired product lines with Accurate manufacturing standards.

• Created job travelers and machine programs for 20 Marvel Metals products to support production in the Accurate machine shop.

• Corrected more than 100 inconsistencies between Marvel Metals quotes and manufacturing methods.

• Designed and prototyped modular outdoor fence systems for SelectSpace®.

Design, CAD, and Drivetrain Development

FIRST Illinois Robotics
Chicago, IL | June 2019–August 2020

• Developed a low-cost robotics drivetrain to help new teams reduce startup costs and enter FIRST robotics competitions.

• Reduced drivetrain cost by approximately 50% compared with leading commercial drivetrain options by using simplified design and manufacturing strategies.

• Applied CAD, mechanical design, and fabrication methods to create accessible robotics hardware for student teams.

Counselor

Camp Pocono Trails
Reeders, PA | June 2020–August 2020

• Served as a counselor at an overnight wellness camp focused on weight loss, self-esteem, and personal development.

• Supervised and mentored five incoming ninth-grade campers, supporting their daily routines, activities, and social-emotional growth.

Student Panelist and Mentor

Ready, Set, High School Success
Lake Forest, IL | July 2017–May 2019

• Mentored incoming high-school freshmen by sharing academic, social, and extracurricular guidance.

• Served as a student panelist, helping younger students prepare for the transition into high school.

TECH SKILLS:

COMPUTER PROGRAMING:

• MATLAB (5 years)

  • Graph Neural Networks (2 years)

  • Computational Physics (1 year)

• Wolfram Alpha Mathematica (5 years)

• Python (4 years)

  • TensorFlow (2 years)

  • Keras (1 year)

  • PyTorch (1 year)

• Java (3 years)

• STAR-CCM (2 years)

CAD DESIGN:

• Autodesk Inventor (7 years)

• Fusion 360 + CAM (3 years)

• Solidworks + Sheet Metal (5 years)

MANAGEMENT

• Excel(7 years)

• Sheets + Colab (4 years)

• Quickbooks Online (2 years)

• EPICOR (1 year)

Mathematics:

Awards and recognition

Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Student Achievement Award for Outstanding Ingenuity and Performance: 2023

William Lowell Putnam Math Competition: 2022

Honor Roll - Finalist (Rank 381)

William Lowell Putnam Math Competition: 2021

Honor Roll - Finalist (Rank 423)

LOCKHEED MARTIN STEM SCHOLARSHIP RECIPIENT: 2019

JAMES CLERK MAXWELL AWARD IN PHYSICS - ELECTROMAGNETISM: 2019

MATHWORKS MATH MODELING CHALLENGE: 2019

Semi-Finalist

AMERICAN MATH COMPETITION (AMC 12): 2018

Honor Roll Recipient (Top 1000)

RENSSELAER MEDAL IN MATHEMATICS AND SCIENCE RECIPIENT: 2018 

HPHS MATH TEAM ORALIST: 2017 - 2019

1st Place Oralist - Senior 2018

1st Place Oralist - Junior 2017

HPHS MATH TEAM

1st Place Perfect Paper - Sophomore 2016

1st Place Perfect Paper - Freshman 2015 

NSSD Math Olympiad

Highest Individual Score - 2012

OTHER:

HONORS, AWARDS AND RECOGNITION

USC VITERBI SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING FELLOW MERIT RESEARCH AWARD:

2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022

UNDERGRADUATE RESEARCH ASSOCIATE PROGRAM GRANT RECIPIENT:

Received funding in the summer of 2022 to research “Gaussian Reverse Isoperimetry and Deep Learning Approaches to Graph Cut Problems.”

THE NATIONAL SOCIETY OF LEADERSHIP AND SUCCESS CHAPTER AT USC:

2019, 2020, 2021, and 2022

COCA-COLA SCHOLARS SEMIFINALIST: 2019

Chosen as one of 1800 high school seniors nationwide from a pool of 95,000 applicants as a semi-finalist due to outstanding leadership, academics, and dedication to my community.

ILLINOIS STUDENT ASSISTANCE COMMISION STATE SCHOLAR: 2018-2019

State Scholars are among “the best and the brightest” of Illinois high school seniors in the Class of 2019.

highland park high school honor society: 2018

SCHOLARSHIP, LEADERSHIP, SERVICE

Greenwoods CAMP Arrowhead Award: 2016

The Arrowhead award is presented to three campers each summer session who have displayed leadership amongst their peers, mastery of all camp activities, and are positive ambassador of the camp.  It is one of camp's greatest honors!

Most likely to win a Nobel Prize: 2015

Awarded during the Superlative award ceremony of which ten percent of my graduating class of approximately 200 students receive a recognition that represents them and how they are viewed by their peers.

Eagle Character Award: 2014 - 2015

Two time recipient

CLUBS, AND MEMBERSHIP

Trojan Venture Partners: Member and Lecturer

Chi Phi USC Chapter: Treasurer and Member

B.C. Academics: Founder and Owner  

FTC Robotics Team 6287 Vertigo: Founder and Captain

MENSA: Member

Highland Park High School Math Team: Oralist

Edgewood Middle School Musical: Assistant Director

Math Club at Edgewood Middle School: Founder and Tutor

Model UN Club at Edgewood Middle School: Co-Founder

VOLUNTEER SERVICE

WAYFARER FOUNDATION SKID ROW CARNIVAL OF LOVE

JANUARY 2020

FIRST Robotics

JUNE 2015 - PRESENT

Robotics Competition Moderator, Field Inspector, Judge, ScoreKeeper, Manager

• FIRST Lego League (FLL)

• FIRST Tech Challenge (FTC)

• FIRST Robotics Competition (FRC)

  • The University of Chicago, Girls Gone Tech Day, College of Lake County STEM Fair, Museum of Science and Industry Block Party, Amazon, LinkedIn, March of Dimes, and more…

North Shore School District (NSSD) 112 and HPHS 113

SEPTEMBER 2015 - MAY 2019

Academic Tutor and Mentor

JEWISH UNITED FUND (JUF) Beth Emet Soup Kitchen and The Uptown Cafe

MAY 2014 - PRESENT

Server and Entertainer

DISABILITY AWARENESS PRESENTER

2014 - PRESENT