Professional Page

• Computer Programming: MATLAB (i.e. Image Processing Algorithms), C++, Linux, HTML, Java, Python
• Software Based Circuit Design, Basic Control Systems, Electromagnetic Transducer Theory and Application
• RF Design, Spectrum and Network Analyzer Fundamentals, Component level field test design (microwave)
• Experience developing, coding, testing, and debugging complex algorithms for simulations

EMPLOYMENT HISTORY

Physicist - Summary
Department of Defense, NAVAIR, Ridgecrest, CA April 2015- April 2016

Signal Processing
Design and test RF hardware for multi-band RADAR systems on component level
Calculate/test antenna parameters with Spectrum and Network Analyzers
Process raw RADAR data for spot-light mode SAR imaging applications in MATLAB
Multi-Static SAR System Development, Coordinate with Raytheon El Segundo RADAR team
Develop SAR imaging algorithms such as polar-reformatting and de-skewing
Collect GPS data then post-process to increase accuracy, Mentor other techs and ESDPs
Perform field tests with mobile RADAR to simulate airborne SAR collections

HARM Missile Wing Wind Tunnel Test Design – Bandwidth Turbulence Airforce Test
Offer collaboration for designing, constructing, and programming missile wing control modules, Test limits of onboard actuators and feedback circuits

RAM Secondary Smoke Trail Simulation of Rolling Airframe Missile
Code MATLAB to interface between two existing simulations, SPFIII and MODTRAN 5.4.0

Adjunct Professor
Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah August 2009 –April 2015 and Jan 2017 - Current
Salt Lake Community College, Taylorsville, Utah Jan 2017 - Current

Develops course lectures specific to Fundamental Physical Science and Physics courses Instructs, manages, and supervises individual and groups in classrooms and laboratories Performs hands on classroom demonstrations, coordinate with lab workers for efficiency Administers and grades quizzes and exams, Optimize online course interface for student success

Misc.: Medical Transport, Substitute Teaching, And Manual Labor: Residential Install (2016)
JR Transport (Pendleton, OR):May-Aug, Kelly Services and Chateau Cabinets, (Orem, Utah):Sept.-Dec. Worked with managers and co-workers to help the company as a reliable employee Managed conflicts in a professional manner to consistently enhance work environment morale

EDUCATION:

PhD, Brigham Young University, Provo, Utah December 2014
Theoretical and Computational Physics
Developed algorithms for modeling and solving the quantum dynamics of reactive collisions, Solved large equation sets to produce trajectory and probability data, then visualized results in 3D. Presented results at Molecular Energy Transfer conferences at Oxford, Snowbird, Telluride, and for other Chemical Physics groups

BS, Utah Valley University, Orem, Utah April 2008
Physics
Solar energy telemetry analysis, Data acquisition of photovoltaic cell measurements and local temperatures with thermocouples, Self-designed, implemented, and developed new energy saving models from scratch.

Research Interests:

For the most part of my life I have worked in the field of electronics and acoustics. As I get older I notice I am becoming very ambitious about accuracy and precision in data acquisition and telemetry. My first goal when designing experiments is to ensure the fidelity of the data by applying the necessary signal conditioning. This could be considered the most important foundation on which to build any research project. Now that I have a PhD in physics I feel like I am prepared to ask the right questions. Questions whose answers are readily and reliably testable.

The enrichment of fissile isotopes is something that I would consider as a worthwhile lifetime project. I am passionate about the progression of applied nuclear physics. The world needs to see how safe and effective this form of energy really is. Along with this field comes the ever important waste disposal dilemma which I find is just as important.

For the last few years in graduate school I studied the theory of reactions. The mathematical methods I developed in my dissertation are highly intuitive and insightful to the field of both chemical and nuclear reactions. I feel that a proper blending of theory with the “on hands” work increases the efficacy in applying ones imagination.

Teaching Philosophy:

Teaching is the most enjoyable endeavor I have ever come across. This is especially true when it comes to teaching scientific principles. It becomes an art form when the concepts are intimidating but you know the student is capable. A quote that always sticks with me is one by Richard Feynman when he is giving lectures at Caltech to undergrads. A student asked if he could explain Boson and Fermion statistics. He told the student he would prepare something and come back the next day. Upon his return he so honestly reports, "I could not reduce it to a freshman level so that means we do not truly understand it yet", which may be slightly paraphrased.

I was always a curious student that got bored when the class had no participation so I was prone to ask question, many questions. This of course made me a vulnerable person who would often be embarrassed by misinterpretations. Though sincere, my comments and questions would sometimes be distracting and just plain silly. After wearing the dunce cap for a few years as a student and suffering the disgust of many a professor I have grown to empathize with those who behave similarly when I am teaching. I love to watch students come out of their shells and ask questions that enhance their understanding as well as their overall confidence as a person.

Lastly, I would like to point out how important I believe knowing the student's names is. I make it a goal of learning all their names before they learn mine. It takes about 2-3 weeks for me to master all the names but when I do, an amazing level of mutual respect is gained.