Academic Projects
ARC Appalachian STEM Academy
The ASA sponsored by the Appalachian Regional Commission and ORAU is a program designed to enhance STEM skills among students in the Appalachian region. Here I participated in research sponsored by Dr. Elliott Biondo and Dr. Mathew Swinney at Oak Ridge National Laboratory. The two week long experience allowed me to connect with students around the country while focused on building my practical experience in an engineering research environment.
Image: Me presenting a research project at Y-12 National Security Complex
ARC National Conference Speaker
On behalf of the Appalachian STEM Academy, I was asked to speak and present at the annual board meeting of the Appalachian Regional Commission (ARC). There I met with a board of 13 state representatives including the Governors of Tennessee, Virginia, and Kentucky, to discuss my experiences at the program as well as describe the impact that these sponsored youth programs have on students in my region.
Image: Me presenting a research project at Y-12 National Security Complex
Python Simulations of Neutron Flux
At the ASA I participated in a research project which measured the flux of uncollided neutrons through a material with a variable cross section. The study found that neutron flux decreases with higher cross-section values and that relative error in predictions is inversely proportional to the number of simulation histories. Additionally, there is an optimal ratio of particles to batches that balances computational efficiency and accuracy.
Link to My posterImage: Me standing with my research poster
Monte Carlo Integral Estimation Software
As a hobby project I developed a Monte Carlo python program that solves definite Integrals over a given range which utilizes a GPU to run more efficiently than a traditional CPU model. It involves using a statistical random number generator to create a ratio of points that land on a line of a function divided by the total points to estimate the value of an integral to a varying degree. It uses matrices to make multiple batches of estimations and collects/graphs the statistical probability of the estimations.
Link to the Project (GitHub)Image: A snippet of code that performs one instance of the monte carlo method
UTK Material Sciences Camp
In the Summer of 2023 I participated in a Material Science STEM program sponsored by the University of Tennessee and Pellissippi State Community College which aimed to educate high school students. Here I did classroom activities and toured facilities such as the ORNL Manufacturing Demonstration facility in order to more effectively conceptualize methods used by material scientists.
Image: Electron microcope demonstration where we analyzed metals
Server and Web Hosting
Over the course of three years I taught myself various aspects about computer hardware and was able to run, manage, and develop multiple server ecosystems which ranged from web hosting and media to video game server hosting. Here I learned about managing a linux server environents and operations of computer systems with elevated complexity.
Image: Me standing in front of the world's fastest supercomputer
Jeep Mechanics Project
Over the course of three years, I undertook an extenseive project to modify and improve the capability of my 2004 Jeep Wrangler. This not only enhanced the vehicle's performance and quality, but significantly developed my skills in the mechanical field. I learned skills in tool use, mechanical systems, electrical systems, and overall the basic and complex systems of a motor vehicle.
Image: My JeepJob Experience
Learning Express Toys
During the duration of my junior and senior year at Signal Mountain, I worked at a local toy store by the name of Learning Express Toys.
Image: Me standing with a representative from the Camp Hope charityLeadership Positions
Technology Student Association
- President -
The Technology Student Association (TSA) is a national organization dedicated to providing students with STEM project and leadership opportunities at their state and national conferences. For 4 years I participated in team projects such as video game design. As an officer I worked closely with over 30 students to guide their projects to success and performed administrative duties.
Image: Me (right) with my video game developer team
Newspaper
- Founder and Publisher -
In 2023 I founded my schools first newspaper and publishing club. In this club I was responsible for designing, editing, and administrating the duties of the newspaper. This often involved orchestrating large groups of people. We aimed to educate students on professional writing and promoted bias free and journalistic writing, as many students were unfamiliar with these processes before the club's existence.
Image: The first release of the Signal Source newspaper
Beta Club
- Vice President -
The Beta Club is an honor society that emphasizes community service, leadership, and academic excellence. In my two years as vice president, I organized and participated in community service projects and activities for over 200 members. These projects primarily took place in my local town and involved nature preservation and projects that benefitted the community
Image: A nature festival volunteering opportunity which I helped to planOther Participation
Track and Field
- Short Distance Runner -
For 2 years I participated in my schools track and field team which went on to win multiple state titles. I ran on the sprinting team, primarily serving the 100m, 200m, and 4x100/200 relay races. As of Feb. 2024 I hold the freshman 100m and 200m time records.
Image: Me running the 4x100 relay in 2023
Youth In Government
- Senator -
YMCA Tennessee Youth in Government is a program that allows high school students to engage in simulated government processes, such as debating bills and participating in mock legislative sessions. As a senator I worked with a partner to develop legislation to educate students on the dangers of substance abuse and collaborated with students across Tennessee to solve the most pressing issues in our state.
Image: Me (2nd from left) showing my passed bill to the senate
Model UN
Delegate
In my model UN experience I presented a proposal aimed at mitigating country's abilities to militarize spacecraft in order to limit the influence of powers working against world collaboration. Here I developed skills relating to public speaking and presentation, along with negotiation and quick critical thinking skills.
Image: Me (right) with two delegates from the MUN Conference in 2023
Science National Honors Society
Event Planner
The Science National Honor Society is an organization that recognizes high school students' excellence in science. Members engage in scientific research and community service. I worked with a group of students to plan events in my community which aimed to promote scientific thinking.
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