About Me
Life on The Planck Scale.
With a deep interest in quantum physics and a dedication to pushing the boundaries of understanding, my mind exists at the ultimate frontier where even the theory of relativity must take a knee to quantum mechanics. From theory to application, my passion bounces between the realms of raw curiosity and practical innovation.
As a researcher and physics enthusiast, I live to tackle the complex problems of both the past and present for glory, honor, and just the hell of it. Whether it’s through independent study or collaboration in the lab, I aim to contribute to the scientific community and bring about the beginning of the Quantumpocalypse.
Education
My Academic Journey
2020
Aug to June
2022
GSSM Student
High SchoolGSSM is a STEM Residential Highschool program that receives applicants from all counties of South Carolina, ranked the #1 Public School in South Carolina and #8 in the U.S. by Niche in 2024.
| Subject Area | Course |
|---|---|
| Physics | AP Physics |
| Modern Physics | |
| Introduction to Relativity | |
| Quantum, Standard Model, and Nuclear Physics, Fluid, Thermo, Optics | |
| Computer Science | Data Structures and Algorithms |
| C++ Database Design | |
| Intro to Artificial Intelligence |
| Project Title | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Race: Analysis Using 1990 Census Data | Statistical analysis project examining demographic patterns and trends using historical census data | — |
| Using K-Clustering to Predict Cliques | Machine learning application using clustering algorithms to identify and predict social network structures | — |
| MARTINQUEST4EVER | Personal passion project exploring advanced computational methods and creative problem-solving approaches | View Project |
2022
Aug to June
2023
University of Virgina Undergraduate
UniversityI spent my freshman year at UVA before transferring out, during which I did research at the Ultracold Matter lab. The experience led me to choose Quantum as my area of study, and I declared a Physics and Electrical Engineering Major.
| Subject Area | Course |
|---|---|
| Physics | Quantum Mechanics and Information for Engineers |
| Electrodynamics for Engineers |
| Project Title | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Quantum Gas Microscopy: A Deep Dive into Ultracold Atom Research | A video I created while attending UVA that explores Quantum Gas Microscopy. Both how it works and how it is used. Inspired by the 2009 Nature paper by Markus Greiner, an affiliate of the Harvard-MIT Center for Ultracold Atoms. | View Project |
| UVa Undergraduate Research: Optical Tweezers for Quantum Computing | Optical Tweezers have shown promise in the manipulation of individual atoms, with their application to Quantum Computing being of particular interest. Using a Liquid Crystal on Silicon Spatial Light Modulator (LCOS-SLM) and an Infrared Laser, control over the projections onto the image plane was achieved. | View Project |
2023
to
Present
Columbia University Undergraduate
UniversityCurrently pursuing an undergraduate degree in Applied Physics, with a focus on quantum mechanics, working in the Quantum Optics subgroup of Zhang lab, and advanced theoretical studies (the theory part is mostly for fun!)
| Subject Area | Course |
|---|---|
| Quantum Mechanics | Graduate Quantum Mechanics I & II |
| Quantum Field Theory I & II | |
| Quantum Optimization and Machine Learning | |
| Quantum Simulation Lab | |
| Condensed Matter | Frontiers of Condensed Matter Physics |
| Solid State Physics | |
| Thermal and Statistical Dynamics |
| Project Title | Description | Link |
|---|---|---|
| Zhang Lab Undergraduate Research | Research on the fabrication, coupling, and simulation of quantum defects and the photonic structures/crystals they interact with in the Quantum Optics subgroup of the PhoQIS group UVA Ultracold Matter Lab since the lab’s conception | View Project |
| NYC HAQ | Participated in the first iteration of a local NYC Quantum Hackathon where an alternative HOBO approach to a traditionally QUBO supply chain optimization problem was presented. | View Project |
| MIT iQuHACK | Participated in MIT’s 2025 Quantum Hackathon where an error prevention Dynamic Decoupling procedure to a gradient descent problem with IBM’s systems was proposed. | — |
| Quantum Moisture Walk | A spin on the traditional quantum walk that proposes a measurement dependent hamiltonian at each trotterized time step to track the gradient dependent dispersion of water in soil. | View Project |
My Ideas
Projects
Quantum Walk v2: Experimental Form Fitting
In this second iteration of our quantum walk model, we extend the framework to fit real-world data collected from a custom-built experimental planter designed to track moisture dynamics in soil….
Quantum Walk v1: Theoretical Moisture Dispersion in Soil
As part of my final project for Quantum Simulation Lab, I developed a theoretical model using a modified Continuous Quantum Walk to simulate how moisture disperses in soil. This work…
Finance Portfolio Optimization with VQE
For my first quantum hackathon I integrated a custom Variational Quantum Eigensolver (VQE) into portfolio optimization to enhance scalability and performance on noisy intermediate-scale quantum (NISQ) devices. I introduced what…
UVA: The Quantum Awakening
A personal reflection on my freshman year at UVA, where research at the Ultracold Matter Lab led to my quantum awakening and the decision to become a quantum physicist.
Quantum Gas Microscopy: A Deep Dive into Ultracold Atom Research
A video I created while attending UVA exploring Quantum Gas Microscopy, how it works and how it is used. Inspired by the 2009 Nature paper by Markus Greiner, an affiliate…
UVa Undergraduate Research: Optical Tweezers for Quantum Computing
Research on optical tweezers for quantum computing applications using LCOS-SLM technology. This work explores the manipulation of individual atoms through controlled light patterns for quantum information processing.
GSSM: My Renaissance Man Era
A reflection on my transformative years at Governor’s School for Science + Mathematics, where I explored multiple STEM disciplines and discovered my path to engineering.