My name is Nick and I am a Physics major in my Sophomore year of college (as of Fall 2010).
I have always had a great passion for physics and math, especially theoretical fundamental particle physics and astrophysics, including particle cosmology. My goal is to complete a Ph.D. in theoretical physics, then conduct research and teach at the university level.
First of all, I have to mention Richard Feynman, for being one of the biggest inspirations for my studies! I absolutely love everything about this man! His approach to problem solving and teaching, his unique way of thinking, his uncanny zest for life and quirkiness, and, above all, his unsurpassable infatuation with our universe and the physics that describes it. The deep and fundamental understanding that he had of physics is something that I have never seen paralleled, and is what I have the passion achieve.
I would also like to recognize someone else who has been a major influence on my life and studies: my father. Throughout my life he has been a mentor to me, indulging all my curiosities, especially those of physics and the world around me. And without him, I doubt I would be as passionate or capable a scientist as I am today.
While in high school, I participated in a competitive science research program. As a first project, I developed a highly user-configurable C# program to simulate artificial life in primitive civilizations. This project won 1st place in my district's science fair, 2nd place in the LA County Science Fair, as well as the Intel Award for Excellence, and the Navy Award for Computer Science.
[Project Details: The focus was to determine which sets of variables produced the most efficient and prolific colonies in a semi-closed universe. These variables included intelligence levels (such as varying path-finding algorithms like A*), reproductive efficiencies, metabolic rates, and availability of resources. I also monitored individual, as well as colony average, health and energy levels as well as population size and life expectancy to determine the most efficient colony. A key aspect of the simulation was observing the behavior of 2 or more colonies when placed in the same universe and forced to compete for shared resources.]
In another project, I worked with a USC physics professor on solid-state physics, where we modeled and studied percolation phenomena and phase changes.
Additionally, I collaborated with a Chemical Engineering professor at UCLA to develop mathematical models used to optimize chemical reactions. We applied the Shrink-Wrap algorithm to construct the Attainable Region, within which the optimal reaction efficiency is reached in CSTR and PFR containers - a breakthrough new technology with the potential to dramatically improve chemical plant efficiency.
I spent a few recent summers studying subatomic physics and calculus at Johns Hopkins University, and Logic and Linear Algebra at UC Santa Cruz's COSMOS program.
Now, in college, I am focusing on physics and mathematics, with as much chemistry, astronomy, and computer science as I can fit into my schedule.
Aside from my scientific endeavors, I have loved doing Drama and Theater for 4 years in high school. We have a very strong Drama program and I was thrilled to play in Chicago, Evita, The Fiddler on the Roof, Jekyll and Hyde, and Pippin. I've also acted in and directed award-winning scenes at DTASC, one of the country's largest drama festivals, which was immense fun!
Last, but not least, I loved my 4 years in my school's Latin Club, especially being elected to the school's ruling Triumvirate (President).
First of all, I have to mention Richard Feynman, for being one of the biggest inspirations for my studies! I absolutely love everything about this man! His approach to problem solving and teaching, his unique way of thinking, his uncanny zest for life and quirkiness, and, above all, his unsurpassable infatuation with our universe and the physics that describes it. The deep and fundamental understanding that he had of physics is something that I have never seen paralleled, and is what I have the passion achieve.
I would also like to recognize someone else who has been a major influence on my life and studies: my father. Throughout my life he has been a mentor to me, indulging all my curiosities, especially those of physics and the world around me. And without him, I doubt I would be as passionate or capable a scientist as I am today.
While in high school, I participated in a competitive science research program. As a first project, I developed a highly user-configurable C# program to simulate artificial life in primitive civilizations. This project won 1st place in my district's science fair, 2nd place in the LA County Science Fair, as well as the Intel Award for Excellence, and the Navy Award for Computer Science.
[Project Details: The focus was to determine which sets of variables produced the most efficient and prolific colonies in a semi-closed universe. These variables included intelligence levels (such as varying path-finding algorithms like A*), reproductive efficiencies, metabolic rates, and availability of resources. I also monitored individual, as well as colony average, health and energy levels as well as population size and life expectancy to determine the most efficient colony. A key aspect of the simulation was observing the behavior of 2 or more colonies when placed in the same universe and forced to compete for shared resources.]
In another project, I worked with a USC physics professor on solid-state physics, where we modeled and studied percolation phenomena and phase changes.
Additionally, I collaborated with a Chemical Engineering professor at UCLA to develop mathematical models used to optimize chemical reactions. We applied the Shrink-Wrap algorithm to construct the Attainable Region, within which the optimal reaction efficiency is reached in CSTR and PFR containers - a breakthrough new technology with the potential to dramatically improve chemical plant efficiency.
I spent a few recent summers studying subatomic physics and calculus at Johns Hopkins University, and Logic and Linear Algebra at UC Santa Cruz's COSMOS program.
Now, in college, I am focusing on physics and mathematics, with as much chemistry, astronomy, and computer science as I can fit into my schedule.
Aside from my scientific endeavors, I have loved doing Drama and Theater for 4 years in high school. We have a very strong Drama program and I was thrilled to play in Chicago, Evita, The Fiddler on the Roof, Jekyll and Hyde, and Pippin. I've also acted in and directed award-winning scenes at DTASC, one of the country's largest drama festivals, which was immense fun!
Last, but not least, I loved my 4 years in my school's Latin Club, especially being elected to the school's ruling Triumvirate (President).
