Curriculum Vitae

Academic & Professional Experience

Professional Summary

Multidisciplinary researcher with a triple major background in Mathematics, Physics, and Computer Science. Proven expertise in bridging experimental and theoretical physics, from fabricating thin film devices and conducting reflectance experiments to modeling super-lattice structures using Bloch’s theorem and Maxwell’s equations. Demonstrated proficiency in abstract algebra, specifically in classifying finite group embeddings and applying Sylow theorems. Currently advancing the field of computational forecasting through hybrid data-driven modeling of monsoon oscillations and adapting Fourier Neural Operators (FourCAstNet) for direct wildfire spread prediction.

Education

B.S. in Computer Science, Mathematics & Physics

Portland State University

2022 - 2026

Background: "Comprehensive exposure to areas of Computer Science, Mathematics and Physics. Research projects include Minimal Group Embeddings, and Wildfire Forecasting using dynamical models and deep learning methods."

GPA: 3.5/4.0

Mathematics & Physics

Western Washington University

2019 - 2021

Background: "Introductory Physics and Mathematics classes. Research in Surface Plasmon Polaritons, experimental development of thin film devices and theoretical calculation of electric fields inside these finite devices."

Professional Experience

RTG in CADES Fellowship

Portland State University / Department of Mathematics & Statistics

Summer 2025 - Present

    Modified Fourier Neural Operators for Direct Wildfire Spread Prediction: A FourCastNet Adaptation: "This research utilizes the FourCastNet architecture for direct wildfire propagation modeling. It integrates critical fire drivers—including fuel moisture, vegetation density (LANDFIRE), and topography—into the model's input channels. By training the system on historical fire perimeters, it learns to predict the fire front's evolution as a discrete state-space variable. This approach leverages FourCastNet's speed, generating subseasonal fire-spread ensembles dramatically faster than traditional physics models."

Python C++ Machine Learning HPC

McNair / CCAR REU

Portland State University / Department of Physics and Astronomy

Summer 2024 - Present

    Hybrid Data-Driven and Dynamical Forecasting of the South Asian Monsoon Intraseasonal Oscillation: "Advancing Monsoon Forecasting through Data-Driven Oscillatory Modes Current dynamical models often struggle to predict the active and break phases of the South Asian monsoon, which are driven by northward-propagating rainfall anomalies known as MISOs. This research introduces Ensemble Oscillation Correction (EnOC) to overcome these limitations. By leveraging the near-regularity of climate oscillations, this methodology refines traditional physics-based forecasts with data-driven insights. The result is a more accurate tool for agricultural and hydrological planning, providing reliable rainfall predictions three to four weeks in advance—a timeframe previously considered unreliable by standard meteorological models."

Python/Julia Machine Learning Data-Driven Forecasting Dynamical Models HPC

Math Honors Thesis / LSAMP Research Scholar

Portland State University / Department of Mathematics and Statistics

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024

    Minimal Group Embeddings "This project focuses on the classification of small finite groups and the determination of their minimal embedding degree. By utilizing the Sylow Theorems, I analyzed the prime power subgroups for each order to verify group structures and non-simplicity. Building upon Cayley’s Theorem, which guarantees an embedding into \(S_{|G|}\), I calculated the minimum \(n\) such that \(G\hookrightarrow S_{n}\), often finding degrees significantly smaller than the group's order."

Abstract Algebra Group Theory Sylow Theorems Group Embeddings

Research Assistantship in Theoretical and Experimental Physics

Western Washington University / Department of Physics and Astronomy

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024

    Multiscale Theoretical Modeling of Surface Plasmon Polaritons (SPPs): From Fundamentals to Integrated Photonic Applications "Theoretical investigation of SPP dispersion relations by applying Bloch’s Theorem to the fundamental Maxwell’s equations. By treating the multilayer as a 1D plasmonic crystal, this model identifies how periodic modulation creates unique band structures and forbidden gaps. The findings provide a roadmap for tailoring the optical response of superllatice metal-insulator-metal devices, bridging the gap between analytical theory and functional nanophotonic device design."

Maxwell's Equations Dispersion Relation Electric Fields Bloch Theorem Solid State Physics Mathematica

Research Assistantship in Experimental Physics

Western Washington University / Department of Physics and Astronomy

Summer 2020

    Excitation of “forbidden” guided-wave plasmon polariton modes via direct reflectance using a low refractive index polymer coupling layer. "Experimental investigation of plasmonic modes in metal-insulator-metal thin film structures using a low refractive index polymer coupling layer. By employing angle-resolved reflectance spectroscopy, we successfully excited and characterized "forbidden" guided-wave plasmon polariton modes that are typically inaccessible through conventional methods. The study reveals how the polymer layer modifies the coupling conditions, enabling direct excitation of these modes. Our findings provide new insights into light-matter interactions in complex thin film systems and open up avenues for advanced photonic device applications."

Thin Film Devices AFM/XRR Solid State Physics Surface Plasmon Polaritons

Selected Publications

Journal Articles

  1. Marquis CD, McCarley LM, Pollock AL, Cutcher AS, Cannella MT, Smith TL, et al. Excitation of “forbidden” guided-wave plasmon polariton modes via direct reflectance using a low refractive index polymer coupling layer. PLOS one, 2022 DOI

Awards & Honors

NSF RTG Undergraduate Fellowship | Portland State University (Summer 2025)

Awarded a merit-based fellowship to join a multidisciplinary research team; contributed to technical projects in data-driven science to perform original research in wildfire forecasting using deep learning methods.

Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Scholar (2024)

Selected for a federally-funded, national fellowship program preparing high-achieving undergraduates for doctoral studies through intensive faculty-mentored research.

NSF Undergraduate Research Fellow | Center for Climate and Aerosol Research at Portland State University (Summer 2024)

Selected for a prestigious, NSF-funded 10-week intensive residency at the Center for Climate and Aerosol Research (CCAR) to conduct independent, faculty-mentored research in atmospheric science.

Goforth Semiconductor Microelectronics Scholarship | Portland State University (Summer 2024)

Recipient of a National Science Foundation (NSF)-funded scholarship supporting STEM coursework and professional development for technical careers in the Pacific Northwest’s "Silicon Forest" semiconductor industry.

Jarvis Research Fellow | Western Washington University (2021)

Selected as a merit-based recipient of a $7,000 college-wide scholarship to conduct intensive, faculty-mentored research within the College of Science and Engineering (CSE).

Internal ASCME Research Assistantship | Western Washington University (Summer 2020)

Awarded a competitive research assistantship to conduct faculty-mentored research in experimental physics within the Advanced Surface-Engineered Coatings/Materials and Energy (ASCME) lab.

Three-Time Mercer Family Foundation Scholar (2023 – 2025)

Selected as an "exceptional" scholar in Math/Physics based on academic merit and commitment to advancing scientific research. One of a limited number of recipients chosen nationally for their potential to serve society through the physical sciences.

PSU EAGLES S-STEM Scholarship | Portland State University (2025 – 2026)

Awarded a highly competitive, merit- and need-based NSF-funded scholarship for excellence in STEM fields.

Mickey and Carole Ghio Science Scholarship | Western Washington University (2020 – 2021)

Recipient of a competitive, merit-based scholarship recognizing outstanding academic achievement and professional promise within the Western Washington University College of Science and Engineering (CSE).

Multicultural Achievement Program (MAP) Scholarship | Western Washington University (2020-2021)

Recipient of a merit-based award recognized for significant contributions to multiculturalism. Chosen through a rigorous application and essay process for the potential to foster a diverse and inclusive campus environment.

Teaching Experience

University Studies Peer Mentor

Portland State University

Fall 2024, Winter 2025, Fall 2025, Winter 2026

Lead small group mentoring sessions for first-year students enrolled in a required University Studies at Portland State University, focusing on academic success strategies, time management, and campus resources.

Math and Physics Tutor

Lead single and group tutoring session for problems in math and physics classes ranging from Precalculus, Single and Multivariable Calculus, Linear Algebra, Differential Equations, Group Theory and Real Analysis

Fall 2022 - Fall 2023, Winter 2025 - Summer 2025

Led weekly recitation sections, graded assignments, and held office hours for 80+ students.

Technical Skills

Programming Languages

Python
C/C++
Java
Bash
Mathematica
HTML/CSS

Acamaro Knowledge

Mathematics

Single and Multivariable Calculus Differential Equations Abstract Algebra / Rings and Fields Real Analysis Complex Analysis Advanced Linear Algebra / Spectral Analysis Number Theory Discrete Mathematics

Computer Science

Data Structures Algorithms Operating Systems Cloud Computing Network Protocols Programing Languages Web development Software Engineering Deep Learning

Physics

Classical Mechanics Electromagnetism Quantum Mechanics Statistical Mechanics Thermodynamics Computational Physics Electronics Thin Film Fabrication (AFM/XRR)

Frameworks & Tools

NumPy SciPy TensorFlow Matplotlib Git Docker LaTeX Jupyter Linux

Languages

English Fluent
Spanish Fluent

Research Interests

Physics Informed Neural Networks Numerical Methods Optimization Data Science High Performance Computing Scientific Computing Experimental Physics