I am a double major in Physics and Chemistry with research experience in Applied Mathematics and Computational Physics

Science has been my anchor in a world often rocked by upheaval. Over the past few years, I've faced numerous challenges, from the loss of my father to persistent health and economic issues. Each experience not only tested my resilience but also deepened my interdisciplinary understanding, critical for my aspirations in physics and chemistry.

One vivid moment when my scientific knowledge was crucial involved a potential health risk to my father. Fresh from a biology class, I used what I'd learned about the dangers of amygdalin—marketed as an alternative cancer treatment—to prevent him from consuming crushed apricot kernels, which contain lethal amounts of cyanide. This incident deepened my skepticism of unverified medical claims and spurred my interest in organic synthesis, both in theory and through hands-on lab work. My goal is to contribute to more effective and safer cancer therapies.

The financial strain of my father’s treatments, which ultimately proved unsuccessful, and the emotional toll of his loss were profound. These experiences brought into sharp relief the societal inequities fueled by disparities in access to essential resources like energy. This realization steered my interest towards plasma and fusion technology, captivated by their promise of clean, infinite energy. A course in stellar astrophysics provided a preliminary understanding of fusion, which could revolutionize energy access on Earth.

At CU Boulder, I pursued the only available course on chaos theory, excelling in it, which led me to join Dr. Shaheen's research group. Here, I applied my programming skills from an astrophysics lab to develop and test neural networks known as ‘reservoir computing.’ This work involved predicting chaotic systems such as the Lorenz system and the Belousov-Zhabotinsky reaction, both key in understanding the unpredictabilities in plasma physics.

Since then, my engagement with topological data analysis (TDA) under the guidance of Dr. Pflaum has significantly broadened my research capabilities. Utilizing TDA, I explored the chemical potential energy surface of propane, an investigation that could be applied to understanding other chemical properties and reactions. This project not only deepened my comprehension of physical chemistry but also enhanced my analytical skills. Furthermore, I applied TDA to develop new methods for detecting chaos in the Lorenz system, an endeavor that bridges my interests in chaos theory and practical applications in physics. These projects exemplify how TDA can be a powerful tool in both theoretical and applied sciences, enabling me to uncover underlying structures and dynamics that are not readily apparent through traditional methods.

I am convinced that an interdisciplinary approach to science will continue to foster insights and breakthroughs that will change our world for the better. The labs I have chosen might seem indirectly related to my goals in plasma and pharmaceutical research, but they provide me with essential techniques and research experience. These are invaluable as I navigate my path toward these ambitious objectives.

Upon completing my degrees in physics and chemistry, I intend to apply to graduate school, leveraging the skills acquired during my undergraduate studies to enhance and propel my academic pursuits. Throughout my hardships, my passion for science has been unwavering. It has provided hope for a future where I can contribute to solving pressing global challenges like disease and inequality. While my part in this vision may be small, it is deeply motivating to know that I will play a crucial role in making it a reality. Through continuous effort and learning from adversity, I am prepared to be a strong force for change in the future.