• M.S.c., Complex Adaptive Systems – Chalmers University of Technology (expected Sept 2025)

    B.A., Physics – University of California, Santa Barbara (June 2021)

  • Graduate Research Thesis — Chalmers University of Technology (Sept. 2023 – June 2025)
    Advisor: Claes Andersson, Ph.D.

    • Developed a custom agent-based model in PhysiCell to investigate the transition from unicellular to multicellular life cycles.

    • Implemented evolvable static neural networks (as GRN proxies) in cells controlling behavior, enabling the evolution of cooperative and reproductive strategies.

    • Demonstrated the emergence of multicellular life cycles.

    • Found that, while group reproduction did evolve, no shift in the unit of selection occurred—underscoring the need to identify additional evolvable mechanisms that enable groups to become true units of selection.

    (See Thesis tab for details.)


    Louis Lab Data Analysis Coding Team — University of California, Santa Barbara (Aug. 2019 – Aug. 2021)
    Advisor: Mathieu Louis, Ph.D.

    • Established and led a team of undergraduates to streamline data analysis across multiple research projects.

    • Standardized coding practices and analysis protocols, improving lab efficiency and reproducibility.

    • Developed post-hoc corrections for motion tracking in experimental platforms such as Raspberry Pi Virtual Reality (PiVR).


    Chrimson Comparison Project — University of California, Santa Barbara (Sept. 2020 – Aug. 2021)
    Advisor: Mathieu Louis, Ph.D.

    • Investigated light-gated cation channels (CsChrimson and CrimsonR) for optogenetic activation in Drosophila navigation.

    • Conducted quantitative analysis of optogenetic time-series data using Python (Pandas, NumPy).

    • Developed standardized protocols for experimental data processing and interpretation.

    Critical Period Project — University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center (June 2016 – Aug. 2018)
    Advisor: Peter Tsai, Ph.D., M.D.

    • Led independent treatment paradigms to define the critical period for cerebellar-mediated autism phenotypes in mice, showing potential reversibility with Rapamycin.

    • Performed behavioral experiments, molecular assays (PCR, gel electrophoresis), and histological analyses (cryostat sectioning, staining, microscopy).

    • Managed a large mouse colony and coordinated long-term experimental workflows.

    • Co-authored a peer-reviewed publication in The Journal of Neuroscience.

    • Co-Author, ”A Critical Period for Development of Cerebellar-Mediated Autism-Relevant Social Behavior”, Jennifer M. Gibson, Cleone P. Howland, Chongyu Ren, Cyrena Howland, Alexandra Vernino, and Peter T. Tsai; The Journal of Neuroscience, March 30, 2022, 42(13):2804–2823.
      https://www.jneurosci.org/content/42/13/2804

    • Programming: Python, C++, MATLAB, Bash

    • Machine Learning & Modeling: PyTorch, Reinforcement Learning, Artificial Neural Networks, GANs

    • Simulation Frameworks: PhysiCell, CompuCell3D, NetLogo, OCCAM

    • Data Analysis & Visualization: Pandas, NumPy, Matplotlib, Seaborn, GraphPad Prism, LaTeX

    • Complex Systems & Modeling: Agent-Based Simulation; System Dynamics; Dynamical Systems; Simulation of Complex Systems

    • Computation & Data Science: Data Mining with Information Theory; Network Data Analysis & Simulation; Information Theory for Complex Systems; Advanced Machine Learning with Neural Networks; Artificial Neural Networks

    • Biology & Evolutionary Theory: Evolution of Cooperation; Computational Biology; Non-equilibrium Processes in Physics, Chemistry, and Biology

    • Interdisciplinary Origins of Life Meeting for Early-Career Researchers (OoLEN), Sept. 2024, University of Strasbourg, France.

    • Origins Center Conference, April 2023, Groningen, The Netherlands.