The short answer is that I work with complex systems. These are interdependent and hard to characterize, e.g. the brain, the economy, or the universe.

These systems are difficult to experimentally study and obtain accurate data for. To get around this, I specialized in a type of network that can be created, simulated, and measured electronically. These Boolean networks are large webs of self-interacting logic gates operating at the sub-ns timescale.

I physically built Boolean networks on a reprogrammable circuit known as a field-programmable gate array (FPGA). I also developed a new mathematical model generalizing network dynamics, and used this model and an accompanying Python simulation library I wrote to predict the behavior of these systems.

In order to actually study these systems, I had to invent a method to record massive amounts of data extremely quickly (trillionth-of-a-second intervals) using FPGAs. I showed that my Waveform Capture Device is significantly cheaper and equally fast to the state of the art, with applications in e.g. medical imaging, telecommunications, and particle physics.

My experiments, simulations, and measurements all showed that Boolean networks have numerous applications as novel “chaotic computers” and “digital fingerprints” in cryptography. In fact, they are infinite dimensional chaotic systems possessing more entropy than there are particles in the universe!

In physics, I briefly worked at NASA where I specialized in imaging objects moving at relativistic speeds (think a neutron star orbiting a black hole; what would it look like?). I’ve also worked on designing particle detectors (in particular for dark matter, though we didn’t find any..) and on modeling the biophysics of amyloid plaques implicated in Alzheimers.

One of my degrees is in biological engineering, and I specialized in bioreactor design with a focus on sustainable and efficient agriculture. For my senior project I designed an indoor vertical hydroponic system that grew crops with molecular-level efficiency (we won best presentation - the tomatoes grew like wildfire!).

On this front I also worked as a bioreactor engineer at a startup using the lifecycle of Hermetia illucens (black soldier fly) to transform compostable waste from local businesses into cost-effective animal feed.

I am currently working on commercializing the Waveform Capture Device, and founded Island Time Research LLC with the goal of bringing down costs in the medical imaging sector - especially in emerging markets such as developing nations and personalized medicine.

I was inspired to further develop this measurement system after other researchers contacted me about using the device. This experience led me to believe it could be of some benefit and my immediate goal is to see the project through.

I also have a number of ongoing academic work that I will slowly incorporate into this website alongside my existing and completed projects. Stay tuned and check the button below.