As an assistant professor of mechanical engineering at Brigham Young University, I am building an autonomous research laboratory for alloys and electrochemistry as part of the Vertical Cloud Lab @ BYU. My research also spans to advanced Bayesian optimization topics including multi-task optimization and Turing test-style optimization benchmarks.

Until Dec 2025, as a staff scientist within the Acceleration Consortium's AI & automation lab ("SDL0"), my focus has been on adaptive experimentation. I implement software-orchestrated, human-in-the-loop, high-impact Bayesian optimization workflows across the labs.

Previously, I directed the training programs at Acceleration Consortium (AC) including the AC Training Lab, AC Microcourses, workshops, AC Hackathons, seminars, and outreach. I helped build solutions for deployment to the AC's core labs (~30 full-time staff scientists) and the broader ecosystem.

I obtained my Ph.D. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Utah in 2023 in Dr. Taylor Sparks' materials informatics group, where I used machine learning to discover new materials for energy and structural applications. I obtained my M.Sc. in Mechanical Engineering from Brigham Young University in 2021, where I conducted hydrogen diffusivity experiments in metals and developed grain boundary property prediction models. I obtained my B.Sc. in Applied Physics from Brigham Young University in 2018, where I conducted experimental research on lithium-sulfur batteries using structurally modified carbon-nanotubes.

A popular saying that resonates with me is: "give me six hours to chop down a tree and I will spend the first four sharpening the axe." Unlike an axe which dulls with each blow, research skills are often transferable to other "research trees". Eventually, axes are replaced by chainsaws and chainsaws by tigercats, where tasks that once took hours and days now take only minutes and seconds. I've witnessed this as I've invested time in learning hardware and software automation skills and leveraging state-of-the-art algorithms in data science for materials research.

• 🔭 I recommend checking out on Honegumi, a template generator for Bayesian optimization scripts
• 🌱 I’m currently learning how to automate web browsers via e.g., https://browser-use.com/ and Playwright
• 🤝 I’m looking to collaborate on additively manufactured aerospace alloys, electrochemistry, and advanced Bayesian optimization
• 🤔 I’m looking for help - come visit or join the Vertical Cloud Lab @ BYU to build out hardware and software solutions for autonomous experiments
• 📫 How to reach me: [email protected]
• ⚡ Fun fact: I like to breakdance