%% > [!abstract]- Latex-Formatted PDF > This CV can also be downloaded as a formatted PDF [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1j-gHi0gjz9BLqK4llymaigomeVqISv7P/view?usp=sharing). > > ![[cv.pdf]] %% # Info - **Name**: Ayden Cook - **Location**: Morgantown, WV, USA - **Phone**: [(304) 206-8499](tel:304-206-8499) - **Email**: [[email protected]](mailto:[email protected]) - **Website**: [[Publish/Home|aydencook.com]] > [!abstract]- Download My Resume > My resume is a more concise version of this CV. It can be found [here](https://drive.google.com/file/d/1grLrf_NAmweb0FZscXVXK0ijRkY53RXj/view?usp=sharing). > > <iframe src="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1grLrf_NAmweb0FZscXVXK0ijRkY53RXj/preview" width="100%" height="480" allow="autoplay"></iframe> # Summary I am a graduate student at West Virginia University pursuing an M.S. in Physics, building on a B.S. in Physics and Mathematics with a minor in Philosophy. My background combines analytical problem‑solving, computational modeling, and first‑principles reasoning, supported by hands‑on experience in numerical simulation and software development. I’m drawn to work at the intersection of theoretical and applied science—areas like spaceflight, nuclear energy, advanced materials, high‑performance computing, and artificial intelligence. My experience ranges from developing physics simulations to tutoring university‑level mathematics, and I thrive in environments that demand interdisciplinary thinking and creative problem‑solving. Looking ahead, I’m exploring paths in research, technology development, engineering, or entrepreneurship. No matter the setting, my goal remains the same: to help advance humanity’s understanding and capability through innovation and exploration. # Education ### West Virginia University (MS) - **Degree**: Master of Science (MS) in Physics (expected) - **Date**: 2025-Present - **Location**: Morgantown, WV ### West Virginia University (BS) - **Degree**: Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Physics and Mathematics - **Minor**: Philosophy - **GPA**: 3.97/4.0 - **Notable Achievements**: - Outstanding Graduating Senior (physics department) - Summa Cum Laude - Honors Foundations Scholar - CPHYS Scholarship (for computational physics research) - Sigma Pi Sigma (national physics honor society) - Pi Mu Epsilon (national math honor society) - First-Generation College Student - **Senior Theses**: - *The Origins of Quantum Mechanical Operators in Group Representation Theory* - *Why the Einstein-Hilbert Action Is the Simplest Possible Action for Gravity* - **Date**: 2021-2025 - **Location**: Morgantown, WV ### Oak Hill High School - **GPA**: 4.45/4.0 - **ACT**: 33 - **Notable Achievements**: - Valedictorian - WV Promise Scholarship - National Honor Society - AP Scholar with Distinction - College Board National Rural and Small Town Recognition Program - **Activities**: - Aerospace Engineering Program (2017-2021) - Science Bowl Team Leader (2019-2021) - **Date**: 2017-2021 - **Location**: Oak Hill, WV # Experience ### Graduate Teaching Assistant (2025/2026) - **Employer**: WVU Department of Physics and Astronomy - **Course**: Calculus-Based Physics II: Electricity & Magnetism - **Details**: - Instructed three weekly laboratory sections (72 students total), leading experiments and reinforcing core concepts. - Held weekly office hours to provide one-on-one tutoring and academic support. - Graded 24+ weekly homework assignments. - Proctored exams. - Received very positive end-of-semester feedback from the students. - **Date**: Fall 2025 + Spring 2026 - **Location**: Morgantown, WV ### Mathematics Tutor - **Employer**: WVU School of Mathematical and Data Sciences - **Details**: - Provided one-on-one and small group tutoring for undergraduate students in various mathematics courses. - Assisted students with homework, exam preparation, and concept understanding. - Developed tailored learning strategies to address individual student needs and learning styles. - Received consistently positive feedback from students and faculty supervisors. - **Date**: 2021-2025 - **Location**: Morgantown, WV # Projects ### Schrödinger Simulation - **Description**: Python module for solving the Schrödinger Equation numerically, with real-time visualization and customizable potentials. - **Technologies**: Python, NumPy, Matplotlib, JupyterLab, Pipenv - **Highlights**: - Simulates quantum systems with arbitrary initial conditions and time-dependent potentials. - Visualizes wavefunction dynamics, energy eigenstates, and probability densities. - Includes examples of tunneling, potential wells, harmonic oscillators, and more in a Jupyter notebook. - **Repository**: [github.com/aydencook03/schrodinger_simulation](https://github.com/aydencook03/schrodinger_simulation) ### Particle-Based Simulation Engine - **Description**: Rust-based engine for particle-based simulations supporting rigid and soft body dynamics with customizable constraints. - **Technologies**: Rust, Cargo, Framebuffer - **Highlights**: - Implemented Force-Based Dynamics (FBD) and Extended Position-Based Dynamics (XPBD). - Simulated scenarios like colliding bodies, breaking chains, Lennard-Jones gases, and phase transitions. - Designed a modular architecture for user-defined interactions and constraints. - Built a real-time 2D renderer using low-level Rust libraries (`winit`, `softbuffer`) for efficient, lightweight rendering. - **Repository**: [github.com/aydencook03/simulation_engine](https://github.com/aydencook03/simulation_engine) %%### Tiling Electronic Structure - **Description**: Explored electronic properties of k-uniform tilings as atomic lattices using tight-binding models for novel material discovery. - **Technologies**: Python, NumPy, Matplotlib, PythTB - **Outcome**: - Developed geometric engine for generating and analyzing atomic lattice structures - Created visualization tools for tiling patterns and electronic band structures - Integrated tight-binding calculations for electronic property analysis - **Repository**: [github.com/aydencook03/tiling_electronic_structure](https://github.com/aydencook03/tiling_electronic_structure)%% ### Web Experiments Portfolio - **Description**: Collection of web-based interactive games and physics simulations. - **Technologies**: HTML, CSS, JavaScript, Canvas API - **Outcome**: - Developed simulations including N-Body systems, Fourier epicycles, ray-casting, and pendulum dynamics. - Implemented games such as Snake and BrickBreaker using the Canvas API. - Published portfolio online to showcase programming and physics experiments. - **Website**: [[Web Games and Simulations|aydencook.com/programming/web-games-simulations]] - **Repository**: [github.com/aydencook03/aydencook03.github.io](https://github.com/aydencook03/aydencook03.github.io) # Activities ### Leadership Fayette County - **Details**: - Developed leadership qualities and public speaking skills through hands-on experiences in business, government, and tourism sectors. - Gained a deep understanding of community and business development while collaborating with peers and local leaders. - Selected as one of eleven students from the county through a competitive application and interview process. - Awarded a $1000 scholarship. - **Date**: 2019-2021 - **Location**: Fayetteville, WV # Skills - **Technical Skills**: - Python - Rust - Git, GitHub - JavaScript, HTML, CSS - Linux, Bash, SSH - Mathematical Modeling and Analysis - Numerical Simulation and Computational Modeling - **Soft Skills**: - Intellectual Agility - Abstract and Interdisciplinary Thinking - Leadership - Teaching and Mentorship - Project Management # Interests and Hobbies - Deep Technology and Futurism - Theology - History - Cartography and Geography - Outdoor Adventures, Skills, and Knowledge %% # Personal Philosophy - Pursuit of Highest Truth, Good, and Beauty - Infinite Exploration - Integrity, Authenticity, and Humility %% %% # Volunteer Experience N/A %%