%% > [!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 - **Number**: [(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 working toward a master’s degree (M.S.) in physics. I currently have a bachelor’s (B.S.) degree, for which I double majored in physics and mathematics and earned a minor in philosophy. Driven by a passion for scientific discovery and technological progress, I have a strong foundation in analytical problem-solving, computational modeling, and first-principles reasoning. With a B.S. and extensive programming experience, my academic background is strong and is reinforced by projects in numerical simulation and software development. I am particularly interested in the intersection of theoretical and applied science, spanning 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 roles that demand deep critical thinking, interdisciplinary knowledge, and creative problem-solving. As I explore the best path forward—whether through graduate studies, industry research, engineering, or entrepreneurship—my ultimate goal is to push humanity forward through innovation and exploration. I seek opportunities in research labs, technology development, consulting, or high-impact projects that advance both fundamental and applied science for our future. # 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 ### Mathematics Tutor - **Employer**: WVU Mathematics Department - **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 - AI Prompt Writing - Mathematical Modeling and Analysis - Numerical Simulation and Computational Modeling - **Soft Skills**: - Abstract and Interdisciplinary Thinking - Adaptability - 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 %%