Harvey Tian

Physics Researcher | Computational Scientist
Ithaca, US.

About

Highly accomplished Physics and Computer Science researcher with a Ph.D. from Cornell and extensive experience in computational modeling, experimental design, and advanced data analysis. Proven ability to optimize complex simulation software, develop innovative scientific algorithms, and drive significant discoveries in plasma physics and materials science.

Work

Cornell University, Laboratory of Plasma Studies
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Research Assistant

Summary

As a Research Assistant, I spearheaded computational and experimental plasma physics research, optimizing simulation software and designing innovative experiments that advanced scientific understanding.

Highlights

Simulated diverse plasma gas-puff z-pinch experiments conducted by leading institutions (e.g., Princeton, Imperial College), validating complex models against empirical data to enhance predictive accuracy.

Optimized and debugged the PERSEUS simulation software, improving its performance and enabling comprehensive analysis of plasma physics phenomena through comparative studies with experimental results.

Integrated multiple advanced physics theories into PERSEUS, leading to the conceptualization and proposal of novel experimental projects under varied simulation conditions.

Sandia National Laboratory
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Research Associate

Summary

As a Research Associate, I conducted in-depth studies on plasma ionization and radiation effects, developing computational models and analyzing experimental data to enhance scientific insights.

Highlights

Investigated intricate plasma ionization and radiation effects within gas-puff z-pinch experiments, contributing to fundamental plasma research and understanding.

Participated in experimental measurements of ionization and radiation energy, leveraging Mach2 for simulation and Paraview for detailed data analysis.

Developed a robust, compliant algorithm for the Saha ionization model, allowing for extensive exploration and validation across numerous experimental conditions.

Cornell University, Laboratory for Accelerator-Based Sciences
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Research Assistant

Summary

As a Research Assistant, I pioneered research into superconducting materials for particle accelerators, focusing on novel synthesis methods and material characterization.

Highlights

Researched and applied advanced fabrication methods for MgB2 superconducting material, critical for particle accelerator cavity construction, advancing high-energy physics applications.

Invented a novel MgB2 synthesis method producing small surface area samples, validated by superconducting tests confirming the material reached its critical temperature.

Explored and presented methods for enlarging MgB2 surface area at related conferences, contributing to the broader scientific discourse on material science.

Argonne National Laboratory
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Research Associate

Summary

As a Research Associate, I performed critical simulations and data analysis for electron detector experiments at the Advanced Photon Source, significantly enhancing program accuracy and experimental understanding.

Highlights

Simulated the experimental process of electron detectors at the Advanced Photon Source (APS), optimizing detector performance and data acquisition.

Analyzed extensive collected energy data from electron detector simulations, comparing results with experimental data to significantly improve the simulation program's accuracy.

Actively participated in related APS experiments, gaining hands-on experience in the intricacies of physics data collection and analysis.

Education

Cornell University

Master of Science

Physics

University of Virginia

Bachelor of Science

Physics

Awards

Third Place, Collegiate Star League Dota2

Awarded By

Collegiate Star League

Achieved third place in the Collegiate Star League Dota2 competition.

Meritorious Researcher, Cornell Engineering Poster Contest

Awarded By

Cornell University

Recognized for meritorious research presented at the Cornell Engineering Poster Contest.

Excellent Teaching Assistant

Awarded By

Cornell University

Awarded for outstanding performance as a teaching assistant.

Finalist, Mathematical Contest in Modeling

Awarded By

COMAP

Achieved finalist status in a prestigious international mathematical modeling competition.

Summa Cum Laude

Awarded By

Hampden-Sydney College

Graduated with the highest academic distinction.

Academic Outstanding

Awarded By

Hampden-Sydney College

Recognized for achieving a Top 3 GPA during the 2010-2011 academic year.

Full Scholarship

Awarded By

Patrick-Henry

Received a full scholarship for academic excellence from 2008 to 2012.

Languages

English
Chinese

Skills

Programming Languages

Fortran, Python, C, Scientific Computing, Algorithm Development, Computational Physics.

Data Analysis & Visualization

Paraview, Mathematica, Matlab, NumPy, Pandas, Matplotlib, Data Interpretation, Statistical Analysis, Experimental Data Analysis.

Technical Tools & Systems

LaTeX, Photoshop, MySQL, Linux, Scientific Documentation, Database Management, Operating Systems, Simulation Software, PERSEUS, Mach2.

Research & Development

Plasma Physics, Z-Pinch Experiments, Superconducting Materials, MgB2 Synthesis, Particle Accelerators, Electron Detectors, Experimental Design, Scientific Modeling, Problem Solving, Scientific Discovery.

Interests

Writing

English, Chinese, Technical Writing.

Sports & Hobbies

Snowboarding, Soccer Analysis, Bull Terrier Breeding, Metal Music Review, HiFi Audiophile.