About Me

Researcher, developer, builder — and occasionally, a volcano drone pilot.

Hey there 👋

I'm John — a PhD student in Electrical and Computer Engineering at UC Santa Cruz, working in the Braingeneers Group at the Genomics Institute. My research focuses on computer vision and deep learning for virtual cell modeling and forecasting — essentially, building digital twins of living brain tissue.

My work spans the full stack of neuroscience research: from designing microfluidic devices and building custom microscopes, to training spiking neural networks and writing computer vision pipelines. I build the tools that let biologists do their thing more effectively.

Before starting my PhD, I did my B.S. in Robotics Engineering (minor in EE) at UCSC, where I won the Dean's Award for Outstanding Undergraduate Research and took 1st Place in the Mechatronics Competition. I also spent a year flying drones for the USGS over volcanic hydrothermal systems in California and Iceland.

Education

Ph.D. in Electrical and Computer Engineering — UC Santa Cruz (2025–Present)
M.S. in ECE (Robotics, Controls, and Cyber-Physical Systems) expected en route, June 2026

B.S. in Robotics Engineering, Minor in EE — UC Santa Cruz (2020–2023)
Honors in Major · Dean's Research Award · 1st Place Mechatronics Competition

Skills & Tools

Methods & Domains

  • Deep Learning
  • Spiking Neural Networks
  • Computer Vision
  • Image & Signal Processing
  • Knowledge Distillation
  • Control Systems

Languages

  • Python
  • C / C++
  • Embedded C
  • JavaScript / TypeScript
  • MATLAB
  • Verilog
  • LaTeX

Frameworks & Libraries

  • PyTorch / snnTorch
  • OpenCV / scikit-image
  • NumPy / Pandas / Matplotlib
  • FastAPI / Node.js
  • PyQt5 / PySide6
  • scikit-learn

Hardware & Fabrication

  • Embedded Systems & PCB Design
  • Microfluidics & Soft Lithography
  • Photolithography & Parylene
  • CNC Milling & 3D Printing
  • Optical Profilometry & SEM
  • MEA Electrophysiology