Joseph Albert
education
Penn State University, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.)
2014-08 — 2019-05Physics
Network Science | Computational Physics | Molecular Dynamics | Nanomechanics | Data Mining | Active Matter | Gravitational Wave Astronomy
Carnegie Mellon University, Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
2011-08 — 2014-05Physics
Biophysics | General Relativity | Solid State | Statistical Mechanics
employment
Graduate Researcher, Penn State University
2015-05 — Present
Computational physics research on the collective motion of nanoscale motors.
Graduate Assistant, Penn State University
2014-08 — 2015-05
Teaching Assistant for General Physics: Mechanics (PHYS 211) and Electricity and Magnetism (PHYS 212)
Physics Tutor, Carnegie Mellon University
2013-09 — 2014-05
Twice weekly led Carnegie Mellon's Physics Upper Class Course Center (PUCCC), tutoring students of CMU's upper level physics courses.
Research Intern, Membrane Structures and Interactions Lab
2013-05 — 2013-08skills
Skill | Keywords |
---|---|
Python | NumPy | SciPy | Matplotlib | Cython | Pandas |
Statistics | Maximum Likelihood | Inverse Problems | Monte Carlo | Time Series Analysis |
Dynamical Systems | Integro-Differential | Stochastic | Brownian | Langevin |
Misc. Software | Matlab | Mathematica | CLI Tools | Git & Hg |
publications
Detecting Multi-Spin Interactions in the Inverse Ising Problem
2017We consider inferring the coupling parameters of an Ising spin glass with multi-spin interactions. We show that the method of 'pseudo-likelihood maximization' is equivalent to fitting an identity presented by H. Callen in 1963, and present simulations testing the validity of this method of inference.
Cluster simulations of multi-spin Potts models
2015We present simulation results for a generalized Potts model with 1-, 2-, and 4- site Hamiltonian terms, using an extended Fortuin–Kastelyn transformation. We report critical temperatures and exponents by MCRG and a comparison of thermalization times between the cluster-percolation method and a simple Metropolis alogrithm.
Testing procedures for extracting fluctuation spectra from lipid bilayer simulations
2014Using simulated data we test the validity of a 'direct Fourier' method used to analyze simulated lipid bilayers with periodic boundary conditions. In a 1-D analogue we found that the plane-projected density of lipid head groups added high-q noise to fluctuation spectrum given by the direct Fourier method.
talks
Reynolds vs. Peclet - Finite acceleration in the Stokes regime from slowly relaxing gradients, APS March Meeting
2018Exploring, exploiting, and ignoring history dependence in active droplet simulations, APS March Meeting
2019service
Mentor, Physics Concepts Outreach Program, Carnegie Mellon University
2012-08 — 2013-02
One-on-one mentoring for Pittsburgh middle school students participating in the Pennsylvania Junior Academy of Sciences regional competition.
Penn Pals Mentor, Center for Nanoscale Science
2017-06 — 2018-08
Served as a non-academic mentor to undergraduate researchers visiting the Penn State MRSEC as part of its research partnerships with NCCU and CSULA.
Member, Graduate and Postdoc Advisory Committee
2017-09 — 2019-09
The GPAC advises the MRSEC's leadership on policy and practice as concerns the junior membership.
Leader, Recruitment and Retention Team
2017-09 — 2018-09
The MRSEC R&R team focuses on improving professional development for graduate students working for the Center for Nanoscale science and on improving access to science careers among underrepresented minority groups.
- Hosted mixer for current MRSEC members and incoming graduate students.
- Arranged lunch sessions with graduate students and visiting professors.
- Created position to maintain MRSEC's website.
- Managed time accounting for 16 team members.
- Represented team at NSF site visit.
Dog Care Volunteer, Centre County PAWS
2018-12 — 2019-09
Walked, fed, and played with shelter dogs. Provided general support such as cleaning bedding, food bowls, and toys.
recognition
Outreach Leadership Award, Penn State MRSEC
2018Awarded for leading the MRSEC's Recruitment and Retention team.
David C. Duncan Graduate Fellowship in Physics, Penn State
2014Nellie H. and Oscar L. Roberts Scholarship, Eberley College of Science
2014Phi Beta Kappa,
2014College Research Honors, Mellon College of Science
2014Earned a cumulative grade point average of 3.20 or higher and carried out significant research.
Senior Leadership Recognition Award, Carnegie Mellon University
2014Presented to graduating seniors who have made substantial contributions to the Carnegie Mellon community.