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MacKenzie Warrens

@mackenziewarrens

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Ph.D. candidate in Physics with expertise in ultracold plasmas.

United States

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What I'm looking for

I am seeking a role that allows me to leverage my research skills in a collaborative environment, focusing on innovative projects that contribute to scientific advancement and education.

I am a dedicated Ph.D. candidate at Rice University, specializing in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. My research focuses on ultracold neutral plasmas, where I have led groundbreaking experiments that resulted in the discovery of shockwaves, a significant advancement in the field. My work has been recognized with two first-author papers in the prestigious journal Physics of Plasmas, both of which received Editor’s Pick honors. I have also developed data analysis programs in MATLAB, enhancing the capabilities of our experimental apparatus.

In addition to my research, I have a strong commitment to education and mentorship. I have taught undergraduate laboratory courses and have mentored junior graduate and undergraduate students. My leadership experience extends beyond academia; I have led a team during the National Eucharistic Pilgrimage, engaging with thousands across the southern U.S. I am passionate about advocating for STEM policy and have served on the executive committee of the Texas Section of the American Physical Society, where I have worked to promote the importance of physics in our society.

Experience

Work history, roles, and key accomplishments

Current

Route Team Lead

Current

National Eucharistic Pilgrimage

Feb 2024 - Present (1 year 5 months)

Led a group of 10 young adults in a historic pilgrimage across the southern US, engaging with approximately 50,000 people. Conducted crisis management, addressed logistical gaps, and ensured the basic needs of the team were met.

Leadership Crisis Management Logistics Team Building Public Speaking Event Management Collaboration

Current

Graduate Research Fellow

Current

National Science Foundation (NSF)

Jul 2017 - Present (8 years)

Led experiments studying ultracold neutral plasmas (UNPs) and maintained a multi-million dollar experimental apparatus. Designed and built electronics and optical systems, including installing a Toptica diode laser, and worked with CW and pulse lasers spanning UV to IR.

Matlab Mathematica Python Optics Electronics Data Analysis Problem Solving

Graduate Student Member-at-Large

TSAPS Executive Committee

Apr 2020 - Apr 2024 (4 years)

Served two terms as the first graduate student member-at-large on the Texas Section of the American Physical Society (TSAPS) Executive Committee. Advocated for STEM policy and facilitated the 2022 Fall Meeting with a budget of $20,000 for 250 attendees.

Policy Advocacy Event Planning Budget Management Leadership Networking Public Relations

Co-Coordinator

St. Vincent de Paul Young Adults

Mar 2020 - Jan 2022 (1 year 10 months)

Organized weekly Young Adult nights and coordinated speakers from throughout Houston. Developed curriculum and handled administrative aspects of leadership, expanding the leadership to include curriculum, social, and service teams.

Curriculum Development Administration Team Management Technology Management Community Engagement

President

Physics and Astronomy Graduate Student Association (PAGSA)

Jan 2018 - Aug 2019 (1 year 7 months)

Revived a largely inactive club, wrote a constitution, and expanded the leadership from one to five officers. Worked with the department to organize recruitment weekends and hosted monthly socials and quarterly professional development events.

Club Management Constitution Writing Leadership Development Event Planning Mentorship Recruitment

Education

Degrees, certifications, and relevant coursework

Rice University

Ph.D., Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics

Activities and societies: Advisor: Tom Killian

Pursued a Ph.D. in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics, with a thesis on shockwaves in exponential ultracold neutral plasmas. Also obtained a Graduate Certificate in Teaching and Learning.

Rice University

M.S., Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics

Activities and societies: Advisor: Tom Killian

Completed a Master of Science in Atomic, Molecular, and Optical Physics. Thesis focused on using an anti-MOT to laser cool ions in an ultracold neutral plasma.

University of Dallas

B.S., Physics, Applied Math Concentration

Activities and societies: Phi Beta Kappa, Sigma Pi Sigma, Advisor: Wes Campbell

Earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics with an Applied Math Concentration, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Thesis involved the construction of an ex-vacuo ion trap.