ROSS
AGUILAR
PHYSICIST
SERVANT LEADER
WILLING AND ABLE TO GO THE EXTRA MILE
About Me
Get to know who I am and what is important to me.
Graduate of Duquesne University, aiming for the stars!
As a native to rural Pennsylvania, I have often found myself amazed and enraptured by the stars in the sky and the vehicles that fill the space between. Through my education to this point, I have dedicated my concentrations to best serve me and my goals. My education at Duquesne University has equipped me with the intentional and methodical problem-solving skills necessary to engage projects with confidence.
Throughout my life, I have also enjoyed many hobbies and activities that nurtured my creative side. I spent around five years doing musical theater and around seven years singing in various choirs. My creative endeavors have helped me shape my own style of critical thinking to be pragmatic and logical while also utilizing "out of the box" ideas and concepts.
Looking to put my skills and interests to good use, I align with my passion for air and space travel. In cutting edge fields like these, it is an exceptional asset to have a creative thinker on any team looking for success.
Experience
A small peek at the work that I have done.
The Citizen Science Lab
December 2018-Present
Currently working for The Citizen Science Lab, a non-profit dedicated to enriching local communities through science education and supplemental programming. I serve as an intern; my main task being the development of a physics-based curriculum to be incorporated into the existing course content. I also serve as a lab representative at the North Side Drone Academy, helping to facilitate an FAA Remote Pilot training program for high school students.
Phi Kappa Theta National Fraternity
July 2019 - July 2021
In a very natural extension of my time as an active member of Duquesne University's chapter of Phi Kappa Theta, I am able to serve on a national level as the Vice-Chair of the Undergraduate Advisory Committee of Phi Kappa Theta. I am able to serve collegiate chapters within the Mideast region of the United States to achieve the highest standard of achievement possible. Those on the Undergraduate Advisory Committee also act as a liaison on behalf of these chapters to the National Office. As Vice-Chair, I also have the distinct honor of serving alongside the National Officers on the Board of Trustees to offer input and an undergraduate perspective on matters most important to the development and progress of Phi Kappa Theta fraternity.
Duquesne University Department of Physics
Summer 2018
Through Duquesne University's Undergraduate Research Program, I was given the opportunity to conduct research under the mentorship of Dr. Theodore Corcovilos in the Atomic physics lab. My main project was in applied infrared and UV/visible optical spectroscopy for chemical detection and analysis. My partners and I developed optical systems and mathematical relations between concentrations of contaminates and the opacity of a color-change test. Feel free to contact me for more details on the research conducted.
Personal Adventures
“MAN CANNOT DISCOVER NEW OCEANS UNLESS HE HAS THE COURAGE
TO LOSE SIGHT OF THE SHORE.” ~ANDRE GIDE
All photos are my own.
Cross Country Road Trip
2015
At the age of 17, my older brother and I embarked on a three-week, 6,000-mile road trip across the continental United States. Our vessel? A 1993 Ford Ranger with over 200,000 miles on it and no air conditioning. Hands down, the best way to find yourself is to lose yourself in the Great Plains or among the Rocky Mountains.
¡Bienvenido a Chile!
2016
In October of 2016, shortly after beginning my first semester of Freshman year, I took a quick study break to visit Valparaíso, Chile. My brother was spending a semester abroad at the Chilean Naval Academy and I wanted to see the country for myself! After brushing up on my conversational Spanish skills, I was able to navigate to the rural mountainside of Chile north of Santiago. After a quick camping trip on the mountain, my brother and I came back to Valparaiso to explore the coastal hills covered with artistic graffiti.
Down Under!
2019
In May of 2019, I found myself on the other side of the globe learning just what it meant to be an Aussie. From crashing on couches, frequenting local cuisine, to exploring the coast and mountainside, there is always something to do. The country was rich in culture and the wildlife is unlike anything in the world. This cute little wallaby came right up to me for a quick snack (food provided by the wildlife conservationists, of course) before hopping off to rejoin his friends.
Arigato, Okinawa!
2019-2020
In December and January of 2019 and 2020 respectively, I was granted the opportunity to explore the beautiful island of Okinawa, Japan with my family. With only one of us able to hold a conversation in Japanese, it was a wonderful challenge! From Yakiniku to Izakaya, dining on the island offered a sink-or-swim style crash course in chopstick skills! From New Year's Eve to snorkeling and deep-sea fishing, the island has wonderful opportunities to connect with its local culture.
Ísland hið fagra!
May 2021
In February and March of 2021, it was my turn to receive the vaccine against SARS-CoV 2. As a result, and due to the wonderful mitigation efforts of the citizens of the country, my partner and I were able to visit the stunning country of Iceland and circumnavigate its Ring Road in a comically small campervan! This remarkable land is known for its rich culture, its ruthless climate, and its stunning natural beauty. Thankfully, as the country had just begun to welcome tourists once again, I was blessed to experience all of it without large crowds. The views were breathtaking, the summer sun would only set for just three hours of the day, and the people were warm and welcoming. Along with a few thousand photos, and countless memories, I was even able to bring home a gorgeous, one-of-a-kind piece of Icelandic art home with me.
Download Resume
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Let's Connect
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© 2022