Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Additional Information
Leadership Experience
Hobbies and Interests
Affiliations
Languages
Timeline
Generic
Sumyouktha Shankar

Sumyouktha Shankar

Edinburgh

Summary

Experienced in conducting laboratory and field research with a focus on Physics and nanotechnology (research). Collaborated with the multiple departments on innovative projects, preparing equipment, materials, and resources to ensure successful experiments. Adept at data collection, evaluation, and reporting to advance research goals. Strong team player skilled in handling complex challenges, meeting strict deadlines, and adapting to dynamic conditions. Proficient in designing experiments, utilizing cutting-edge technologies, and generating meaningful results. Seeking a full-time position to apply problem-solving, time management, and organizational skills in a collaborative research environment

Overview

2
2
years of professional experience

Work History

Teaching Assistant For Intermediate Optics

Department of Physics, Eberly College of Science
01.2024 - 05.2024
  • Managed classroom behavior effectively, creating a positive learning atmosphere conducive to academic success.
  • Supported classroom question and answer sessions and tailored worksheets accordingly.
  • Supported classroom activities, tutoring, and reviewing work.
  • Helped with grading assignments and tests, providing constructive feedback to students based on results.

Undergraduate Researcher

P.I Prof. Mauricio Terrones, Department of Physics
04.2023 - 05.2024
  • Engaged in innovative research done in collaboration with the department of nanotechnology and materials sciences engineering and also the department of chemistry. It was focused on the development of devices using transition metal halides dichalcogenides, and mainly carbide materials known for their promising applications in electronics, optoelectronics and potential piezoelectronics.
  • Conducted thin-film deposition of transition metal carbides (TMCs) through chemical vapor deposition (CVD) and physical vapor deposition (PVD) techniques
  • Performed device fabrication using lithography, etching, and material deposition, initial assistance during culminating in the assembly of field-effect transistors (FETs) and photo detectors
  • Characterized materials and devices using electron microscopy (SEM, TEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and Raman spectroscopy to assess Crystallinity, layer thickness, composition and other surface demographics.
  • Investigated initial electron transport properties through temperature-dependent electrical measurements to understand charge carrier mobility and conductivity
  • Assisted in the synthesis of novel halide compounds, purifying, and characterizing them before device integration (process still pending)

Proctor for the Department of Mathematics

Penn state
08.2023 - 12.2023
  • Monitored and administered various mathematics examinations, ensuring academic integrity and compliance with university policies
  • Managed planning for test-taking, including the distribution and collection of exam materials, overseeing seating arrangements, and timing of exams
  • Provided accommodation for students with special needs as directed by the university's accessibility services
  • Assisted in grading objective portions of exams and maintained accurate records of student performance for instructor review

Math Tutor for Advanced Math (Calc III and Above)

Penn state learning
05.2023 - 08.2023
  • Provided tutoring services for advanced undergraduate math courses, including Differential Equations, Linear Algebra, Advanced Calculus and introductory Fourier Analysis.
  • Designed and implemented individualized learning plans to meet the specific needs of each student, resulting in an average grade improvement of one full letter grade among tutored students
  • Hosted weekly study groups and exam review sessions, facilitating peer-to-peer learning and collaborative problem-solving
  • Developed and shared additional resources such as practice problems and study guides to enhance students' understanding of complex concepts

Math Tutor for Basic Math (Lvl 1 Math to Calc II)

Penn state learning
01.2023 - 05.2023
  • Delivered one-on-one and group tutoring sessions to undergraduate students in foundational math courses, including algebra, trigonometry, and pre-calculus
  • Developed individualized learning plans based on student assessments to address specific challenges and improve academic performance
  • Utilized a variety of teaching methods to accommodate different learning styles, resulting in an average student grade improvement of 15%
  • Provided additional support for students with learning disabilities, adapting techniques to facilitate understanding and retention of course material
  • Collaborated with faculty to stay aligned with course objectives and to receive feedback on tutoring approaches
  • Contributed to the creation of tutoring resources and practice problems to enhance the learning experience outside of scheduled sessions
  • Received positive evaluations from students, with a 95% satisfaction rate in post-tutoring surveys

Learning Assistant for Calculus II

Eberly College of Science, Department of Math
08.2022 - 12.2022
  • Supervised students through completion of college courses
  • Advised students on appropriate preparation plans for their credit hours
  • Invigilated exams and assisted in exam paper preparations with the department of mathematics

Learning Assistant for Electricity and Magnetism

Eberly College of Science, Department of Physics
08.2022 - 12.2022
  • Supervised high-achieving high-school students through completion of college courses
  • Advised students on appropriate preparation plans for their credit hours
  • Facilitated as a technical resource in the lab

Education

Master of Science - Particle And Nuclear Physics

The University of Edinburgh
United Kingdom
10-2025

Bachelor of Science - Physics

Pennsylvania State University
United States Of America
12.2023

Bachelor of Science: BS in Mathematics (Minor) -

Pennsylvania State University
United States Of America
05.2024

Bachelor of Science: BS in Computer science (Minor) -

Pennsylvania State University
United States Of America
05.2024

Skills

  • Introductory Ethical Hacking
  • Microsoft Office Suite
  • Data structures and algorithms analysis
  • C
  • SQL
  • Java
  • MATLAB
  • Introductory Python
  • Excellent Researching skills
  • Critical and logical thinking
  • Fieldwork experience
  • Complex Laboratory Operations
  • Data Analysis and Statistical Knowledge
  • Laboratory techniques
  • Experiment development
  • Literature reviews
  • Research reporting and
  • Relationship building
  • Collaborative teamwork
  • Multicultural awareness
  • Attention to detail
  • Strong work ethic and dependable
  • Interpersonal and communication skills

Additional Information

GPA: 3.23

Dean's List for academic excellence: 4 times (fall 2020, spring 2021, spring 2023, spring 2024)

Leadership Experience

  • Event Planner and Historian, Penn State Hindu Youth (Yuva) Club, 08/2022, 05/2023, Brainstormed and implemented event concept themes., Identified requirements and expectations for each event., Organized and coordinated planning and supplies in line with budget provisions., Curated and documented pictures and event highlights for distribution as newsletters.
  • Vice president, Penn State Competitive physics club, 08/2023, 12/2023, Instrumental in co-founding the club aimed at fostering a community for students enthusiastic about exploring and competing in the field of physics., Actively involved in laying the groundwork for the club's operations within the university by establishing vital connections with faculty and aligning with other student organizations to forge strategic partnerships., Motivated and Collaborated with fellow board members to draft the club's initial charter and bylaws, setting a framework for enduring governance and organizational efficiency.
  • Undergraduate Volunteer for Women in Physics Annual Conference hosted by the American Physical Society. Was one of the main volunteers, assisting with event coordination, registration, and attendee support to promote diversity and inclusion in the physics community.
  • Co-Founder and Chief Executive officer, Ace ‘n' Rally, Chennai, India, 07/2021, Present, Conceptualized and started the company as a board member., Coordinated across USA and India to set up legal and registration mechanisms for the company., Set marketing goals and objectives and contributed to the design and development of the website., Contributed to the overall growth of the company by networking for event planning and celebrity outreach.

Hobbies and Interests

  • Gaming
  • Soccer, Badminton and Swimming
  • Hiking
  • Martial Arts- Taekwondo (WTF blue stripe belt), Muay Thai (level 1 yellow)
  • Anime
  • Learning new languages

Affiliations

  • American association of physicists

Languages

Tamil, English
Native language
Japanese
Upper intermediate
B2
French
Intermediate
B1
Hindi
Bilingual or Proficient (C2)
A1
Telugu
Upper intermediate
B2

Timeline

Teaching Assistant For Intermediate Optics

Department of Physics, Eberly College of Science
01.2024 - 05.2024

Proctor for the Department of Mathematics

Penn state
08.2023 - 12.2023

Math Tutor for Advanced Math (Calc III and Above)

Penn state learning
05.2023 - 08.2023

Undergraduate Researcher

P.I Prof. Mauricio Terrones, Department of Physics
04.2023 - 05.2024

Math Tutor for Basic Math (Lvl 1 Math to Calc II)

Penn state learning
01.2023 - 05.2023

Learning Assistant for Calculus II

Eberly College of Science, Department of Math
08.2022 - 12.2022

Learning Assistant for Electricity and Magnetism

Eberly College of Science, Department of Physics
08.2022 - 12.2022

Master of Science - Particle And Nuclear Physics

The University of Edinburgh

Bachelor of Science - Physics

Pennsylvania State University

Bachelor of Science: BS in Mathematics (Minor) -

Pennsylvania State University

Bachelor of Science: BS in Computer science (Minor) -

Pennsylvania State University
Sumyouktha Shankar