Hi, I'm Kylie

A class of 2026 graduate from Haverford College and a class of 2027 master’s student at the University of Pennsylvania School of Engineering. I’m currently pursuing a B.A. in Physics with a minor in Applied Mathematics at Haverford, while simultaneously earning my M.S.E. in Systems Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania along with a certificate in Engineering Entrepreneurship. My academic journey blends rigorous problem-solving with a drive to innovate.This site is a window into what I'm working on and who I'm becoming - from academic projects to the things that keep me balanced and inspired beyond the classroom.

Engineering Entreprenurship I (Spring 2025) & II (Fall 2025): This two-part course sequence explores the process of launching and growing a high-tech startup, designed specifically for students in engineering and applied sciences with a strong interest in innovation. The first course introduces key concepts such as opportunity recognition, intellectual property, and early-stage venture development through case studies and guest speakers. The second course builds on this foundation, offering hands-on experience in developing and presenting a full business plan. Topics include market analysis, competitive strategy, financial planning, and startup leadership. The program emphasizes real-world decision-making, team collaboration, and effective communication, culminating in a final presentation to industry experts.Engineering Rehabilitation & Design (Fall 2024): This course explores how engineering design can address challenges faced by people with disabilities and rehabilitation specialists. Students engage in hands-on design projects, attend lectures, and visit clinical facilities, gaining direct experience with real-world problems. The course includes substantial interaction with clinical faculty and emphasizes practical, human-centered solutions.Advanced Quantum Theory (Spring 2025): A continuation of introductory quantum theory, covering matrix mechanics, spin, many-particle systems, perturbation theory, and scattering. Applied concepts to physical systems such as atoms, neutrino oscillations, and solids. The course also introduced foundational principles of quantum computing and explored recent developments in quantum technologies.Mechanics of Continuous & Discrete Systems (Fall 2024): This course covers classical mechanics of systems of particles, conservation laws, Lagrangian mechanics, motion in central potentials, and core elements of chaos/non-linear dynamics. Fluid mechanics topics include the assumptions of the fluid approximation, key conservation laws, laminar, creeping, turbulent flow, and special topics like convection, waves, vortices, rotating flows, instabilities, light, and flows as time and interest permit.Advanced Topics in Applied Mathematics (Spring 2026): The first part covers probabilistic models for time series and statistical approaches to analyzing time series data. The second part considers probabilistic models that involve one or more spatial variables.Scientific Computing (Spring 2023): This course surveys major algorithms in modern scientific computing, with a focus on continuous problems. Topics include numerical differentiation and integration, numerical linear algebra, root-finding, optimization, Monte Carlo methods, and discretization of differential equations. Basic ideas of error analysis are presented, and regular computer work in class introduces students to software packages (Matlab) and their applications in the natural and social sciences.

Info coming soon!

ImportGenius is a U.S.-based trade intelligence platform that delivers detailed insights into global import and export activities. Established in 2006 and headquartered in Scottsdale, Arizona, the company aggregates customs and shipping data from over 18 countries-including the United States, India, Russia, and several nations in Latin America-to support data-driven decision-making across international trade, logistics, and supply chain management.During my summer at ImportGenius, I contributed to two core areas: institutional outreach and data analysis. On the outreach front, I worked to develop strategic relationships with academic institutions to foster collaborative use of trade data in research and education.On the analytical side, I conducted a comprehensive study of Liquefied Natural Gas (LNG) and Crude Oil export trends using proprietary shipping records. LNG, primarily composed of methane, is natural gas that has been cooled to a liquid state to facilitate efficient storage and maritime transport. Crude oil, a vital fossil fuel, underpins global energy systems and is refined into essential products such as gasoline, diesel, and jet fuel. My analysis was designed to identify key patterns in the exportation of both commodities.For LNG, the study examined major U.S. export terminals, estimated their market shares, and mapped the most common international discharge ports. It also identified leading shipping companies involved in LNG transportation, with a focus on exports to high-volume destination countries.For crude oil, the analysis detailed top international discharge locations for shipments originating from major U.S. ports. It also characterized the prevailing grades and qualities of crude oil being exported, distinguishing flows by geographic origin and destination. A comparative assessment between ImportGenius's proprietary data and official national trade databases revealed a near-complete coverage rate, underscoring the reliability and scope of the dataset and presenting crucial knowledge for future partnerships.Methodologically, the project involved data aggregation, descriptive statistical analysis, and the development of visualizations to communicate export volumes, route structures, and market dynamics.
The findings contribute to a broader understanding of U.S. energy export patterns and offer a valuable reference point for industry stakeholders and researchers analyzing international trade flows in the energy sector.

• View Site Here

A Comparative Study of Time Evolution in Physical Systems and Al Models: Insights from Townsend's Quantum Mechanics and Google's
Gemini

Abstract: Time dependence plays a fundamental role in quantum mechanics, governing the evolution of physical systems across scales from atomic to macroscopic phenomena. Traditional approaches, such as Townsend's second edition of A Modern Approach to Quantum Mechanics, introduce time dependence through rigorous derivations of the time-dependent and time-independent Schrödinger equations. Meanwhile, emerging Al platforms like Gemini offer new pathways for interpreting, solving, and contextualizing quantum problems in real-world applications. This paper compares how time dependence is developed through Townsend's theoretical framework and Gemini's Al-generated modeling. I evaluate each method's strengths in technical accuracy, conceptual clarity, and relevance to practical systems such as particle confinement, free particles, and quantum computing. Finally, I will explore multiple artificial intelligence (Al) platforms such as Open Al's ChatGPT and Perplexity Al to discover the best platform for analyzing physical systems. Note that all Al platforms analyzed used are in the standard version, not a pro or advanced one. My findings highlight the complementary nature of rigorous formalism and accessible computational intuition, suggesting that hybrid learning models combining classical theory and Al-driven interpretation can better prepare students and researchers for advancing quantum technologies.

Robotics

As part of a multidisciplinary engineering project, our team, consisting of 3 other UPenn engineering students, designed Snowman SquarePants, an autonomous social therapy robot for a 16-year-old with complex developmental and physical disabilities including cerebral palsy and global developmental delay. The robot addresses Leah's therapeutic needs in motor coordination, speech development, and social engagement.Built on an Arduino-based platform, the robot integrates servo motors, proximity sensors, force and flex sensors, an LCD display, and LED indicators. It supports three core activities: grip-strength exercises via a pressure-sensitive hand-squeeze mechanism, a bilingual speech module that improves phonemic awareness through "repeat-after-me" exercises in English and Spanish and trains reflexes using realtime flex sensor feedback.The system operates independently, offering adaptive feedback, randomized prompts, and a low-battery alert system. Designed for wheelchair compatibility and ease of use, the robot supports therapy in both home and classroom environments. This project demonstrates the value of accessible, low-cost robotics for pediatric rehabilitation and inclusive assistive technology.Note - the physical design of the robot is in early developmental stages; therefore, the aesthetic/appeal is nowhere near complete.

Electronics & Circuitry

As part of a design optimization task, I was responsible for modifying a battery-powered jumping bunny toy to enhance its accessibility and usability for children developing fine motor skills. This involved replacing the original small on/off switch with a custom-designed, 3D-printed button that was larger and more ergonomically suitable for users requiring assistive technologies. To do this, I carefully disassembled the original circuit, soldered the existing switch and wiring into the newly designed button mechanism, and subsequently restructured the electrical circuit to accommodate the new interface. In addition, I modified the embedded code to ensure proper functionality and responsiveness of the toy in response to the redesigned control input. This project emphasized user-centered design, rapid prototyping, and low-voltage hardware integration

Black Holes

In 2021, I co-authored this paper with a class of 2026 Duke Engineering student, Peter Lopez.
Abstract: In this paper, we will discuss the fundamentals of black holes, the physics behind their concept, the discoveries supporting their existence, and the different phenomena that result from their implications. Spacetime and the effects of gravity have long troubled astrophysicists and scientists. These concepts determine how the universe and matter inside of it function and react with each other. The concepts are also capable of being utilized in the pursuit of understanding the existence of perhaps the most powerful and yet still mysterious "things" in the universe. We will examine what a black hole consists of, as well as the development and formation of these
"rips" in spacetime and some of the primordial equations and solutions made to interpret them.
In this paper, we have written an in-depth explanation of almost every known component of the different types of black holes. In addition, the first few detections of black holes will be explained and the evidence supporting their existence will be provided. To back up our descriptions with credible sources, the groundbreaking discoveries of important astrophysical figures, such as Paul Murdin and Andrea Ghez, will also be discussed. This paper is ultimately aimed at providing a comprehensive description of what a black hole is by exploring almost all conceivable characteristics that have been theorized, interpreted, and discovered.

Athletics

In addition to my academic pursuits, I am a member of the Haverford Women's Lacrosse Team (#1). Being part of this team means more than just playing a sport - it embodies a culture of commitment, support, and leadership, all grounded in a shared passion for lacrosse. Through this experience, l've developed resilience, teamwork, and the ability to perform under pressure - skills that extend far beyond the field.Over the past three years, HCWL has made two NCAA appearances, ranked among the top 25 in Division three, and is constantly 'raising the bar', our motto for the 2025 spring season.Extending beyond Haverford, I also represent Wales Women's Lacrosse - digging into my Welsh heritage. I have represented the team as Captain in the 2019 Peterborough Festival Team, and have since helped lead Wales Lacrosse to many international appearances including Italy in 2022, Prague in 2023, and Boston in 2025.

• Visit Haverford's Athletics Page

Travel & Activities

I've always loved to travel, and I'm lucky enough to have the opportunity to do so - there's something about being in a new place that resets my perspective and makes life feel a little bigger. Whether it's skiing or snowboarding in Colorado, sandboarding in the deserts of the UAE, or just spending time in friends in Punta Cana after a semester of lacrosse, these experiences have stuck with me.Some of my favorite memories are tied to the places I've been - standing on top floor of the Burj Khalifa, catching my breath in the fresh air around Lake Tahoe, or laughing way too hard on late-night trips with friends.Travel pushes me out of my comfort zone, teaches me to slow down, and reminds me that there's always more to see, try, and learn - and I hope to keep chasing that feeling whereever I go next.

Fun Fact

Obviously, I'm no doctor, nor am I on track to be one, but oftentimes I think I could be an expert on eyes. A few years ago, I woke up completely blind in my right eye. Since that moment, it has profoundly shaped how I see the world - both literally and figuratively. Although I have regained some of my vision since, navigating life with limited vision has challenged me to think critically, adapt quickly, and find creative, structured solutions to everyday problems. It's a big part of why I was drawn to physics, systems engineering, and data architecture - fields that demand clarity, precision, and curiosity. Rather than being a limitation, my condition has sharpened my attention to detail, fueled my perseverance, and made me especially aware of the importance of accessibility in sports, technology and in communication. It’s part of what drives my interest in building tools and systems that empower people. Although this experience was inexplicable, there are two main lessons I gained: 1. Seeing with only one eye (which is seemingly not that difficult) is in fact hard. 2. Seize every opportunity - take nothing for granted.

[email protected]

• LinkedIn

Some images on this site are not my own and are sourced from royalty-free sites such as Unsplash. All rights remain with the original creators.