Rain Naylor Email & Phone Number

United States

Austin, Texas, United States

Walla Walla, Washington, United States

• Investigated polarization instrumentation and the reliability of measuring Stokes’ Parameters for identifying extraterrestrial geological samples.
• Built a basis for a novel mineral identification method which demonstrates connections between polarization and material type for four geological samples through direct measurements of Stokes Parameters.
• Supported correlation within the Stokes’ Parameter identification method through analysis of a working model based on the mathematical properties of the polarization ellipse.
• Located effective axes and calibrated polarizer efficiencies for handheld polarizers used in the lab to enhance future measurements in polarization-centered labs.

Walla Walla, Washington, United States

• Helped students learn to think like physicists through small group problem solving sessions.
• Coached groups of 2-3 introductory physics students on methods for multistep physics problems, tailoring instruction to the unique learning styles of individuals and teams.
• Guided the development of robust physics understanding, through supplementary teaching of concepts and the best methods to extract information without directly giving answers.
• Validated struggles of students in difficult STEM classes and positively reinforced processes to encourage confidence and increase the number of students that persist studying physics.

Walla Walla, Washington, United States

• Supported and ensured the safety and wellbeing of two sections of incoming first year students.
• Increased student quality of life during their first year of college by providing emotional and functional support to a section of 26 students through advice and counseling (on interpersonal, emotional, and academic.
• Created community for students through organizing hall and section programs that engage a wide variety of students for a total of 45 events throughout the semester.
• Maintained a safe environment for students while protecting administrative responsibilities by upholding policies for COVID-19 and community awareness guidelines.

Chicago, Illinois, United States

• Tested telescope optical detectors for installation of Simons Observatory, a cosmology focused telescope array in Atacama, Chile.
• Ensured optical detectors met telescope specifications by building and operating a Sparse Wire Grid Polarizer (SWGP) to measure ~600 detectors’ polarization angles and prepared a method of calibration for field.
• Enhanced the combined processing capacity of the lab system by incorporating polarizer software with detectors’ operating system and installed hardware devices as compatible within the lab.
• Decreased detector calibration time by 20% through writing a user manual on the operation, code integration, and angle analysis of the SWGP.

Seattle, Washington, United States

• Front of house service work for a neighborhood dli and bakery, including taking orders, sandwich prep, minimal baking, and farmer’s markets
• Aided the outward standing of the deli by presenting a positive friendly attitude throughout costumer interactions.
• Improved company reliability in the Lake City neighbor community through a consistent presence and reminder of delicious goods at farmers markets three times a week.
• Prepared for lunch rushes by packaging certain items ahead of time and organizing all the pastries for ease of access.

Seattle, Washington, United States

• Worked as a page for the second most circulated library branch, ensuring availability of books for the greater Seattle area
• Managed circulation of thousands of books every day, going through 3 bins of holds and transfer items as well as the books in our own collections, to make sure that all requested books end up for who needs them.
• Organized large amounts of books that are returned, checked out, re-shelved or pulled, showcasing observational and orderly prowess.
• Exercised creativity and inspiration for books of various topics through designed displays and outreach programs in order to enhance a love of books to the community
• Enhanced patron-employee relations by assisting with checkout, distributing library cards and locating books to ensure that people had a positive experience at the library.

Master'S Degree, Engineering Physics/Applied Physics

Bachelor'S Degree, Astrophysics