CV

Andrew Yick

 

Curriculum Vitae

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Education History

 

University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
Fall 2003-present
Department of Electrical Engineering (Electrophysics)

PhD. in Electrical Engineering (expected May 2008)

Thesis: “All-Dielectric Electro-Optic Polymer Modulators and Sensors.” This work proposes and experimentally demonstrates the use of electro-optic polymers in fabricating completely metal-free modulators for integration into an all-dielectric microwave receiver. Metal-free electric field sensors for high-field (108V/m), high speed (GHz) and small area (<1mm2) detection are also proposed.  
Advisor: Prof. W.H. Steier; (3.93GPA).
Committee: Prof. J. D. O’Brien, Prof. P.D. Dapkus, Prof. M. E. Thompson, Prof. A. Prata Jr.

 

University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA
                                  
Spring 2005-present
Stevens Institute for Innovation
Graduate Certificate in Engineering Technology Commercialization
(in progress)

Coursework: Introduction to New Ventures, Law for Engineers, Strategic Management of Technology


University of Toronto
toronto, Canada

Summer 2001- Summer 2003
Edward S. Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering
MaSc. Eng in Electrical and Computer Engineering (2003)

Thesis: “UV Laser Microfabrication of Lab-on-a-Chip Devices.” This work experimentally demonstrates the merit of 157-nm laser-based rapid prototyping of lab-on-a-chip devices in glass substrates. Cell arrays, serpentine channels, and active dielectrophoresis devices are designed, fabricated and utilized by collaborators in the biological sciences.
Advisor: Prof. P.R. Herman; (4.0GPA), Thesis Grade: A+
Committee: Prof. J. S. Aitchinson, Prof. E. H. Sargent



Queen’s University
Kingston, Canada

Fall 1997-Spring 2001
Department of Applied Mathematics and Engineering
BaSc. Eng in Applied Mathematics and Engineering: Control and Communications (2001)

Senior Project: “Real-time Computer Based Satellite Return Link Group Demodulator.” This work demonstrates detection of orthogonal preamble codes in a high-noise environment for slotted ALOHA.
Advisor: Prof. P.J. McClane; (88%, University Medal: highest average in Applied Math and Engineering)

Graduate Level Coursework: Advanced Electromagnetic Theory; Antenna Analysis; Electromagnetics for Semiconductor Photonics; Engineering Quantum Mechanics; Integrated Optical Circuit Design; Nonlinear Optics; Optical Information Processing; Optical Materials, Instruments and Devices; Optics; Photonics; Probability Models; Solid State Physics. Other Related Coursework: Optical Fiber Communication Systems; Statistics; Control Theory; Information Theory; Queuing Theory; Vector Calculus; Complex Analysis; Real Analysis; Linear Algebra; Abstract Algebra; Transform Methods. Diversity Coursework: Voice; USC Concert Orchestra; Improvizational Jazz; Loudspeaker Design; Weight Training; Hands-On-Optics (OSA).

 

Professional and Research Experience

 

university of southern california
Los Angeles, CA

Fall 2003-present
Graduate Research Assistant
Polymer Photonics Laboratory

Projects: Theoretically analyzed and developed MATLAB numerical solvers for the linearity, bandwidth, and sensitivity of ring-resonator modulators in an analog RF optical system. Extended theory to completely optimize designs of polymer electro-optic ring resonators for integration into an all-dielectric microwave receiver, and for metal-free field sensors. Fabricated modulator devices using in-house cleanroom facilities and extensively tested and characterized performance. Proposed and realized novel fabrication strategy to increase electro-optic poling efficiency in polymers from 50% to >90%.
Advisor: Prof. W.H. Steier

 

University of Toronto
Toronto, CAnada

Fall 2001-Spring 2003
Graduate Research Assistant
Laser Microfabrication Laboratory

Projects: Completely characterized 157-nm laser-glass interactions for rapid prototyping of various devices used in the biological sciences. Cell arrays were optimized, fabricated and tested by biology researchers at collaborating universities. Results presented at an international conference.
Advisor: Prof. P.R. Herman

 

Queen’s University
Kingston, CAnada
                                                                            Summer 2000
Undergraduate Research Assistant
Optical Communications Laboratory

Projects: Independently evaluated the accuracy of models in optical simulation software for predicting component behavior in a fiber-optic communication system. Verified simulations with in-lab experimentation and characterized chirp properties of an all-optical SOA wavelength converter, focusing on transmission performance.
Advisor: Prof. J.C. Cartledge

 

JDs uniphase
ottawa, CAnada
Summer 1999
Process Engineer
DWDM Division
Projects: Provided detailed characterization of assembly and test processes through documentation and analysis of worker operations. Helped implement improvements that lead directly to the reduction of production bottlenecks. Also, improved manufacturing yield by developing apparatuses, setting guidelines and participating in regular planning meetings. Served as a liaison between production staff and senior engineers
Supervisor: Charles Pierce

 

newbridge networks (alcatel)
Kanata, CAnada

(part-time) 1997-1998
CAE Engineer
TDM Product Support
Projects: Created, updated and modified schematic drawings and oversaw the migration of older schematics to the new Mentor 8 CAE platform. Designed and documented tests for TDM shelves, backplanes and cards.
Supervisor: Rick Tomasi

 

Lumonics (gsi group Inc.)
Kanata, CAnada
  
(part time) 1996-1997
Process Technician
Laser Applications Laboratory
Projects: Independently designed experiments and optimized parameters leading to efficient processing of customer samples using excimer and CO2 industrial laser systems. Provided feedback via scientific memos on process feasibility written directly to the customer.
Supervisor: Dr. Bo Gu

 

Professional Affiliations: IEEE, OSA. Secretary, OSA Student Chapter, University of Toronto (2003)

Awards and Fellowships

Graduate

USC Dissertation Completion Fellowship

USC Electrical Engineering Department Fellowship

Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada Post Graduate Scholarship

 

Undergraduate (list)

Queen’s University Medal in Mathematics and Engineering (2001), Nelly & Ralph Jeffery Award in Mathematics (2000), James H. Rattray Memorial Scholarship in Applied Science (2000), Susan Near Scholarship (2000), Les Gulko Award (1999), Dean’s Award (1999, 1998)

Technical Skills

MATLAB – time-domain optical resonator linearity and bandwidth simulations, beam propagation method (BPM), finite element static E-field solver, antenna radiation patterns using mutual induction method, microwave stripline design

Alcatel OlympIOs (BPM, Selene) – ring resonator design (bend loss and coupler optimization), thermo-electric and electro-optic analysis for stripline and coplanar Mach Zehnder modulators, waveguide/mode analysis of optical loss due to metal electrodes

Maple – RF optical link receiver sensitivity simulations, analysis of phase matching in non-linear optical interactions

Labview – multiple-GPIB instrument control and monitoring of current and temperature in high voltage poling

AutoCAD – multi-layer photomask designs of optical circuits, 3D solid object device illustrations

C – real-time software signal processing using the Intel math libraries

Mentor Graphics Design Architect – schematic capture of PCB layouts for TDM shelves

Microcal Origin – graphical differentiation for ATR measurements, loss data curve fitting

Other Specialty software: LaTeX/Scientific Word, Endnote

Past proficiency in: OPTSIM, VPI Photonics Design Suite, Pascal, AHDL, Intel and Motorola 6811/12 Assembly Languages, HP-BASIC for GPIB

MICROFABRICATION Karl Suss Contact Aligners (Photolithography, MJB-3, MA6), Spin Coating, Reactive Ion Etching, Wet Etching, Electron Beam Metal Deposition, Electroplating, Chemical Vapour Deposition, Rapid Thermal Annealing, Dicing, Wet Bench, Ion Implantation (handling only), Fusion Splicing, Contact Bonding, High Voltage Poling, Excimer and CO2 Laser Microfabrication, XYZ computerized stage control

MATERIAL METROLOGY Atomic Force Microscopy, Scanning Electron Microscopy (FESEM), Surface Profilometry, Optical Microscopy, Ellipsometry, General Reflectometry

TESTING IR Laser Sources, Tunable Lasers, Optical Stages and Alignment, Detectors, Polarizers, Attenuators, Optical Amplifiers, Optical Spectrum Analyzer, RF Spectrum Analyzer, RF Vector Parameter Analyzer, High-Speed Oscilloscope, Bit-Error-Rate Testbed, Picoammeter, Device Packaging, GPIB Interface Control, SWR Measurement

Teaching Experience

Weemes elementary school
los angeles, ca

Fall 2004
Mission Science Volunteer

Aided a local Grade 2 teacher in an after-school science program under the Joint Educational Project of USC. Maintained classroom order over 25 students while actively engaging them in projects ranging from making ice-cream to assembling air-propelled rockets. Press clip:
[Hyperlink]

 

University of toronto
toronto, Canada
Fall 2001-Spring 2003
Teaching Assistant

Courses:
Electrical Systems Analysis and Design, Optical Communication Systems, Fields and Waves

Independently planned and delivered one two-hour tutorial lecture a week in Electrical Systems, and two one-hour tutorial lectures a week in Optical Communications. Freely composed, invigilated and graded class quizzes and provided feedback to the course professor. Demonstrated proper use of RF lab equipment in Fields and Waves

 

University of toronto
toronto, Canada
Fall 2001-Spring 2002
Private Tutor

Course:
Electrical Systems Analysis and Design

Uniquely responsible for the continued development and learning of one underclassman.

 

queen’s university
Kingston, Canada

Fall 2000-Spring 2001
Project Manager/Teaching Assistant

Course: Engineering Design Projects

Provided daily technical support and guidance to 6 teams of freshman engineering students (3 members/team) working on two separate engineering design projects. Called weekly meetings to plan project strategies and to set milestones. Assessed student performance and provided feedback to assist career and academic development. Topic areas in free-space infrared communications and bioremediation of phenol-contaminated water.

 

queen’s university
Kingston, Canada

Fall 1999-Fall 2000
ENGLINK Tutor (Private Tutor)

Courses: Linear Algebra, Calculus, Linear Circuit Theory

Responsible for three underclassmen.

Other Current Activities

 raymond wong kung fu studio
san gabriel, ca
2004-present
USC Kung Fu Club, los angeles, ca

My Jhong Law Horn Kung Fu (6-8hrs/week)

Weekly training in traditional Chinese martial arts, self defence, stick fighting and sparring. Completed 15 single and two-man open-hand and weapon forms including saber, short stick, long staff and spear. Aid junior members in basic training and forms.
Mentor: Sifu Raymond Wong

 

USC Concert ORchestra
los angeles, ca

Fall 2003-Fall 2007
First and Second Violinist (3hrs/week)

Partial list of repertoire performed in concert at USC Bovard Auditorium: Gershwin Rhapsody in Blue, Grofé Grand Canyon Suite, Tchaikovsky Symphony #5, Saint-Saëns Danse Macabre, Wagner Das Rheingold Entrance of the Gods into Valhalla, Borodin Symphony #2, Tchaikovsky Symphony #4, Holst The Planets,.
Conductors: Sharon Lavery, Michael Powers

 

USC Chinese amerIcan student association
los angeles, ca

Fall 2004-present
Culture Show Director (2006)
Directed a group of 70 performers and backstage personnel to produce a 2.5 hour Chinese Culture at USC’s Bovard Auditorium. Wrote an original play exploring the relationships between Chinese-American youths and their parents.
Culture Show Performer (2005, 2006, 2007)
Performed in the annual CASA culture show as both an actor and martial artist. Press clip:
[Hyperlink]
Community Service Director (2005-2006)
Served on the executive board of CASA (with over 150 members). Helped organize and lead multiple events including AIDS Walk L.A., Big Bear Ski Trip, Chinese New Year Festival and Bay Area Weekender. Engaged in recruitment drives, fundraising and general networking.
 

Volunteerism

lawrence livermore national lab
livermore, ca

Fall 2006
Hands-On-Optics, Optics Resource Volunteer (Optical Society of America Outreach)

Trained as an optics resource volunteer for local elementary school science programs.

 

AIDS WALK, LOS ANGELES, CA   2005, 2006
CHINESE FOOD FESTIVAL
CHINATOWN, LOS ANGELES, CA    2005

 

Weemes elementary school
los angeles, ca
Fall 2004
Mission Science Teacher - Joint Educational Project, USC (3hrs/week)

Aided a local Grade 2 teacher in an after-school science program.

huntington memorial hospital
pasadena, ca

Fall 2004
ER Front Desk Clerk (4hrs/week)
Porter

Greeted, signed in, and tagged ER patients and prepared them for examination.

 

Mount sinai hospital
toronto, canada
 
Fall 2002-Spring 2003
Medical Imaging Clerk (4hrs/week)

Greeted and prepared patients for CT imaging and administered oral contrasts. Performed English-Cantonese translation for doctors taking medical histories of non-English speaking patients.

 

Other Associations/Activities

Nike Run-Hit Wonder 10K Road Race (2005) Press clip: [Hyperlink]

Hart House Symphony Orchestra, University of Toronto (2001-2003)

University of Toronto Intramural Soccer (2002)

Killer Players Basketball Team, Queen’s University (2000-2001)

Queen’s University Badminton Club (1999-2001)

Queen’s University Symphony Orchestra (1999-2001)

Queen’s University Intramural Soccer (1997-2000)

Kanata Symphony Orchestra (1994-1997)

 

Over 20 Concerts Performed, Including Following Pieces:

Bach Air on G string (solo at a wedding)

Symphonies: Bizet #1, Beethoven #5, Borodin #2, Brahms #1, #2 and #4, Dvorak #8 and #9, Haydn #100 and #101, Mendelssohn #4, Mozart #40 and #41, Nielson #4, Shostakovich #5 and #10, Tchaikovsky #2, #4 and #5 (in concert as a first or second violinist)

Stravinsky Firebird Suite, Glick Suite Herbraique, Pergolesi Stabat Mater, Mozart Magic Flute Overture,  Prokofiev Peter and the Wolf, Handel Messiah, Glinka Ruslan and Ludmila Overture, Rimsky-Korsakov Capriccio Espagnol (in concert as a first or second violinist).

Also, self-taught guitarist and pianist.

Languages

Fluent in English

Conversationally fluent in Cantonese (Chinese)

Moderately proficient in French

 

References Available on Request

 

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