I am a PhD candidate specializing in formal methods for stochastic systems, which puts me at the crossroads of mathematics, computer science, biology, and engineering. I am drawn to rigorous logic that can still say something certain about complex, uncertain systems.

I studied computer engineering as an undergraduate, favoring logic, system design, and discrete math. In my first week of college, I was invited to research formal verification, and I eventually decided to focus on probabilistic systems. I am particularly interested in the hardest and most interesting targets for those guarantees: large and infinite-state stochastic systems, especially Chemical Reaction Networks, which are the models biologists use for the chemistry inside a cell. In these inherently random systems, the state space blows up fast. I design and build tools that can still make claims about these systems when other options exhaust memory or patience.

My doctoral research explores bridges between traditional verification approaches and probabilistic systems. I specialize in the development of algorithms for verifying properties of Continuous-Time Markov Chains.

Throughout my researching experience, I have collaborated with interdisciplinary teams, applying formal verification to domains such as network protocols, cyber-physical systems, and biochemical systems. My work often bridges theory and practice, aiming to make formal methods accessible and scalable for engineers and scientists.

I am a primary developer of Ragtimer and the Stamina Toolset, probabilistic verification tools for stochastic systems. These tools are under active development and will soon feature a new model checker for Continuous-Time Markov Chains, which I am currently developing. I also maintain Formal Methods Tools, a massive collection of information about tools that support formal methods.

Teaching has also been a significant part of my academic life. I have loved teaching Digital Circuits and assisting in the instruction of several courses, and I used to substitute teach for local schools alongside my PhD studies.

For fun, I enjoy reading and writing, cooking, basket weaving, gardening, and hobbyist software development. I serve on the leadership team of Hope Community Garden, and I founded and currently hold administrative roles at Cache Valley Grows Together. If you have known me for a while, you have certainly seen photos of my two adorable cats.

Timeline

• Aug 2026 Defended my PhD Dissertation Proposal Next stop: Dissertation Defense.
• Apr 2024 Passed Qualifying Exam Advanced to PhD candidacy.
• Jun 2023 Started a PhD I can't believe I'm doing this
• May 2023 Graduated from USU No longer a bachelor, but they still
  gave me a bachelor's degree.
• Jan 2022 First Publication My first presentation was at VMCAI,
  in the middle of COVID-19,
  in Philadelphia in January.
• Aug 2019 Started at USU I started as a research assistant
  in my first week as a student.
• Jun 2019 Returned to Idaho Home sweet home.
• Jul 2017 Moved to Honduras I had no idea what I was doing.
• May 2017 Graduated High School Done with Idaho's public education system.
• 2016 Became Drum Major Leading the band was a great honor.
• 2014 Joined Marching Band Also started high school.
• 2011 Started Middle School This too shall pass.
• 2009 Graduated Fourth Grade Mrs. Hill was my favorite teacher.
• 2004 Started Kindergarten The start of my formal education.
• 2003 Learned to Read
• 2002 Started Preschool No one told me I would be stuck
  in school for the next two decades.
• 1999 Nokia 3210 Released Also, I was born :)