Nick Ji

Teaching Assistant for ECE 100 under Professor Saharnaz, a course covering frequency response, Laplace-domain analysis, op-amp filter design, stability, and feedback systems through integrated lecture and lab. Host two 3-hour weekly lab sections with integrated office hours, guiding students through hands-on design, simulation, and testing of analog circuits using op-amps, passive components, function generators, DMMs, and oscilloscopes. Support MATLAB, Simulink, and PSpice/LTspice-based verification workflows. Responsible for grading lab reports, midterms, and finals, proctoring exams, and assisting with course logistics.

Currently pursuing M.S. Electrical Engineering in Circuits & Systems (expected Jun. 2027). Graduated in Bachelor's with electronic circuits and systems depth (Mar. 2026).

As a Peer Mentor with Mentor Collective, I provide guidance and support to two mentees from Fall 2024 to Summer 2025 at UC San Diego. In this role, I help first-year and transfer students navigate academic challenges, adjust to campus life, create a network, and develop personal and professional goals. By encouraging open communication and offering personalized advice and networking, I aim to create a positive and inclusive experience for my mentees, contributing to their success and well-being as they transition into university life.

As a Research Intern under Dr. Saharnaz at UC San Diego, I co-developed Cosmic Whisper, an educational puzzle game designed to teach fundamental concepts in optics, circuits, and physics through interactive problem-solving. The game challenges players to establish communication with an alien civilization by solving a series of scientific puzzles inspired by spectroscopy, optical encoding (Morse code and Vigenère cipher), and light intensity modulation. I contributed to both the hardware and software development, utilizing ESP32 microcontrollers, a range of optical/circuit components, and sensors to create hands-on, immersive gameplay experiences. My role included designing electronic control systems, integrating optical and mechanical components (servo motors, linear actuator, relay module, IR sensors, etc.), and programming embedded systems to coordinate complex puzzle mechanics. Additionally, I worked with 3D-printed parts to build physical interfaces for players, enhancing both the educational value and user experience. As we expanded the game, I developed additional modules exploring real-time audio and light analysis. These included: 1. A frequency detection puzzle, using a MAX4466 Electret Microphone Amplifier and FFT algorithms to analyze incoming sound and convert dominant frequencies into specific RGB LED colors. 2. An envelope follower system, implemented via a custom envelope detector circuit (diode, resistor, capacitor network), enabling LED brightness modulation based on audio amplitude for a more dynamic and responsive challenge. Through this project, I strengthened my skills in embedded programming, sensor integration, signal processing, optics application, and interdisciplinary teamwork, while contributing to innovative educational research that blends science with interactive game design. Co-authored an ASEE conference paper evaluating system design and educational impact, which was accepted, and will be presented in June 2026.

As a Research Assistant for the LabStream project under Dr. Saharnaz at UCSD, I am contributing to the development of a remote-controlled lab environment for optics and circuitry experiments. My work focuses on integrating microcontroller programming (ESP32), mechanical setup (CAD modeling, 3D printing), and automation of optical components such as motors and rotational mounts. I implemented MQTT communication between the ESP32 devices and the web interface, enabling real-time motor control over secure WSS and TCP connections. I collaborated closely with the software team to integrate this functionality into the broader system architecture. Prior to full integration, I developed Python and HTML test scripts to prototype and validate the motor control and communication workflows. The web platform is built using Python.NET, Flask, and WebSockets, allowing remote users to control experiments, adjust settings, and monitor real-time data through cameras. This experience combines my skills in electronics, embedded systems, software development, and mechanical design to help innovate how lab work is conducted remotely.

Supervised by Dr. Saharnaz Baghdadchi. As part of our team, I work on projects and interactive games that represent key concepts in optics and circuits. We demonstrate these projects at outreach events and ECE classes to spark interest among students and the community, showing how amazing these topics can be and how we apply our knowledge in practical ways. In my role, I utilize the ESP32 microcontroller for various games we designed, connecting to Wi-Fi and enabling data interactions on LCDs with Google Sheets through Apps Script. I also design components using CAD and manage 3D printing and laser cutting for project assembly. Additionally, I support my teammates by helping with design adjustments and troubleshooting their games, creating a collaborative and innovative environment.

As a Project Manager and Tech Lead at Babel Industries Corp., a startup focused on designing and prototyping innovative technologies, I supervise the development of multiple projects from concept to completion. My key responsibilities include: Project Management: Utilize Notion to organize, track, and manage workflows, ensuring smooth project execution. Technical Leadership: Apply my expertise in electrical engineering to drive forward new product ideas, guiding the team through the prototyping, testing, and research phases. Team Collaboration: Lead and mentor a talented team, offering technical insights and problem-solving support to ensure the success of each project. Product Development: Collaborate with the founding team to brainstorm and refine project ideas, while delivering high-quality, market-ready solutions. With a strong focus on innovation and teamwork, we aim to bring groundbreaking products to the market, while creating a collaborative and productive environment within our startup.

Flexible short-term part time job with requirement of satisfying consumers’ requirements.

GPA: 3.5 Graduated Bachelor of Science in Electrical Engineering at UC San Diego with a depth in Electronic Circuits and Systems. My focus is on analog and digital circuit design, as well as integrated circuit (IC) design. Through a combination of coursework and hands-on projects, I have developed a strong foundation in circuit analysis, system design, and project prototyping. I am passionate about creating efficient and innovative electronic systems, and I continuously seek opportunities to expand my skills in both theoretical and practical aspects of circuit and IC engineering.

Pursuing Master degree of Science in Electrical Engineering, with depth of Electronic Circuits & System. Focusing on analog and digital integrated circuits design, exploring and familiarizing industry tools like Cadence and Synopsys.