Saad Wajidi

Research Intern At OptimalX Group @ University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering

About

I’m a high school student taking PSEO classes at the University of Minnesota, with a strong interest in computer science, chemical engineering, and research. My academic experience has taught me about chemistry, physics, and programming, and I enjoy using these skills in hands-on, team-based environments. I have research experience at the University of Minnesota, where I helped develop a particle tracking tool for use in drones. I've also started a position at the OptimalX group, creating programs to fly Crazyflie drones autonomously, and learning ROS 2 Jazzy. Besides academics, I have extensive leadership experience as an assistant martial arts instructor, youth group leader, and club officer, where I’ve taught students, organized events, and led projects. I’m currently cultivating skills in Python, Java, robotics, and engineering design, and I’m excited to keep building toward work at the intersection of machine learning, engineering, and real-world problem solving.

Country

United States

City

St Paul

Industry

Higher Education

Skill

Programming, Teamwork, Team Building, Python (Programming Language), Computing, Java, Engineering Physics, Self Defense Instruction, Calculus, Assistant Teaching, Islamic Studies, Martial Arts Instruction, Karate, Youth Development, Economics, Critical Thinking, Data Analysis, Leadership, Mathematics, Computer Science

Experience

Research Intern At OptimalX Group

University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering

2025-11 - Present · 11 mos

Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States

– Developing and testing Crazyflie-based autonomous and manual flight systems; using motion-capture cameras to track drone orientation and direction – Learning ROS 2 Jazzy – Certified in lab safety training – Working under Prof. Yue Yu

Research Intern

University of Minnesota College of Science and Engineering

2025-9 - Present · 1 yr 1 mo

Working with a team of interns to design and test a particle physics tracker using Python’s Pandas, Pillow, and tkinter libraries under the guidance of Prof. Yue Weng.

Karate Instructor/Competitor

Kahn Martial Arts

2024-5 - Present · 2 yrs 5 mos

Woodbury, Minnesota, United States

Teach karate classes focusing on forms, self defense, and basics. Mentoring adults and young students to develop discipline, confidence and martial arts skills. Competed at the World Martial Arts Games 2023, placing 4th in Creative Weapons. I participate in the Mega Team division on Team Fury, which placed 1st in the state last season. This experience has strengthened my discipline and teaching abilities.

Teaching Assistant

EASTERN TWIN CITIES ISLAMIC CENTER

2022-9 - 2024-5 · 1 yr 9 mos

Afton, Minnesota, United States

Assisted with instruction and classroom management for young students at a Sunday school hosted by my local mosque. Helped lead lessons, support individual learners, and reinforce community values. Developed strong communication, leadership, and mentoring skills through regular teaching and student engagement.

Education

University of Minnesota

Engineering

2025-9 - 2026-5 · 9 mos

Completed courses: PHYS 1301W Intro to Physics 1 For Science and Engineering, CSCI 1133 Intro to Computing and Programming Concepts, MATH 1272 Calculus II Current Courses: PHYS 1302W Intro to Physics 2 For Science and Engineering, MATH 2263 Multivariable Calculus, CSCI 2081 Intro to Software Development, STAT 3021 Intro to Probability and Statistics