Emmanuel Sampson

Selected work

• Microwave atom-chip assembly system

  · W&M Ultracold AMO Lab, capstone thesis 2026

  Desktop micromanipulation platform that picks up, aligns and holds microwave components on an atom chip while the adhesive cures (pneumatic pickup, gantry, motorized translation stages). Led the concept design, electronics and programming; with Kisa Avrutina, advised by Prof. Seth Aubin.

• Fiber-optic defect inspection

  · WEINERT Fiber Optics

  Microscope and CNN software (Python, C++) that finds end-face defects on fibers used in medical lasers. Models trained on an HPC cluster.

• Time-of-flight mass spectrometer

  · W&M Applied Research Center

  Assembled a TRIFT 4 TOF-SIMS instrument for surface chemistry and built its data acquisition.

• Infrared reflectivity experiment

  · with CERN, NIST and Caltech

  Designed the optics and built the electronics that measure low-angle infrared reflectivity of detector materials.

• Bird-collision sensor

  · W&M Hackathon 2024, 1st place

  IoT sensor that detects bird strikes on windows from vibration frequency and electromagnetic signatures.

• Spin-dynamics modeling

  · W&M research

  VAMPIRE simulations of Fe-Ni and Co-Fe alloys as lower-cost alternatives to rare-earth magnets.

Also: WaveFinderAI (W&M Hackathon 2025, 2nd place); RF analyzer for unintentional emitters; Habitat sensor (SSHS) (TribeHacks IX); Vital-Lift drone routing (Hoya Hacks 2025); Shell Savings; WhatNowAI; Discover Williamsburg; Sensible; Lab 168 rebuild ($4,000 budget).

Experience

1. 2026–now
   PhD researcher, Schniepp Nano & Biomaterials Lab, William & Mary
   Diatom biosilica ceramics and spider-silk nanofibrils.
2. 2025–2026
   Engineering intern, WEINERT Fiber Optics
   Cleanroom training and experience. Defect inspection software, transmission testing of medical devices, PM fiber testing.
3. 2023–2026
   Research and lab assistant, W&M Applied Research Center core labs
   Ran FE-SEM, AFM, Raman and profilometry for research teams. Rebuilt Lab 168.
4. 2024–2025
   Marketing communications assistant, William & Mary
   Research photography and a photo-editing web tool.
5. 2022–2023
   Makerspace engineer, W&M Makerspaces
   1,000+ service requests resolved, 200+ students certified on CNC, laser and 3D printers.
6. 2023
   Makerspace intern, Build RVA, Richmond
7. 2022–2024
   Film and photojournalism, CultureWorks Richmond, The Virginian-Pilot, W&M Human Resources

Education

1. 2026
   William & Mary, B.S. Physics (Engineering Physics) and B.A. Philosophy
   Honors in Philosophy, honors thesis.
2. 2024
   UCLA School of Theater, Film & Television, cinematography summer intensive

Recognition

1. 2024
   Founded the W&M STEM Symposium: 15 speakers, 150+ attendees
2. 2023–2025
   President of the Robotics Club, Data Science Society and Tech Executive Association
3. 2022–2026
   Catron Scholar, Bosanko Scholar, Sharpe Scholar, W&M Spirit Scholarship

Skills

Instruments

Cleanroom, FE-SEM, AFM, Raman, TOF-SIMS, profilometry, ultra-high vacuum, data acquisition

Software

Python, C++, C, MATLAB, computer vision, CNNs

Hardware

PCB design (KiCad), Arduino, RF, signal processing, Fusion 360, SolidWorks, CNC, laser cutting

Languages

English, Japanese, Igbo