Aaron S. Kaluszka
E-mail: megabyte(-at-)berkeley.edu
Education
Current Program: Ph.D., Bioengineering; University of California, Berkeley and University of California, San Francisco
Master of Science, Electrical Engineering, 2007; University of California, Berkeley
GPA: 3.89/4.00
Bachelors of Science (Honors Baccalaureate), Computer Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Biology;
Minors: Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, Microelectronics Engineering, 2005; Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University (Virginia Tech), Blacksburg, VA
QCA: 3.91/4.00
Interests and Skills
- Brain-machine interface
- Neural engineering
- Neurophysiology
- Artificial vision
- Biological modeling and analysis
- Bioinformatics
- Semiconductor processing and nanotechnology
- Computer emulation systems
- Computer graphics in OpenGL
- Data analysis and transformation
- Augmented reality
- Object-oriented programming in C++, Java, C#, Delphi, MATLAB (and non-OO assembly)
- Internet application design (HTML, Perl, Python, PHP, JavaScript, CSS, JSP, ASP, jQuery, Flash)
- Database systems (SQL)
- Automation systems
- Graphics design
Research Experience
Neurophysiology research under Dr. Yang Dan, UC Berkeley, Summer 2006 - present
- Multielectrode electrophysiology in the visual cortex
Robotics research under Dr. Jose Carmena, UC Berkeley, Spring 2007 - Fall 2007
Neurophysiology research under Dr. John Phillips, Virginia Tech, Summer 2004 - Summer 2005
- Reprogrammed TurboPascal-based A/D and D/A computer control and analysis software
- Performed surgeries, experiments, measurements, and analysis of results relating to magnetic reception in the pineal of frogs
Nanoparticle research under Dr. Kathleen Meehan, Virginia Tech, Spring 2004
- Performed synthesis and characterization of magnetic nanoparticles and thin films
Electromagnetic research under Dr. Richard Claus, Virginia Tech, Fall 2003 - Spring 2004
- Researched and designed a novel magnetic power generator
Bioinformatics research under Dr. Cynthia Gibas, Virginia Tech, Fall 2002 - Fall 2003
- Performed sequence and biophysical analysis methods to probe sequences selected for use in development of a DNA microarray
- Tested criteria for predicting failure of selected probes and comparison with experimental outcomes
- Developed a comparative and analytical genome annotation web application
Work Experience
Web Programmer / Developer, Citizens (formerly Citizens Telephone Cooperative), Floyd, Virginia, 1999 - 2006, part-time during academic year
- Developed applications, including SQL-based solutions with C++
- Designed interactive websites using HTML, Perl, ASP, PHP, and JavaScript
- Designed graphics for services and websites
- Installed and maintained servers and workstations
- Provided user administration and technical support
Web Programmer / Developer, freelance, including work on various IGN/GameSpy sites, 1996 - present
- Developed a database driven templated display system (SQL, XML)
- Designed and maintained websites
IT Managing Editor, Nintendo World Report (volunteer), 2006 - present
- Researched and reported articles
- Collected data and maintained database
- Site backend programming (Coldfusion, JSP)
Graduate Student Instructor, University of California, Berkeley, 2005 - 2006, 2009
- Spring 2006: Head GSI: managed class materials and other GSIs
- Fall 2005: Taught discussion section for introductory electronics for non-electrical engineering majors
- Ran multiple lab sections
Contributor, Mozilla (volunteer), 1999 - present
- Application testing resulting in bug reporting, resolution, and triage
- Developed patches for some bugs (image processing, Windows integration, and others)
Webmaster, Milagro Systems, Inc., Austin, Texas, July 1996 - February 1998
- Designed website using HTML and Perl
- Maintained servers
- Beta tested software
Activities
- Hillcrest Honors Community
- Academic Standards Council, 2001 - 2004
- Coordinating Committee, 2001 - 2002
- Student Government Association - Virginia Tech
- Senator, 2001 - 2002
- Academic Affairs Chair, 2001 - 2002
- Director of Information Technology, 2002 - 2003
- Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, 2001 - present
- Association for Computing Machinery - Virginia Tech Programming Team, 2002
- Virginia Tech Commission on Undergraduate Studies and Policies, Student Representative, 2001 - 2002
- Residence Hall Federation - Virginia Tech, Floor Representative, 2001 - 2002
- Virginia High School League Forensics Competition, Regional Judge, 2001
- Virginia Tech Physics Outreach Program, 2001
Awards and Honors
- National Science Foundation Graduate Research Fellowship
- Barry M. Goldwater Scholarship
- Robert C. Byrd Scholarship
- Eleanor Davenport Leadership Scholarship
- Hekimian Scholarship
- George Family Scholarship
- Ray D. and Violet T. Frith Scholarship
- Dean's Engineering Scholarship
- Gilbert L. and Lucille Seay Scholarship
- General Engineering Scholarship
- Pamplin Leader
- Marshall Hahn Engineering Scholarship
- New River Valley Alumni Scholarship
- Floyd VODD Scholarship
- Sisson and Ryan Math Award
- Floyd Beta Club Scholarship
- Dean's List with Distinction each semester
- Invited to numerous honors societies
Publications and Posters