Summary
Overview
Work History
Education
Skills
Timeline
Generic

Benjamin Holzer

Santee,CA

Summary

Applied mathematician with research experience in numerical modeling, PDEs, and algorithm development seeking to contribute to Leidos’ efforts in maritime domain awareness by applying strong analytical and software skills to sensor data challenges.

Overview

16
16
years of professional experience

Work History

Teacher / Tutor

C2 Education
02.2023 - Current
  • Taught SAT/ACT prep and AP-level mathematics, physics, and computer science to ~20 students weekly in small-group sessions.
  • Guided problem-solving strategies and adapted explanations to varied ability levels, strengthening technical communication skills.
  • Evaluated student performance and selected appropriate materials, supporting exam readiness and academic progress.

Graduate Research Assistant – Aerospace Engineering Department

San Diego State University
01.2022 - 11.2024
  • Implemented multigrid solvers in MATLAB to generate adaptive curvilinear grids for PDEs (advection, Burgers’ equations).
  • Wrote and tested 100+ MATLAB scripts, iteratively refining algorithms and debugging numerical methods.
  • Benchmarked adaptive grid solvers against Cartesian solvers, demonstrating accuracy gains while analyzing computational tradeoffs and scalability.
  • Managed experiments requiring continuous week-long computation, gaining experience in performance benchmarking and algorithm efficiency.

Mathematics Teaching Assistant

San Diego State University
08.2021 - 05.2023
  • Led twice-weekly discussion sections for two groups of ~30 calculus students each semester, presenting material and guiding problem-solving.
  • Provided tutoring support during office hours and graded homework/exams, ensuring consistency and clarity in student evaluation.
  • Collaborated with faculty and fellow TAs in weekly meetings and trainings to refine instructional methods and communication.

Undergraduate Research Assistant – Physics Department

University of Wisconsin–Madison
05.2009 - 05.2011
  • Fabricated custom mechanical and electrical components for the Madison Symmetric Torus fusion experiment using mill, lathe, bandsaw, and hand tools.
  • Designed a creative mounting solution with trigonometry and machining to fit components into tight spatial constraints.
  • Constructed and tested a 3 MJ, 450V capacitor bank to power neutral beam injection.
  • Verified and ensured the reliability of plasma diagnostic and discharge systems by performing rigorous circuit performance testing.

Education

M.S. - Applied Mathematics

San Diego State University
San Diego, CA
12-2024

B.S. - Mathematics & Physics

University of Wisconsin–Madison
Madison, WI
05.2011

Skills

  • MATLAB (proficient – applied in coursework and thesis research)
  • Numerical Modeling & Algorithm Development
  • Numerical Partial Differential Equations
  • Python, C, Java (working knowledge)
  • Optimization & Applied Linear Algebra
  • Fourier Analysis (foundations for signal/spectral analysis)
  • Linux & Scientific Computing Environments
  • Technical Communication & Teaching

Timeline

Teacher / Tutor

C2 Education
02.2023 - Current

Graduate Research Assistant – Aerospace Engineering Department

San Diego State University
01.2022 - 11.2024

Mathematics Teaching Assistant

San Diego State University
08.2021 - 05.2023

Undergraduate Research Assistant – Physics Department

University of Wisconsin–Madison
05.2009 - 05.2011

B.S. - Mathematics & Physics

University of Wisconsin–Madison

M.S. - Applied Mathematics

San Diego State University

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