- Creative Writing
- Coding and Programming
- Supporting STEM education initiatives and mentorship programs
Zachary Sottoriva
Research Assistant
AMES,IA
Summary
Dynamic biophysics researcher with a proven track record of quality at Iowa State University and Missouri S&T, excelling in project management and data analysis. Has developed innovative methodologies for a variety of research projects, contributing to peer-reviewed publications. Skilled in a multitude of software's and programming languages, he is an effective team leader and collaborator, driving successful outcomes in complex research and work environments.
Overview
7
7
years of professional experience
Work History
Biophysics Research Assistant
Iowa State University
Ames, Iowa
05.2023 - Current
- Developed a novel methodology for ion channel simulation and analysis, setting a standard for future projects.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Organized research materials, maintaining a well-ordered workspace conducive to productivity.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
- Explored mathematical and statistical models for neuronal ion flux.
- Built a flexible analysis code for the continuous study of ion channels.
- Monitored project timelines, ensuring timely completion of tasks while maintaining high-quality output.
Physics Teaching Assistant
Iowa State University
Ames, IA
08.2022 - Current
- Contributed to the students' understanding of Newtonian mechanics and E&M.
- Facilitated activities in small groups to reinforce concepts taught by the primary lecturer.
- Boosted class participation with a focus on group problem-solving activities and discussions.
- Offered constructive feedback on student assignments, helping them refine their physics skills and comprehension.
- Taught courses under guidance of senior instructors.
- Provided support during laboratory experiments, ensuring safe and educational environment for students.
Physics Teacher
Step Up
05.2025 - 07.2025
- Developed material and lesson plans for teaching students an overview of college-level physical concepts.
- Tested students on knowledge of physics and retention of class lessons.
- Promoted hands-on learning experiences by incorporating lab experiments and demonstrations into lesson plans, leading to increased understanding of complex concepts.
- Boosted classroom engagement by developing interactive lesson plans tailored to students'' learning styles.
Research Assistant
Missouri University of Science and Technology
05.2019 - 05.2022
- Assisted in the creation of a novel model for the exploration of human neuronal development by way of fractional Brownian motion.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Contributed to the publication of research articles in peer-reviewed journals, showcasing expertise in various topics.
- Maintained open lines of communication with project leads and team members for effective collaboration on common goals.
- Utilized statistical software for data analysis, generating accurate insights into complex datasets.
Research Intern
Ames National Laboratory
05.2021 - 08.2021
- Developed a neural network for the assessment of material properties, with a success rate obtained of 85%.
- Completed research, compiled data, updated spreadsheets, and produced timely reports.
- Conducted literature reviews to identify relevant research articles and support project objectives.
- Performed data entry tasks meticulously, maintaining high levels of accuracy throughout the entire dataset.
FYRE Research Assistant
Missouri University of Science and Technology
12.2018 - 04.2019
- Aided in the development of a scanning tunneling microscope for use in material analysis.
- Participated actively in regular meetings with fellow researchers to discuss project updates, challenges faced, and lessons learned during ongoing activities.
- Conducted extensive literature reviews to support ongoing research projects, significantly expanding team's knowledge base.
- Optimized lab equipment usage, significantly reducing operational costs and downtime.
Education
Ph.D. - Biophysics
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 05.2001 -
Master of Science - Applied Mathematics
Iowa State University
Ames, IA 05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Physics And Applied Mathematics Dual Major
Missouri University of Science And Technology
Rolla, MO05-2022
Skills
Organization and leadership
Effective team collaboration
Documentation skills
Project management
Data collection and analysis
Academic writing proficiency
Quantitative research techniques
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Software proficiency in GROMACS, MDAnalysis, Charmm-Gui, Martinize, Insane, PyMol, ChimeraX, Matplotlib, Matlab, GNUPlot, R, and SAS
Coding proficiency in Python, C, Javascript, Matlab, Fortran
Accomplishments
- Presented research on Scanning Tunneling Microscope Construction and Maintenance at FYRE.
- Delivered poster presentations on tempered fractional Brownian motion at the American Physical Society Conference in 2021 and 2022.
- Presented research talk on simulation results of TRPV1 at American Physical Society Conference in 2026.
- Created a neural network for material analysis at Ames National Laboratory, achieving an 85% success rate in determining material properties.
- Completed preliminary examination in May, 2025.
Interests
Timeline
Physics Teacher
Step Up
05.2025 - 07.2025
Biophysics Research Assistant
Iowa State University
05.2023 - Current
Physics Teaching Assistant
Iowa State University
08.2022 - Current
Research Intern
Ames National Laboratory
05.2021 - 08.2021
Research Assistant
Missouri University of Science and Technology
05.2019 - 05.2022
FYRE Research Assistant
Missouri University of Science and Technology
12.2018 - 04.2019
Ph.D. - Biophysics
Iowa State University
05.2001 -
Master of Science - Applied Mathematics
Iowa State University
05.2001 -
Bachelor of Science - Physics And Applied Mathematics Dual Major
Missouri University of Science And Technology