Nikolai Nekrutenko

nan34@cornell.edu · https://github.com/NikolaiTeslovich · State College, PA 16803

Education

Cornell University, Physics Major & CS Minor in the College of Arts and Sciences

September 2021 - May 2025

  • Semester 1
    • AEP 1200 - Intro to Nanoscience and Nanoengineering
    • MATH 1920 - Multivariable Calculus for Engineers
    • PHYS 1116 - Physics I: Mechanics and Special Relativity
  • Semester 2 (in progress)
    • CS 1110 - Intro to Computing with Python
    • MATH 2930 - Differential Equations for Engineers
    • PHYS 2217 - Physics II: Electricity and Magnetism

Pennsylvania State University, Non-matriculated Student

January 2021 - May 2021

  • Semester 1
    • CHEM 110 - Chemical Principles I
    • CHEM 112 - Chemical Principles II
    • MATH 141 - Calculus with Analytical Geometry II

State College Area High School

August 2017 - January 2021

Academic Interests

  • Applied and experimental physics
  • Science communication and education
  • Blockchain and cryptocurrencies

Activities and Experience

Research

Department of Applied and Engineering Physics, Cornell University

Mar 2022 - Present

  • Researcher in Dr. Valla Fatemi’s laboratory
  • Building and configuring an Arduino-based OpenDAC
  • Using QCoDeS (a quantum computer data acquisition framework) to run and setup experiments
  • Interfacing with equipment and sensors over GPIB by developing drivers in Python

Penn State Materials Research Institute, Pennsylvania State University

Jul 2019 - Aug 2019

  • Researcher in Dr. Slava Rotkin‘s laboratory
  • Learned about scanning near-field optical microscopy (SNOM)
  • Developed a Python program using Jupyter Notebooks to filter out background noise from microscope scans
  • GitHub repo: https://bit.ly/3sWNeWJ

Science and Technology

Member of Cornell Blockchain, Cornell University

Sep 2021 - Present

  • Part of the research and development team
  • Currently working on establishing a DAO for the club
  • Interview potential members and determine if they are a good fit for the club

Member of Rocket Lab Initiative, Pennsylvania State University

Sep 2020 - Jun 2021

  • Prototyped and developed a Raspberry Pi sensor payload for a suborbital model rocket
  • GitHub repo: https://bit.ly/34M8JS1

Founder of State High Model Aeronautics Club, State College Area High School

Oct 2019 - Jun 2021

  • Co-Founder & president
  • Club focused on learning about aeronautics through the design, construction, and flight of remote controlled model aircraft
  • Recently acquired a grant from Centre County to purchase equipment and parts
  • Website: https://bit.ly/3H1aXd1

Volunteering

Leader at Shaver’s Creek Environmental Center, Pensylvania State University

Summers 2017 - 2019

  • Volunteered as a counselor in a summer camp for elementary and middle school children
  • Nature awareness and appreciation education
  • Performed various activities such as games, and hikes around the forest to make the enjoyable, memorable and educational for all

Instructor at A Mountain Wind Martial Arts, State College, PA

Feb 2013 - Present

  • Black Belt (Cho Dan) in Tang Soo Do, a Korean Martial Art
  • Instruct and help younger students with proper form, technique, and on practical and philosophical applications of the art
  • Awards at at the regional 2019 tournament
    • 3rd place sparring
    • 3rd place weapons

Work Experience

Cramer Farm & CSA, Howard, PA

Jun 2021 - Aug 2021

  • Helped run a small (4 acre) organic farm
  • Weeded beds, fed animals, tilled soil with a tractor, harvested crops, etc.

Nikolai’s Mowing & Yard Care, State College, PA

Summers 2017 - 2021

  • Mowed and took care of lawns for a dozen clients around State College

Skills

Languages

Fluent In:

  • English
  • French
  • Russian

Computer Skills

Programming Languages

  • Python
  • Javascript
  • Shell

Data Analysis

  • Jupyter Lab
  • Pandas
  • Vega-lite

Website Design

  • Hugo
  • Netlify
  • GitHub Pages

Software

  • 3D design programs (Sketchup, Tinkercad, Fusion 360, Blender)
  • 3D printing software (Ultimaker Cura, PreForm)
  • Photo editing software (Adobe Photoshop, Pixelmator Pro)
  • Vector editing software (Adobe Illustrator)
  • Video editing programs (Adobe Premiere Pro, DaVinci Resolve, Final Cut Pro)
  • Model rocket design software (OpenRocket)

Microcontrollers

  • Arduino
  • Raspberry Pi

Cryptocurrency Mining

  • Linux
    • Ubuntu Server
  • GPUs
    • Ethereum (ETH), Ethereum Classic (ETC), Ravencoin (RVN)
  • CPUs
    • Monero (XMR)

Smart Contract Development

  • Basic knowledge of Solidity and Brownie

Technical Skills

Laboratory Experience

  • Thin layer chromatography
  • Gas chromatography
  • Infrared spectroscopy

Prototyping Skills

  • Soldering
  • Utilization of electronic tools
  • Woodworking
  • CNC machine design and operation
  • 3D design and printing using SLA and FDM systems

Soft Skills

  • Communication
  • Collaboration
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership

Other Skills

  • Nature photography
  • Macro photography
  • Cinematography

Licenses and Certifications

FCC Radio License

  • Technician Radio License
  • Call sign: KC3NJK

General Laser Safety Training

  • Trained to operate lasers in labs at Penn State

The Recreational UAS Safety Test (TRUST)

  • Certified fly drones or aircraft for recreational purposes

Personal Projects

Developing CryptoClarified

Feb 2021 - Present

  • Building a community-run website to demystify and clarify cryptocurrencies
  • Using Hugo and Netlify
  • Website: https://bit.ly/3I9wfXp

Developing MinerWrangler

Nov 2020 - Apr 2021

  • Wrote a set of bash scripts that automatically configure everything and enable control of a mining rig on Ubuntu Server
  • Documented the installation process and usage guide in great detail
  • GitHub repo: https://bit.ly/3BCPFRZ

Building and Maintaining a Personal Website

Apr 2020 - Present

Producing Content for YouTube

Jun 2019 - Present

  • Manage a YouTube channel of over 100 subscribers
  • Create videos about science, technology, drones and nature
  • Youtube channel: https://bit.ly/3sZxT7Q

Building and Flying Drones and Aircraft

Oct 2018 - Present

  • Assemble, fly and repair FPV drones and aircraft
  • Prototyped an autonomous fixed-wing aircraft with INAV
  • Built a CNC router to mass produce foam airplane templates
  • CNC blog post: https://bit.ly/359XJNS

Photography

May 2012 - Present