Soha A
- Research Program Mentor

MSE at Princeton University

Expertise

Physics, Robotics, Nuclear Physics Fission/Fusion Energy, Clean Energy, Environmental Science, Nuclear Security, Global Security Questions in Artificial Intelligence/Policy, Nuclear Weapons, Fintech / Finance

Bio

Hi! My name is Soha Aslam and I am a physicist and an engineer. Whether it is modeling nuclear power plants, or playing with robots and drones, I'm always curious about expanding my horizons, learning lots, but most importantly, having fun along the way! I studied Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at Princeton University, and conducted research on creating autonomous robots designed to inspect nuclear facilities! At Polygence, I've mentored 20+ students over a wide array of topics, ranging from making autonomous drones, learning about nuclear fission or fusion energy, or even doing cancer research. In my free time, I enjoy traveling and playing sports. I played rugby in university, and have traveled to 35 countries, and counting!

Project ideas

Project ideas are meant to help inspire student thinking about their own project. Students are in the driver seat of their research and are free to use any or none of the ideas shared by their mentors.

Build an Autonomous Quadcopter Drone!

Want to learn to hover a quadcopter in space? Using simple PID control techniques in Python, we can build a small drone together and make it hover in space! Bonus rounds include installing a camera and seeing the world through the drone's eye!

Global Security Topics: Nuclear Weapons, Artificial Intelligence, Cyberwarfare, Biosecurity and Healthcare Research

Exploring ideas in global security. If you are interested in learning more about the ways modern technology can end civilization - ranging from nuclear weapons, artificial intelligence, biowarfare, cyberwarfare, to food networks, this is the perfect project. Although it is more focused on social science, the outcome would be writing a paper, creating visualizations, and coming up with solutions to solve or mitigate the risk of a global catastrophe.

Science and Engineering Simulations Games

Swarm dynamics problems and playing with visual simulation tools. If you are interested in learning about how wildfires spread, or how infectious diseases (such as COVID-19) are modeled, or how birds communicate with each other, this is the perfect project! There are infinite options here: from biology (cell interactions to muscle development) to chemistry (gas chromatography and lattices) to physics (solid diffusion and turbulence problems). We will learn the theory and mathematics behind how big groups interact with each other and the tools scientists are using to model these interactions.

Modeling and Simulation of Nuclear Fusion Reactors

Imagine a futuristic world with clean and unlimited energy, generated by mimicking the processes happening in the core of stars, like our Sun. In simple terms, nuclear fusion is the powerful reaction that fuels the Sun, and scientists are working on bringing this incredible energy source to Earth. Through modeling and simulation, they use computer programs to recreate the conditions inside a fusion reactor, predicting how different elements will behave and interact. It's like playing a sophisticated game of "what-if" to understand the best ways to harness this energy safely and efficiently. This exciting field not only involves complex physics and engineering but also holds the promise of transforming how we power our planet in the future.

Cancer Research: Boron-Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT)

Monte Carlo simulations play a crucial role in advancing cancer treatment strategies, particularly in the field of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy (BNCT). BNCT is an innovative approach that harnesses the power of neutrons to selectively destroy cancer cells. In this therapy, a patient is administered with a compound containing boron-10, which tends to accumulate preferentially in cancer cells. When these boron-laden cells are exposed to thermal neutrons, a nuclear reaction occurs, releasing high-energy particles that selectively damage the cancerous cells while sparing surrounding healthy tissue. The use of Monte Carlo simulations in this context involves modeling the complex interactions between neutrons, boron, and tissues, allowing researchers to optimize treatment parameters and enhance the precision and efficacy of BNCT. This simulation-driven approach contributes significantly to the development and fine-tuning of Boron Neutron Capture Therapy, offering a promising avenue in the targeted and effective treatment of cancer.

Coding skills

Python

Languages I know

Spanish, Urdu

Teaching experience

I love working with students who aspire to change the world! During my undergraduate years, I was a Teacher’s Assistant, and helped teach introductory physics and history of the U.S. I have also mentored minority students coming from underprivileged backgrounds, first-generation, and immigrant families. As a graduate student at Princeton, I helped TA an exciting course, titled: Science and Global Security: From Nuclear Weapons to Artificial Intelligence and Cyberwarfare.

Credentials

Work experience

- (2020 - Current)

Principal Nuclear Engineer

Princeton University (2015 - 2020)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering, Robotics

Education

The University of Texas at Arlington (UT Arlington)

BS Bachelor of Science (2015)

Physics

Princeton University

MSE Master of Science in Engineering (2020)

Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering

Reviews

"I enjoyed working with Soha. Our sessions are very productive and insightful. I wouldn't have been able to construct this project without her guidance and experience."

Christopher