Natalie Alvarado

Emerging Engineer

Applied Physics & Electrical Engineering

Transforming complex science into innovative engineering solutions.

Natalie Alvarado
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Natalie Alvarado

Applied Physics & Electrical Engineering

Get to Know Me

Bridging Physics and Engineering Through Real-World Design

Hello, I'm Natalie Alvarado, graduating in Spring 2026 with a B.S. in Applied Physics and a minor in Electrical Engineering. My work integrates physics, electronics, and mechanical design, with projects in optical communication, laser beam profiling, and PID-controlled alignment.

I specialize in developing practical engineering solutions that merge scientific principles with applied design, preparing me for roles in systems engineering, aerospace, defense, electronics, and optics.

10+
Student-Led Engineering Projects (Optics, Electronics, Systems)
2
IEEE Research Presentations Delivered
4+
Years of Applied Physics & Engineering Coursework
4
Leadership Roles in Engineering Student Organizations
Specialization Multidisciplinary Systems - Electrical, Optical, and Mechanical Integration
Experience Level Entry-Level
Education Physics B.S. (Concentration: Applied Physics) Minor in Electrical Engineering Lewis University - Expected May 2026

Resume

Profile

Professional Summary

First-generation college student pursuing a B.S. in Applied Physics with a minor in Electrical Engineering (graduating May 2026). Experienced in circuit design, embedded systems, and optical experiments, with IEEE research presentations. Skilled in leading student projects, tutoring STEM students, and mentoring peers, combining technical expertise with strong communication and teamwork. Driven to apply electrical engineering knowledge to multidisciplinary roles.

Contact Information

  • Joliet, IL
  • a.nataliealvarado@gmail.com
  • +1 (815) 405-0475
  • linkedin.com/in/natalie-alvarado25/

Technical Skills

Applications: MATLAB, KiCad, Fusion 360, Microsoft Office, LabVIEW
Programming: Python, C++, Javascript, HTML, CSS
Hardware & Systems: Oscilloscope, Multimeter, Circuit Design, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Embedded Systems, Servo & Control Systems (PID), 3D Printing, Soldering, Data Acquisition (Arduino, Labview)
Experimental Techniques: Optical Alignment & Beam Profiling, Optical Communication Testing (BER vs. SNR, Scintillation & Attenuation Analysis)

Research and Presentations

Fermilab Mu2e Research Assistant

February 2024 - October 2024

Physics Department, Lewis University

  • Research and design solutions for pixel cooling mechanism
  • Present research findings bi-weekly to Dr. Hooper's research team.
  • Read and design schematics for 3D printed solutions

IEEE Power Grid Presentation

December 2022

Annual Lewis University Electrical & Computer Engineering Day

IEEE See & Spray Presentation

April 2023

Annual Lewis University Celebration of Scholarship

Education

Bachelor of Science in Applied Physics, Minor in Electrical Engineering

Expected: May 2025

Lewis University

  • Robotics Club - Vice President (2024 - Present), Secretary (2023), Member Since 2022
  • IEEE Student Branch - Secretary (2022 - Present)
  • Society of Physics Students (SPS) - Secretary (2021 - Present)
  • Physics Student Advisory Board - Member (2022 - Present)
  • Astronomy Club - Member (2021 - Present)

Experience

K-12 Subject Tutor

January 2024 - October 2024

Elite Tutoring Place of Plainfield

  • Tutor all academic subjects from Pre-K to High School, including Algebra, Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Geometry, Foreign Languages
  • ACT/SAT Preparation

Girls Create with Technology Camp Assistant

June 2022 - May 2023

ECaMS Department, Lewis University

  • Taught 6th-8th grade students Hummingbird & Snap! Programming
  • Explained components and taught students how to assemble piper computers
  • Led robot building using stepper motors, servos, LEDs, etc.

Professional Memberships

  • IEEE (Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers), Member (2022 - Present)
  • Optica (formerly OSA), Member (2021 - Present)
  • American Physical Society (APS), Member (2021 - Present)
  • National Society of Hispanic Physicists (NSHP), Member (2021 - Present)

Projects

I've designed and built projects that range from a flight simulator chassis and 3D-printed helix wind turbine to automated circuits and materials experiments. Currently, I'm developing a Bluetooth speaker with amplifier integration, a laser beam profiling system, and a PID-controlled servo alignment project, while preparing my capstone on free-space optical communication.

  • All Projects
  • Capstone
  • Current Projects
  • Past Projects
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Capstone

Free-Space Optical Communication Link

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Independent Project

Laser Beam Profiling System

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Independent Project

PID-Controlled Servo Alignment System

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Personal Project

Bluetooth Amplifier + Clip-On Speaker

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Engineering Design & Tools Project (2023)

Flight Simulator Chassis

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Student Designed Spring Project (2023)

Helix Wind Turbine Project

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Student Designed Spring Project (2022)

Trebuchet Catapult Project

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Student Designed Physics 3 Experiment (2022)

Thermal Expansion Experiment

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Intro to Electrical & Computer Engineering Project (2022)

Automated Water Bowl

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Student Designed Chemistry 2 Project (2019)

Biomedical Metals and Self-Assembled Monolayers (SAMs)

Contact

Contact Info

I'm always open to discussing opportunities, collaborations, or sharing more about my work in applied physics and engineering.

Location

Joliet, IL

Phone Number

+1 815 405 0475

Email Address

a.nataliealvarado@gmail.com

Get In Touch

Interested in connecting? Use the form below or reach out directly by email.

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