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 through hands-on experimental systems. I am currently completing a capstone project involving the design and experimental characterization of a 40kHz ultrasonic transducer array, while also developing projects in my free time in optical measurement, laser beam profiling, and control systems.

I design practical engineering systems that combine physics, electronics, instrumentation, and mechanical design, with interests in experimental hardware, signal measurement, optics, and multidiscplinary system development.

10+
Student-Led Engineering & Research Projects
2
IEEE Research Presentations Delivered
4+
Years of Applied Physics & Engineering Coursework
4
Leadership Roles in STEM Organizations
Specialization Multidisciplinary Experimental 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, experimental instrumentation, and hands-on engineering projects involving signal measurement, prototyping, and system troubleshooting. Currently completing a capstone project focused on the design and experimental characterization of a 40 kHz ultrasonic transducer array. Brings strong technical communication, leadership, and mentoring experience through IEEE presentations, tutoring, and STEM organization involvement. Driven to apply electrical engineering & physics 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, LoggerPro, Microsoft Office, ImageJ
Programming: Python, C++, Javascript, HTML, CSS
Hardware & Systems: Oscilloscope, Function Generator, Multimeter, Circuit Design, Arduino, Raspberry Pi, Embedded Systems, 3D Printing, Soldering, Data Acquisition
Experimental Techniques: Optical Alignment, Beam Profiling Concepts, Resonance Characterization, Signal Analysis, Airflow/Acoustic Visualization Techniques

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 2026

Lewis University

  • Robotics Club - President (2024 - 2025), Vice President (2024), Secretary (2023), Member Since 2022
  • IEEE Student Branch - Secretary (2022 - Present)
  • Society of Physics Students (SPS) - Secretary (2021 - 2025)
  • Physics Student Advisory Board - Member (2022 - 2025)
  • Astronomy Club - Member (2021 - 2025)

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 ranging from a flight simulator chassis and 3D-printed helix wind turbine to automated circuits and materials experiments. My current work focuses on the design and experimental characterization of a 40 kHz ultrasonic transducer array, alongside additional projects in audio electronics, optical measurement, and control systems.

  • All Projects
  • Capstone
  • Planned Projects
  • Past Projects
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Physics Capstone

Design and Characterization of a 40 kHz Ultrasonic Transducer Ring

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Planned Independent Project

Free-Space Optical Communication Link

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Planned Independent Project

Laser Beam Profiling System

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Planned Independent Project

PID-Controlled Servo Alignment System

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Planned 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.