Yale University - Physics & East Asian Studies

Madison Butchko

Creating, connecting, and catalyzing positive change. Researcher, writer, artist, and lifelong learner.

Experience

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Research

Teaching

Writing

Leadership

Additional

Research Experience

Mechanical Engineering Researcher

Oakland University - Prof. Sarah Beetham

Aug-Dec 2024

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Developing PINN in Python to model pendulum forcing problem, integrating physical constraints and differential equations
Utilizing PyTorch to build and train models, applying ML techniques to test complex physics problems

Energy Science Institute Researcher

Yale University - Prof. Steve Konenzy

2022-Aug 2024

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Modeled charge transport in nanostructured materials to enhance solar cell efficiency
Fabricated copper thiocyanate (CuScn) samples using spin coating
Executed humidity-controlled tests in cryostat to evaluate cell performance
Analyzed conductivity, humidity response, and structural integrity for Perovskite solar cells
Utilized LabVIEW and Python scripts for data analysis

Biophysics Researcher

Yale QBI - Prof. Allison Sweeney

Spring 2024

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Researched hyperuniformity in black spruce forests and giant clams, examining spatial properties
Analyzed images using Origin software to compare patterns of hyperuniformity

NSF REU Fellow - Optical Tweezers

Yale - Prof. Simon Mochrie

Summer 2022

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$8,500 REU fellowship for single molecule optical tweezers measurements of nucleosomes
Utilized fluorescence microscopy and optical tweezers to track real-time protein movement
Studied Brownian diffusion to track protein motion, providing insights into protein-DNA interactions

NSF REU Fellow - Mesophyll

Yale - Prof. Corey O'Hern

Summer 2021

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$8,500 NSF fellowship for research on mesophyll tissue in flowering plants
Analyzed high-resolution plant tissue images with Fiji imaging software
Developed MATLAB simulations to model cell wall expansion, creating visualizations of deformable polygonal structures

Materials Science Researcher

Yale - Prof. Amit Dayte

Spring 2021

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Operated gas pycnometer, prepared samples
Conducted nano-indentation studies, generated stress-strain curves

Teaching Experience

AP Physics Teaching Assistant

Global Teaching Project

2024-Present

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Supported classes of 20+ students, creating lesson plans & curriculum for AP readiness
Collaborated with educators to design AP Physics curriculum, breaking down complex concepts for easier understanding
Engaged students throughout 2-hour classes via problem-solving, worksheets, and interactive PowerPoints
From Classrooms to Change
Beyond Physics

Splash and Sprout Instructor

Yale University

2024-Present

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Developed original course curriculum and delivered full lesson plans to classes of ~20 high school and middle school students
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Robotics Instructor

Snapology

Mar-Dec 2024

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Led robotics and pre-engineering classes for up to 35 elementary students
Teaching programming using Scratch and conducting interactive science workshops

President & CEO

Your Admissions Mentor

2020-Present

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500+ students across 30+ states, 10 countries
2,000+ essays; clients at MIT, Stanford, Harvard, Yale

College Admissions Advisor

Pivot / Matriculate / PASCHAR

2024-Present

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PIVOT: Mentored students on college plans, guiding through applications and Common App. Organized summer courses at Yale
PASCHAR: Guided students through applications and essays; provided writing instruction and research-paper coaching
Designed writing lessons focused on structure, clarity, narrative development

Math & Physics Tutor

Parental Choice Tutoring

2024-Present

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Prepared lessons and tutored students in English, Physics, Math, Writing, Essay Editing, and Standardized Testing

Writing Experience

China Hands Magazine

Editor in Chief

Chinese history, technology & social issues (2023-Present)

Her Campus at Yale

Editor in Chief

Weekly lifestyle content (2021-Present)

Yale Daily News

Staff Writer & Columnist

Personal essays with illustrations (2023-Present)

Yale Herald / Layer

Leadership

President & Prize Lecture Chair

Yale Society of Physics Students

2020-Present

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Led chapter to nationwide recognition as Outstanding SPS Chapter
Managing funding, study halls, faculty dinners, and mentoring events
Designed chapter logo and merchandise
Coordinated Howard L. Schultz and Tinsley Lectures

Cadet Officer

Air Force ROTC

2020-2024

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Mission Support Commander, Public Affairs Officer
Trained 10+ hours/week in PT, leadership labs, military coursework
Completed field training in Mississippi and Alabama
Directed 60+ cadets, mentored underclassmen, planned events for 100+ people
Arnold Air Society Director of Operations

Learn to Fly Scholarship

$5,000 Award

2022-2023

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Awarded $5,000 towards flying lessons
Completed 30 hours of flight time

Intramural Secretary

Jonathan Edwards College

2021-2022

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Organized sports events for 500+ students
Coordinated weekly sports activities and managed college teams
Directed gameplay during matches
Managed social media promotions and college-wide emails

Director of Finance

Yale Aerospace Association

2022-2023

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Managed financial operations for the association

Media Chair

Yale SWE

2022-2023

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SWE 2024 Conference participant
Designed logos and merchandise

Additional

CET Jordan - Arabic Study Abroad Summer 2025

MSA & Jordanian Dialect - Language Intensive

Oakland Community College 26 Courses

Summer & Fall 2024

American Lit Since Civil WarArts & Lit Renaissance-ModernArts/Lit Origins Western TraditionChildren's LiteratureComposition I & IICreative WritingIntro to LiteratureIntro to PhilosophyCultural AnthropologyEthicsSociologySociology of AgingRacial/Ethnic Group RelationsUrban & State PoliticsComparative World PoliticsWorld GeographyU.S. History 1877-PresentIntro to PsychologySpanish I & IIHTML5JavaScriptJavaC++PythonSoftware Engineering