Hey! I am Akshera Paladhi, an Electrical Engineering student with a minor in Astrophysics at UC Santa Cruz. I have learned a lot over the past two years, and I want to apply my background to the flight industry, space exploration, or ocean mystery—that's the ultimate dream! I also love quantum computing and finding ways to integrate it with my aerospace interests. To push these goals forward, I recently joined CITRIS this summer to learn all about aerodynamics and drone stuff through hands-on pilot training.
UCSC Institute of Particle Physics (SCIPP) — Santa Cruz, CA
Undergraduate Researcher | June 2025 – PresentI use LTspice circuit analysis to simulate and improve high-speed front-end electronics for the Diamond Submerged Wireless Imaging Monitor (SWIM) project. I also design signal-shaping circuits to stabilize ultra-short detector pulses for proton beam diagnostics at Los Alamos National Lab (LANL). On the firmware side, I program Arduino Nano RP2040 Connect boards in C for real-time data acquisition, and use Python scripting in Linux to automate testing for Thorlabs cameras across different light wavelengths.
UC Santa Cruz Quantum Computing — Santa Cruz, CA
Vice President / Researcher | August 2025 – PresentI lead a research group of over 10 members focusing on Position-Based Quantum Cryptography (PBQC) to build secure data protection and authentication frameworks. I also work directly with three other UC campuses and the Quantum Coalition to expand our shared research tools and resources.
Learning Support Services — Santa Cruz, CA
Engineering Tutor | Sept 2025 – PresentI mentor over 15 engineering students every week by breaking down complex concepts like computer systems, digital logic, CMOS gates, transistors, Boolean algebra, and RISC-V architecture into simple, practical strategies for solving problems.
U•MATTR — Volunteer
August 2023 - March 2024I remodeled the organization's website using JavaScript, HTML, and CSS to improve their online presence. I also worked with a team of over 15 members to promote health awareness and coordinate the expansion of new branches across different schools.