
Andrew
Hello !
I am a scientist with academic research experience and a strong computer background with an interest in applying 3D graphics and technology thereof to solve real-world problems. During my PhD, I focused on the crystallization of metallic & molecular crystals and had used diverse methodologies to elucidate these processes.
Among the most commonly used of these have been kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations, nonlinear programming, and artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms. Below are some of the main topics which I've delved into.
Tensors for complex topologies
I have used tensors to simulate crystal structures with a complex arrangement of adatoms. A common case of these crystals are metal-organic frameworks (MOFs). Algorithms have also been developed to manipulate these tensors for 3D simulations, which include search-and-update implementations and tensor transpositions.
Dynamic simulations to determine structure and event times
The main application to these tensors has been for kinetic Monte Carlo (kMC) simulations to shed light on crystallization phenomena of different species in a dynamic way. The below figures show snapshots of a sample simulation I ran with arbitrary physics (procedural animation on the splash page). Tensors can also be used to simulate structures such as these with hexagonal coordinates.

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- Residence USA
- Address FL
- LinkedIn Connect with me
Facilities and Resources
Support & Collaborators (past and present)
Fun Facts
Resume
Education
2017 - 2022
University of FloridaPh.D., Chemical Engineering
Dissertation: Thermodynamic and kinetic crystal growth theory for the design of metallic and molecular crystals
M.S., Chemical Engineering
Thesis: Synthesis of
Dissolvable Magnetic Microspheres for Tissue Scaffold Applications
Patent US20180133372A1
B.S., Chemistry
Minor: Biology
Published research: Fibril-Assisted Gold
Nanocluster Synthesis
Experience
2015 - 2017
XeroxAssociate Engineer
I was a toner chemist and engineer working in Xerox's toner technology and new business sectors. I worked in the lab, pilot scale, and workshop settings where my work went beyond the chemistry of toners alone. I used statistical analysis and my scientific skills to develop toner with features desired by the company and/or Xerox's clients. I obtained my Six Sigma Green Belt certification from Xerox.
2013 - 2015
University of Florida Dept. of Chemical EngineeringResearch Assistant
I entered Dr. Carlos Rinaldi's lab at the University of Florida Department of Chemical Engineering while I was a M.S. student in Chemical Engineering, where my thesis work made me a co-inventor of a patent for a nerve-regenerating hydrogel, an author of a journal article, and most possibly helped me become an expert in colloids while at Xerox.
2009 - 2012
University of Miami Dept. of ChemistryUndergraduate Research Assistant
I started my research career as a Chemistry undergraduate at the University of Miami, where I was initially mentored by Dr. Jamie Walls on the computational modeling of NMR pulse sequences for the first year, and then conducted experimental research in Dr. Roger Leblanc's lab on green syntheses of gold nanoparticles for 2 years.
General Skills*
Research
Monte Carlo simulations
Machine Learning
Deep Learning
Cloud Computing
Experimental design
Atomistic simulations
Web development
Server management
Computer Languages and Skills**
Python
C++
Scala
JavaScript · HTML · CSS
Bash Linux
LaTeX / TeX
Rust
Ruby
Web 3.0
Knowledge
- Computational modeling
- Experimental design
- Mathematical optimization
- Nonlinear programming
- High Performance Computing
- Statistical mechanics
- Kinetic modeling
- Thermodynamics
- Diffusion
- Solid-state physics
- X-Ray Diffraction (XRD)
- Nuclear Magnetic Resonance (NMR)
- Systems integration
- Market Research
- Patent analysis
- Fundraising
Certificates

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Showcase
A sample of some of the things I have developed and can expand on.
In terms of computation, my expertise is on computational modeling and optimization. However, here I also show some interactive 3D animations which highlight my graphical rendering prowess.
tensorscout
A Python library for tensor operations powered by parallel processing.[Python]for bench chemists
A bench chemist's calculator [Javascript]streamdice
An encryption algorithm based on the constant random shuffling of keyboard maps [C++ (stable)]block visualization
Integrated examples to a Javascript program I developed for the agile rendering of voxel structures. [Javascript]surface
A crystal surface. [Javascript]splash page
A procedural animation of crystal dissolution [Javascript]powerxrd
A toolbox to handle powder XRD (and XRD) data.[Python]torus knot
No, it's not a pretzel 😀 [Javascript]for steam tables
A secret calculator for thermodynamic properties of water (steam tables) [Javascript]Ziegler nanowires
A three-dimensional representation of nanowire arrays I made for the Ziegler lab (Univ. of Florida) [Javascript]JavaScript code processed with obfuscator.io ♥
Blog
A reduced explanation on neural networks
What are Monte Carlo Simulations?
Contact
FL
Available to work in private and U.S. 🇺🇸 federal sectors with no restrictions. Open to consulting and start-up opportunities. Willing to relocate.
Selected Conferences
AIChE Annual Meeting (Oral Presentations)
2021
Thermodynamic Modeling of Competing Crystal Species from a MIL-53 Metal Organic Framework (MOF)
Reaction
Andrew R Garcia, Dirk Steyn III, Sergey Vasenkov, Kirk J Ziegler
2021 AIChE Annual Meeting (Oral Presentation)
Kinetic Monte Carlo Modeling of MIL-53 Metal Organic Framework Crystal Growth
Andrew R Garcia, Janani Sampath, Sergey Vasenkov, Kirk J Ziegler
2021 AIChE Annual Meeting (Oral Presentation)
2020
Monte Carlo Simulations of Hydrothermal Metal Organic Framework
(MOF) Crystal Growth Andrew R Garcia, Janani Sampath, Sergey Vasenkov, Kirk J Ziegler
2020 Virtual AIChE Annual Meeting (Oral Presentation)
2019
Crystallization of MIL-53 Metal Organic Frameworks (MOFs) through Changes in the Hydrothermal
Process
Andrew R Garcia, Sergey Vasenkov, Kirk J Ziegler 2019 AIChE Annual Meeting (Oral Presentation)
Other Events and Conferences
LAMMPS Workshop and Symposium 2021 | August 2021 | Attendee | - |
NVIDIA GTC 2021 Conference | April 2021 | Attendee | - |
UF Nano Day 2020 | October 2020 | Presenter (poster) | Best Poster in Nano-Chemistry |
NanoFlorida 2020 | March 2020 | Presenter (oral) | Honorable Mention in Materials, Devices, and Enabling Technologies |
MRPM14 | February 2018 | Attendee | - |