Rachel Johnson

Hello! I am an undergraduate student at Notre Dame where I study physics and math. I am in the Glynn Family Honors Program and I am an officer for the Swing Club and the Ballroom Club. I am excited to learn new skills and right now I'm particularly interested in quantum computing. I'm currently researching quantum computing with Dr. Steve Adachi at Lockheed Martin.

Email    Resume    LinkedIn    GitHub

profile photo
Projects
Baobab Species Portfolio
Rachel Johnson

I studied abroad at Stellenbosch University in South Africa and for my Biome Ecology class, I created a species portfolio about Adansonia digitata, or baobab trees. The class taught me a lot about the ecology of South Africa and about conservation ecology in general. For the project, I enjoyed studying these ancient trees and hand-drawing several graphics and diagrams as well. It was interesting to see how much still remains unknown about slow-growing species such as baobabs.

Neutron Activation Analysis at Goethe University Frankfurt
Thomas Barbera, Konstantin Bauer, Joe Henning, Stephen Heritage, Rachel Johnson, Michelle Kwok

Over fall break, I travelled to Frankfurt, Germany to conduct nuclear astrophysics research at Goethe University. My group used neutron activation analysis techniques to analyze the chemical composition of an American quarter, Zirconium earrings, and a ring of unknown material that we determined was largely nickel. We also toured the GSI nuclear facility and explored the city.

ELENCO Radio Kit
Rachel Johnson

For my Intro to Circuitry and Electronics class, I built an AM/FM radio reciever. I learned to solder and I learned how the radio works. I also wrote a paper explaining the entire AM circuit from antenna to speaker.

Campfire
Augustine Hauge, Rachel Johnson, Jonathan Pal

Project Page

Campfire is a web app that brings people together and eliminates food waste through a system of food cameras that allow users to easily share leftover food. Won 3rd Place at the Hesburgh Library Hackathon at Notre Dame.

Evaluating the Accuracy of Quantum Computers through a Quantum Fourier Transform Algorithm
Dorothy Gan, Rachel Johnson, McKenna Leichty

Abstract: This paper presents a method of evaluating the accuracy of current superconducting quantum computers. A Quantum Fourier Transform algorithm was developed and run on multiple quantum computers as well as a simulation. The circuit was run on each machine 2048 times and the results were compared. The quantum computers resulted in an average of 75.20% measured in the |101⟩ state, indicating a 24.80% error when compared to the simulation which had measured 100% in the |101⟩ state as expected. Future experimentation could examine the accuracy on a wider array of quantum algorithms or compare different types of quantum computers such as trapped ions or quantum dots.

Soil Monitor
Rachel Johnson

Project Page

This system monitors the moisture of the soil of my plant and reminds me when to water. It prints the moisture to an LCD display and lights a red LED when it is time to water. The sensitivity can be easily adjusted to accomodate for different types of plants in order to avoid overwatering.

Calculating e Using Monte Carlo Methods and Quantum Amplitude Estimation
Aaron Lamoreaux, Rachel Johnson, James Rayman

Project Page

Abstract: Quantum amplitude estimation techniques may be used to compute the expected value of a quantum Monte Carlo algorithm more accurately than the naive, classical method. In this project, we implement a quantum Monte Carlo algorithm for e=2.71828... and apply quantum amplitude estimation. Submitted to iQuHACK Hackathon at MIT.

Proposal to Support Students Interested in Software Engineering Careers
Patrick Hsiao, Rachel Johnson, Matthew Schoessling, Katelyn Wyatt

Researched career resources at top universities and interviewed Notre Dame Alumni to help the Notre Dame Career Center provide better resources for students considering careers in programming or technology. Presented recommendations to Career Center staff and wrote paper detailing results.

Amalie Emmy Noether and Noether's Theorem
Rachel Johnson

Abstract: This paper presents an introduction to the life of Amalie Emmy Noether (1882-1935) and Noether's Theorem. The early life and education of Noether is examined as well as Noether's gradual acceptance into the mathematics community as an outstanding woman in her field. Finally, Noether's Theorem on the relationship between symmetries and conservation laws is discussed. Submitted as final project for Math 20180.

Calculating Planck's Constant Using LEDs
Alec Cannon, Dorothy Gan, Rachel Johnson

Abstract: This paper presents a method of measuring Planck’s constant using light emitting diodes (LEDs). An LED was connected to a variable power source and the voltage was gradually increased until the LED emitted light. From this threshold voltage, the voltage was steadily increased and both current and voltage were measured. Repeating this process with 5 different wavelengths of light yielded a value for Planck’s constant of 8.12 x 10-34 m2 kg s-1. The percent error was calculated to be 22.5% when compared to the known value of h, 6.626 x 10-34 m2 kg s-1. This error can be attributed to internal heating of the wires and the model of LEDs as resistors that follow Ohm’s Law. Submitted as final project for Mechanics.

Biomial Expansion
Zach Katz, Zoe Katz, Rachel Johnson

Project Page

Developed a website to educate users on biomes through interactive games. Used HTML, Javascript, CSS, and Google Maps API to place users on the street at the center of a random biome allowing the user to explore and learn about the biome before making a guess about where they are. Submitted to EarthXHack 2020.

Drip Drop
Jordan Adriano, Rachel Johnson, Jonathan Menjivar, Jennifer Sitton, Evie Stathatos

Project Page

Built a website using HTML, CSS, and Bootstrap to educate users on water conservation through projects and quizzes. Also prototyped an irrigation system using an Arduino to optimize for humidity and mitigate water loss. Won 2nd Place at the Wacode Hackathon at Baylor University.

MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge 2020
Zach Katz, Zoe Katz, Rachel Johnson James Rayman, Josephine Salam

Modeled problems related to the infrastructure and adoption of electric semi-trucks. Wrote paper detailing ideas.

Mentor One
Jake Arata, Audrey DeJong, Rachel Johnson, Joshua Kabasele, Cole Weinman

Project Page

MentorOne is a mobile app and website that connects high school students with job shadowing opportunities in different industries. The app was built with Flutter and the website was built with HTML. The backend database was built with Firebase. Submitted to HackDFW 2019.

MathWorks Math Modeling Challenge 2019
Aaron Lamoreaux, Rachel Johnson, Syed Pervaiz, James Rayman

Built mathematical models to answer questions regarding substance use and abuse. Used regression techniques to model the spread of e-cigarette use over time. Wrote paper with results. Honorable Mention Team.

Hobbies

Dance (Swing, Ballroom, Ballet, Tap, Jazz), Hiking, Camping, Geocaching, Reading, Viola, Photography, Exploring New Places And this puzzle!


            Thanks to Jon Barron for the website template!