I(t) · current
Alexander Woods
Injected current. What drives the membrane.
Dual B.S. in Cognitive Science (Spec. Machine Learning and Neural Computation) and Mathematics – Applied Science, Minor in Philosophy at University of California, San Diego (Sep 2023 – May 2027).
I build spiking neural networks, clinical & real-time EEG pipelines, and applied AI systems — including Headcount (Winner, AIC Hack for Humanity, Nov 2026).
Resume (PDF) (opens in a new tab) GitHub (opens in a new tab) LinkedIn (opens in a new tab) Email
C = 200 pF · integration
Experience
C dV/dt stores the current (τm = RC = 20 ms). Education and work are the accumulated charge.
Education
- Bachelor of Science, Cognitive Science Spec. Machine Learning and Neural Computation
- Bachelor of Science, Mathematics – Applied Science, Minor in Philosophy
- University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, CA · Sep 2023 – May 2027
Experience
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Jun 2026 – Present
Data Annotator – Software Engineering
DataAnnotation.tech · Remote
Apply reinforcement learning from human feedback (RLHF) to fine-tune large language models, improving response quality, safety, and task alignment. Authored detailed model feedback based on safety, helpfulness, and task alignment criteria. Identify and fix bugs in open-source libraries with assistance from AI agents, improving library reliability and software quality.
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May 2026 – Jun 2026
AI Brain Science Programmer - Student
University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, CA
Extended existing NEMAR EEG datasets through a TUI-based workflow that added richer dataset information, using Git and Cursor to support consistent updates. Delivered dataset contributions following an Agile methodology coordinated in Jira.
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Dec 2023 – Dec 2025
Undergraduate Research Assistant
University of California, San Diego · San Diego, CA
Designed a statistical pipeline to identify Depression Measures for 100+ patients. Fixed bugs in the MATLAB pipeline and custom EEGLAB implementation to support accurate patient EEG data analysis.
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Sep 2024 – Dec 2024
Instructional Assistant
University of California, San Diego · La Jolla, CA
Assisted in an introduction to Python lab, helping 60+ students a week. Supported students in developing independent final projects in Python, using libraries such as NumPy, pandas, and scikit-learn to help them complete project work. Provided timely feedback on student work and answered Python-related questions to resolve issues and make progress on assignments.
R = 100 MΩ · leak
Skills
Ileak = (V − Vrest) / R. The conductances that are always on.
Languages
Java · Python · Matlab · HTML/CSS
Developer Tools
Git · GitHub Actions · PyCharm · Cursor · Pytest · AWS · Docker · Vercel
Libraries
Pandas · NumPy · SciPy · Matplotlib · seaborn · statsmodels · EEGLAB · sci-kit learn · PyTorch · Keras · OpenCV · Tkinter · JAX · FastAPI
Other
Arduino · Powershell · Bash · Git-annex · WSL · Ubuntu · Jupyter Notebook
comparator · V ≥ Vth
Projects
When V reaches Vth, the comparator triggers. Ideas integrated into shipped builds.
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Spiking Neural Network · Mar 2026 – Present
Python · GitHub · NumPy · JAX
Designed biologically-inspired custom neural network architecture and LIF neuron based on contemporary research. Rederived classical computational neuroscience models to model neural behavior, and derived surrogate gradient descent based on contemporary research.
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Headcount
Winner, AIC Hack for Humanity, Nov 2026. Calls every older adult in an evacuation zone, in their language, until everyone is accounted for.
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SuperSmallModel
A ~1M-parameter causal GPT built from scratch in PyTorch — multi-head self-attention, tokenization, and training loop.
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EEG Lie detection · Jan 2025 – Mar 2025
Python · Scikit-Learn · Jupyter Notebook · GitHub
Group project where we recorded EEG data and predicted when someone lied. Developed real-time EEG GUI and stream under 100ms of delay end-to-end, collaborated using GitHub to complete project deadline within 10 weeks, and designed machine learning pipeline to classify eight channel EEG data with 75% accuracy.
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Spoken
Interactive voice language tutor that adapts prompt difficulty using Q-learning rewards over Whisper and Gemini.
Repository (opens in a new tab) Live demo (opens in a new tab)
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Conceiva · 2026
FastAPI · AWS · Vercel · Google Gemini · Python
Hackathon Project (48 Hours). Digital telehealth platform for couples, genetic counselors, and fertility clinics. Designed database and frontend within 24h as an AI native platform with FastAPI, AWS, and Vercel. Integrated AI tools with Google Gemini and our own Sperm Motility Risk identification tool to predict donor viability in order to cut costs on genetic testing.
Repository (opens in a new tab) Live demo (opens in a new tab)
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EMG Flappy Bird
Surface-EMG signal processing driving a two-player, muscle-controlled Flappy Bird (UCSD BENG 152).
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TritonDefense
Autonomous robot car in C++ and Python with live camera streaming, YOLO person detection, and IR control.
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Wingman
Smart-glasses presentation coach delivering live pacing and speaking cues (DS3 Hacktoberfest).
spike · V = +30 mV
Honors & Coursework
The action potential peaks and propagates down the axon. Recognition and upper-division foundations.
Honors & Teaching
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Nov 2026 · UC San Diego
1st Place — AIC Hack for Humanity
Built Headcount, a multilingual voice agent that calls every older adult in an evacuation zone until everyone is accounted for.
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Fall 2024 · COGS 195 / COGS 18
Instructional Apprentice in Python
Selected after earning an A+ in COGS 18 to mentor 60+ students weekly and guide independent data-science final projects.
Machine Learning & Data Science
COGS 118A Supervised ML · COGS 118B Unsupervised ML · COGS 118D Computational Modeling of Behavior · COGS 186 Genetic Algorithms · COGS 108 Data Science in Practice
Neuroscience, BCI & Circuits
COGS 189 Brain-Computer Interfaces · BENG 152 BioSystems Engineering Lab · COGS 107A/B Neuroanatomy & Systems Neuroscience · ECE 35 Analog Design · ECE 45 Circuits & Systems
Applied Mathematics
MATH 170A Numerical Linear Algebra · BENG 133 Computational Engineering · MATH 180A/B Probability & Stochastic Processes · MATH 142A/B Real Analysis I & II · BENG 134 Statistics & Probability
synapses · output
Contact
The spike arrives. These are the output synapses.
- Resume (PDF) (opens in a new tab)
- a5woods@ucsd.edu
- LinkedIn (opens in a new tab)
- GitHub (opens in a new tab)
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