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Twymun K. Safford
E-mail : tks11@students.uwf.edu
Address: 38026 Campus Drive, Pensacola, FL 32514
Phone : 850-982-8968
Education
BS in Physics and BS in Mathematics Expected 05/2017
University of West Florida, Pensacola, FL
Major GPA/Overall GPA: 3.50/4.00
ResearchExperience
Construction and Characteristics of Nd:YAG Pump Dye Laser (01/2017-Present)
Department of Physics, University of West Florida, Dr. Laszlo Ujj
• Commenced research to construct and utilize a dye laser to characterize its power output, and tenability,
time dependence.
• Utilized LabVIEW to measure the output power and capabilities of the laser.
Analysis of Outgassing Properties of Candidate Materials for Use With the nEXO Experiment (05/2016-
08/2016)
Department of Physics, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Dr. Liang Yang
• Collaborated with Dr. Liang Yang to assist with the liquid xenon recirculation process with the
Enriched Xenon Observatory (EXO) at the Waste Isolation Pilot Plant (WIPP) near Carlsbad, New
Mexico as a part of a summer research experience
• Utilized the Stanford Research Systems Residual Gas Analyzer 300 hardware and software to
analyze the room temperature properties of the stainless steel vacuum chamber and materials of a
similar composition to the plastics and epoxies used within the system.
• Research was conducted to improve the purity of the liquid xenon for use in the project to assist in
the search for neutrinoless double beta decay.
Phenomenological Modeling for Langmuir Monolayers (08/2015-Present)
Department of Physics, University of West Florida, Dr. Christopher Varney
• Generated and used a Monte Carlo simulation of ambiphilic molecules developed via Python to
mathematically model the expected behavior of molecular monolayers for use with experimental
layering of molecules
• Provided team input included researching the theory behind Langmuir-Blodgett monolayers and
proposing approaches to the algorithm to improve run time and to allow the simulation to reflect the
experimentally proposed behavior
Microstructural Characterization of PressedOctogen via Computer Analysis (06/2015 – 08/2015)
Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, Dr. Christopher Molek
• Project was conducted through a collaboration through Air Force Research Laboratories (AFRL) and
the University of Dayton Research Institute for the summer internship program Air Force Scholars
• MATLAB was utilized to analyze graphical samples to determine if there was a correlation between
pellet composition and detonation behavior for use in future applications of explosive materials

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• Algorithm was developed to improve computational time needed to analyze samples to enhance
productivity and contribute to the Air Force mission
Surface AssistedLaser Desorption/Ionization using Transition Metal Oxide Nanoparticles (06/2014 –
08/2014)
Department of Chemistry, University of West Florida, Dr. Karen Molek
• Volunteered to prepare toluene solutions and asphaltenes for use in research for analysis of
adsorption properties onto interface surfaces.
Calibration of a Matrix-Assisted Laser Desorption/Ionization Linear Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometer
(08/2014-11/2014)
Department of Chemistry, University of West Florida
• Conducted analysis of biomolecules such as proteins through the use of matrix-assisted laser
desorption/ionization
• Data was analyzed and modeled utilizing LabVIEW Data Collection via IGOR Pro
Relevant Work Experience
STEM Living and Learning Community Mentor (08/2016 – Present)
• Actively engages with rising freshman and sophomore students to provide mentorship, guidance, and
opportunities to network and pursue STEM opportunities both within the University of West Florida’s
Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering and abroad
Student Aide - Math Department (08/2016 – Present)
• Provides private instruction to individual or small groups of students to improve academic
performance or prepare for academic tests in mathematics (focus is on mathematical studies and
problem-solving in physics).
• Provided tutelage and support for students taking pre-algebra, algebra, calculus I-III, and statistics to
enhance academic performance and foster learning
Physics Teaching Assistant/Laboratory Aide (06/2014 – Present)
• Provides private instruction to individual or small groups of students to improve academic
performance or prepare for academic tests.
• Set up physics laboratory experiments to facilitate hands-on learning for students taking
introductory-level physics courses (concepts include mechanics, electromagnetism, and
thermodynamics).
• Facilitates academic excellence and rigor by grading and correcting physics assignments and
examinations and leading physics recitations to reinforce and strengthen the skills of freshman and
sophomore physics majors
• Utilized the Robotic Interactive Learning Environment (RILE) to instruct and teach students using
robotics demonstrations.
Math/Physics Tutor – Library (01/2015 - 05/2015)
• Provided private instruction to individual or small groups of students to improve academic
performance or prepare for academic tests (focus is on mathematical studies and problem-solving in
physics) in the University of West Florida library
• Provided tutelage and support for students taking pre-algebra, algebra, calculus I-III, and statistics
to enhance academic performance and foster learning

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Work Experience
Leader – Alabaster Box Christian Ministries (01/2017 – Present)
• Volunteered to provide meals, guidance, and support for homeless, misplaced, and economically
disadvantaged citizens of Pensacola as a clergy leader
• Performed tasks including maintenance of restroom facilities, coordinating the appropriation of funds,
and advertising for donations
Private Tutor (06/2012-05/2016)
• Provided on-demand and private instruction to individual or small groups of students to improve
academic performance or prepare for academic tests (focus is on mathematical studies and problem
solving in physics).
• Provided tutelage and support for students taking pre-algebra, algebra, calculus I-III, and statistics to
enhance academic performance and foster learning
Monster Jam Vendor - Pensacola Bay Center (04/2014)
• Provided concessions and memorabilia during the Monster Jam rally held at the Pensacola Bay
Center
• Fostered a consumer-friendly environment through commerce and hospitality
Youth Minister - Open Heart Rivers of Living Water Full Gospel Ministry (01/2012 -
07/2012)
• Fostered cooperation, virtues, and moral ethics among youth.
• Successful curriculum designed to disarm conflict and foster unity.
• Faith-based lessons instilled moral values, virtues, and a desire to learn
• Organized charity and function based events designed to promote positive values.
Math Tutor (Volunteer) - Denbigh High School (01/2012 - 06/2012)
• Volunteered to teach, aid, and to foster learning among peers in high school struggling with
mathematical studies
• Developed a teaching system alongside teachers and staff to aid students and provide help as needed
Construction/Programming - ZENITH Hampton Roads Challengers (01/2011 - 06/2011)
• Worked alongside group members to construct, develop, and present an unmanned aerial vehicle
(UAV) for use in a college-level competition
• Promoted teamwork, leadership qualities, and initiatives
• Objective was to locate targets based on shape, color, accuracy, and location on predetermined path
Scientific Conferences and Presentations
Conferences Attended:
• 2016 Quadrennial Physics Congress, Hyatt Regency-San Francisco Airport, Silicon Valley, CA,
November 3-5, 2016
• American Physical Society – APS March Meeting 2016, Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore
Hilton Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD, March 14-18, 2016
• Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students 15th Anniversary, Washington State
Convention Center, Seattle, WA, November 11-14, 2015

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Poster Presentations:
• Liang Y., Safford T.K.,“Analysis of Outgassing Properties of Candidate Materials for Use With the
nEXO Experiment”, 2016 Quadrennial Physics Congress, Hyatt Regency-San Francisco Airport,
Silicon Valley, CA, November 3-5, 2016
• Baptiste D., Kelly D., Prayaga C.,Safford T.K.., Varney C., Wade A., “Phenomenological Modeling
for Langmuir Monolayers”, Student Scholars Symposium and Faculty Research Showcase,
University of West Florida, FL, April 21, 2016
• Baptiste D., Kelly D., Prayaga C.,Safford T.K.., Varney C., Wade A., “Phenomenological Modeling
for Langmuir Monolayers”, American Physical Society Meeting 2015, Baltimore Convention
Center, Baltimore Hilton Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD, March 14-18, 2016
• Mole C.D., Safford T.K.,“Microstructural Characterization of Pressed Octogen via Computer
Analysis”, Annual Biomedical Research Conference for Minority Students 15th Anniversary,
Washington State Convention Center, Seattle, WA, November 11-14, 2015
• Molek C.D., Safford T.K.,“ “Microstructural Characterization of Pressed Octogen via Computer
Analysis”, 2015 Summer Undergraduate Research Program Symposium 2015, College of Science,
Engineering, and Health, University of West Florida, FL, August 7, 2015
Oral Presenations:
• Safford T.K.,“My Undergraduate Journey Through Research”, Undergraduate/Graduate Mini-
Research Presentations, University of West Florida, Natural Sciences Lab, Bulding 58A, Room 61,
Pensacola, FL, October 17th, 2016
• Liang Y., Safford T.K.,“Analysis of Outgassing Properties of Candidate Materials for Use With the
nEXO Experiment”, Society of Physics Students Research Presentations– University of West
Florida, Hal Marcus College of Science and Engineering, Building 4, Room 421, Pensacola, FL,
September 7th, 2016
• Liang Y., Safford T.K.,“Analysis of Outgassing Properties of Candidate Materials for Use With the
nEXO Experiment”, Closing Program Talk – University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Physics
REU, Loomis Physics Laboratory Room 464, Champaign, IL, August 10, 2016
• Liang Y., Safford T.K “Search for Neutrinoless Double Beta Decay”, Mid-Program Talk –
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign Physics REU, Loomis Physics Laboratory Room 464,
Champaign, IL, June 30, 2016
• Molek C.D., Safford T.K.,“Microstructural Characterization of Pressed Octagon via Computer
Analysis”, Concluding Debrief on Summer Research, High Energy Explosives Research and
Development Briefing Room, Eglin Air Force Base, FL, August 6, 2015
Other Conferences Attended:
• United States Hispanic Chamber of Conference 2016, Miami Beach City, FL, October 10-12, 2016
• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship – Southeast Region Chapter Camp, YoungLife Camp, Carolina
Point, Brevard, NC, May 10-15, 2016
• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship – REMIX Southeast Region Black Student Conference, Holiday
Inn Hotel and Suites Atlanta Airport –North, 1380 Virginia Ave, Atlanta, GA, February 19 - 21,
2016
• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship – Southeast Region, Focus Week, Panama City, FL, May 3-8,2015
• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship – Southeast Region, Voice of the Nations, Lake Forest Ranch:
5326 Lake Forest Road, Macon, MS, May 10-15, 2014
Panel Discussions (by invitation):
• University of West Florida CSEH Scholars - Staff-Student Panel, September 15, 2015

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O Invited by the request of Dr. Karen Molek, assistant professor in the chemistry department
and head of the UWF MARC Scholar program
o Led discussion with other upperclassmen STEM students to provide advice and guidance for
upcoming or interested STEM students
• University of West Florida CSEH Scholars - URM Student Panel, August 11, 2015
o Invited by the request of Dr. Karen Molek, assistant professor in the chemistry department
and head of the UWF MARC Scholar program
o One of three upperclassmen MARC Scholar students that were guest panelists to describe the
personal and academic concerns, struggles, and desires of STEM students
• People to People – Gangs in Newport News Discussion Panel, January 12, 2012
o 1 of 15 Newport News teenagers who talked about the presence of gangs
o Discussed plans of attack to decrease the city’s increasing gang membership
Interviews and Media Publicity
• “UWF senior wings prestigious scholarship”, Pensacola News Journal, November 30, 2016
• “2016 Bright Horizons Scholarship Winners”, Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarship, October
17, 2016
• “Liberty Power Honors 2016 Bright Horizons Scholarship Winners”, The Current, Beatriz Thibeaux,
October 13, 2016
• Volume 166, The Lions’ Den University Report, February 8, 2015
• “IVCF plans for 2015”, The Voyager, Alina Newman, University of West Florida, January 15, 2015
• “Young Man’s Dream”, The Pensacola Voice, October 24, 2013
• “One more memory together for Denbigh grads”, Daily Press, June 10, 2012
• “Denbigh Valedictorian 2012: Twymun Safford”, Newport News Public Schools – MediaCenter,
June 2012
• “NNOA awards scholarships to Hampton Roads students”, The Flagship, MCSN Karen
Blankenship, Navy Public Affairs Support Element East, May 17, 2012
• “Black male scholars coveted”, Daily Press, David Squires, May 16, 2012
• “Gang issues the focus of Newport News panel discussion”, Daily Press, Joe Lawlor, January 12,
2012
• “Engineering excellence: how NASA Langley and the Newport News Aviation Academy are
impacting education in the 21st century”, WordPress.com, Michael T. Wagner, September 2011
• “SALUTE TO SUCCESS: WARWICK STUDENT CLAYTON SMITH WINS LETT
SCHOLARSHIP”, Newport News Public Schools, May 15, 2009
Programming Languages, Instrumentation, and Skills
• Computer Drafting Programs: AutoCAD 2011, Blender, CATIA V5, SolidWorks 2008
• Game Emulation/Development Programs: DeSmuME 0.9.11, Dolphin 4.0.2, ePSXe 2.0, Fusion
3.64, iDeaS 1.0.4.0, NeoPop, Nestopia 1.40, NO$GBA 2.8d, Project64 1.6, RPG Maker 2003,
Satourne 2.0 Beta3, Snes9x, Visual Boy Advance 1.8.0, ZSNES 1.51
• Graphic Design Programs: Adobe Acrobat, Foxit Reader, GIMP 2.2.8, Inkscape 0.91, Paint.NET
3.5.11
• Internet/Declarative Languages and Software: CSS, HTML, IPS Community Suite, PHP,
Windows Movie Maker 1.1
• Laboratory Equipment/Instrumentation: 2440 Tektronix Digital Oscilloscope, Agilent (HP)
70206A Oscilloscope, Mettler Toledo-AG104, PASCO Ohaus Electronic Balance, PASCO

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Photogate Timers, PASCO Introductory Michelson Interferometer OS-8501, PASCO Millikan Oil
Drop Apparatus AP-8210A, PASCO e/m Apparatus SE-9638, PASCO Student Spectrometer SP-
9268A, PASCO PS-3204 Wireless pH Sensor, PASCO SF-8711 Stainless Steel Calipers, PASCO
SE-7337 Micrometer, TELTRON Tel-X-Ometer Tel. 580, PASCO Stopwatches, PASCO Triple
Beam and Cent-O-Gram Balance, PASCO SF-9214 2.0 meter Air Track, PASCO SA-9241
Atwood’s Machine, PASCO ME-8950A Complete Rotational System, PASCO ME-9491 Dynamic
Cart Fan, PASCO ME-8949 Equal Arm Balance, PASCO Hooke’s Law Spring Set SE-8749,
PASCO PAScar ME-6950, PASCO CI-6512 RLC Circuit, PASCO SB-9549A Wide Range Function
Generator, PASCO SE-9460 Spectral Tube Power Supply and Mount, Thermo Scientific Cimarec+
Stirrer, Thermo Scientific IEC CL2 Centrifuge
• Microsoft Office Programs: Access 2016, Excel 2016, Outlook 2016, PowerPoint 2016, Publisher
2016, Word 2016
• Operating Systems: Windows (98 – Windows 10), Mac OS X Lion, Linux, Linux Mint, Ubuntu
• Programming Languages: ASP.NET, C, C++, MATLAB, CERN ROOT, jGrasp, NetBeans IDE
8.1, Python 2.7.3, Turbo Pascal v5.5
• Document Preparation/Editing Languages: LaTeX
• Simulation/Data Acquisition Programs and Hardware: Gnuplot, IGOR Pro Technical Graphing
and Data Analysis Software, Mathcad 15, National Instruments MultiSim, NIDA Model 130E
Training Console, LabVIEW, Spartan Student v5, Stanford Research Systems Residual Gas
Analyzer Software
• Skills: Calibration (Interferometer), Decantation, Gravimetric Analysis, Filtration (Gravity,
Suction), Measurement of Electrostatic Charge, Pressure Distillation, Sample Heating(Hotplate),
Sample Drying (Desiccation), Sample Recrystallization, Soldering, Solvent Extraction,
Spectroscopy, Titration, Volumetric Techniques (Burette, Pipette), X-Ray Diffraction
Affiliations (professional affiliations)
• APS NMC Mentee (2016-Present)
• Collegiate 100 - Fundraising Committee Charlie Class (2014 - Present)
• Sigma Pi Sigma - Society of Physics Students (2014 - Present)
• University of West Florida Math Club (2014 - Present)
• American Physical Society (2015-Present)
• UWF Math Club (2014 – Present)
• UWF Chemistry Club (2014 – Present)
• The Society for Collegiate Leadership & Achievement (2016 – Present)
• W.E.B Du Bois Honor Society (2014 – Present)
• Undergraduate Ventures Scholar Program (2016-Present)
Honors and Awards
• GEM Consortium Fellowship (2017)
• University of West Florida – Office of Undergraduate Research Travel Award ($1000) (2017)
• American Physical Society – Travel Award ($200) (2016)
• Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarship – 1st Place ($10,000) (2016)
• Bookstore Scholarship (2016)
• LNSEC Emergency Scholarship (2016)
• MARC-U-STAR - NIH Funded Scholar Grantee -$24,672 (2015-Present)
• W.E.B. Du Bois – Honor Roll Award (2015 – Present)

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• Financial Aid Grant (2015)
• FL Student Assistance Grant (2015 – Present)
• 21st Century Scholars – Honor Roll Award (2015-Present)
• Who's Who Scholarship Recipient (2015)
• University of West Florida School of Science and Engineering - Dean's Honor List (2013 - Present)
• AHEPA-Pensacola Charitable Foundation, Inc. – Scholarship (2013)
• Denbigh High School Valedictorian – Class of 2012 (2012)
• STEM National Naval Officers' Association Scholarship - $10,000 (2012)
• Newport News Public Schools – Honor Roll (2008-2012)
• Newport News Public Schools – AP Scholar with Honors (2012)
• Hampton-Newport News Alumni Chapter of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc - Archie C. Felton
Memorial Scholarship (2013)
• Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., Kappa Iota Iota Chapter – Scholarship (2012)
• Peninsula Sports Club – College Scholarship Award (2012)
• Newport News Public Schools' STAR Award (Volunteer) - 2012
• 100+ Black Men Black Tie Gala Honoree - 2012
• 200+ Black Men Scholar's Breakfast - 2012 (Attendee: 2009-2012)
• 1st Place - Denbigh High School Science Fair (Psychological Studies - "Stroop Effect") - 2012
• Denbigh High School Class of 2012 - Valedictorian
• Denbigh High School Salute to Success (Top Student - Denbigh High School) - 2009-2011
• People to People Ambassador Candidate - (2007, 2011)
• College of William and Mary Leadership Award (2011)
• Top GPA - Aviation Academy (2009-2012)
Professional and Community Service
Collegiate 100 Black Men of America, Inc. – Pensacola Chapter
• Participated to help set up for the College Activity Board’s “Open Mic Night” events where my
responsibilities included setting up and taking down equipment, assisting guests with seating, and
handling paperwork.
• Volunteered off campus to assist with paperwork necessary to provide the homeless, impoverished,
and disabled with donations in the form of clothing and food.
• Mentored at Pensacola High School in Pensacola, Florida where I assisted in tutoring and mentoring
at-risk or troubled teens in need of guidance, direction, or a big brother/big sister figure to guide them
away from crime and juvenile behavior towards their dreams and ambitions.
• Actively participated in the Martin Luther King Day of Service with responsibilities and tasks
including sanitizing the Boys’ and Girls’ Club facilities, participating as a marcher in the parade, and
assisting in post-festivities clean up.
• Hosted and participated in a blood drive to raise awareness for the need of blood donors to actively
give plasma and red blood platelets.
• Other responsibilities included hosting events centered on STD awareness/prevention, academic
integrity, financial responsibility, and career options.
University of West Florida MARC Scholar
• I prepared documentation including budget plans, seating arrangements on flights, and transportation
costs for conferences where students presented research, networked with graduate school advisors
and recruiters, and
• Anticipated volunteer work to be conducted at the Pensacola MESS Hall in downtown Pensacola,
Florida, where students in the K-12 education system will have the opportunity to learn about science
through hands-on activities.

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CSEH Scholars
• I served as a panel member and facilitator between students and STEM faculty to foster
understanding, wisdom, and perspectives concerning the academic and personal thoughts, dreams,
and struggles of students when it comes to the academic world at the University of West Florida.
• I served as a panel member where I shared my perspectives and experiences as an upper classman in
a STEM major with freshman and sophomore students in STEM.
W.E.B. Du Bois Society
• I participated at the Ronald McDonald House where I assisted in sanitizing the facilities and
preparing them for guests that were visiting or already taking residence for their ill loved ones.
• I assisted in designing flyers that were used in a campaign to gather clothing donations for the
impoverished and for infants. Donations included socks, jeans, and other clothing articles needed for
the winter months.
Society of Physics Students
• I assisted in setting up science and technology displays and interactive tables for middle school
students on Saturday with a program known as “Future Physicists”.
• I volunteered as a concession stand cashier/vendor during the Society of Physics Students (SPS)
hosted movie night that included the use of “3D” glasses.
Languages
• English: Read and Speak Fluently
• Spanish: Read Fluently
• Patois: Read and Translate Fluently
• French: Beginning
• Latin: Beginning
• Gullah: Intermediate
• Afrikaans: Beginning