Physics · Research · Technology
I'm Erick Flores, a physics graduate working where scientific analysis, education, and software meet.
Selected work
Research, software, and data projects united by careful reasoning and practical outcomes.
An iOS app I’m building for guided reflection. Choose a journey, explore meaningful questions, and write in your own words. Return to your journal as your perspective changes.
Explore the app website
Screens from the app in development. Reflections, recommendations, and progress use demo data.
Analyzed polymer characterization data in OriginPro and contributed to a conference poster examining composition-linked changes in crystalline behavior.
How does adding polystyrene (PS) affect the crystalline structure of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)?
The study compared melt-mixed blends using wide-angle X-ray scattering. Lorentzian fits in OriginPro tracked diffraction peak positions and widths across compositions.
PVDF retained its dominant alpha crystalline form, but increasing PS weakened crystalline order. Changes in peak positions and widths were consistent with lattice distortion, disorder, and strain.
UTRGV’s 2026 STEM conference lists Erick Alan Flores presenting the XRD work with Dr. Mircea Chipara as mentor.
UTRGV conference recordThe related APS Global Physics Summit 2026 abstract is titled “On the Phase Transitions in Polystyrene-Polyvinylidene Fluoride Blends.” Mircea Chipara is listed as presenter. This is a conference abstract, not a journal article or the XRD poster PDF shown above.
Read the official APS abstractBuilt Python workflows for media metadata repair and for structuring local Messages data into privacy-aware SQLite and CSV datasets.
A self-hosted scheduling app designed to replace a weekly paper-and-spreadsheet workflow. Managers build and publish shifts from a desktop grid; workers check schedules in a focused mobile view. The repository documents a Go and PostgreSQL backend, access-controlled manager and worker views, and a Windows office-host deployment.
View the GitHub repository
Captured from the running app with demo data. Select an image to view it at full size.
Experience
My path is multidisciplinary by design. Each role strengthened the same core skills: observe carefully, communicate clearly, and adapt quickly.
2025 — 2026
UTRGV · Center for Nanotechnology · NSF PREM
Prepared PS–PVDF mixtures, operated a FibeRio FIBERLAB L1000 under research procedures, documented process settings, and supported XRD, TGA, and DTG data analysis.
2024
IDEA Public Schools
Adapted quantitative explanations to student readiness, broke down difficult concepts, and helped students build confidence through clear, patient support.
2018 — 2019
Rio Grande City Grulla ISD
Managed classrooms across age groups and subjects, delivered assigned lessons, and adapted quickly while maintaining a productive learning environment.
How I work
Physics trained me to question assumptions and follow evidence. Teaching trained me to meet people where they are. Customer-facing work trained me to stay composed when the pace changes. I bring all three perspectives to technical problems.
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