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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
GPA: 3.50/4.00
ResearchExperience
Analysis of Outgassing Properties of Candidate Materials for Use With the nEXO Experiment
(05/201608/2016)
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
• 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.

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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
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
Work Experience
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
problemsolving 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

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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:
• 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
Poster Presentations:
• “Phenomenological Modeling for Langmuir Monolayers”, Student Scholars Symposium and Faculty
Research Showcase, University of West Florida, FL, April 21, 2016
• Phenomenological Modeling for Langmuir Monolayers”, American Physical Society Meeting 2015,
Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore Hilton Inner Harbor, Baltimore, MD, March 14-18, 2016
• “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
• “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:
• “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
• “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
• “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
• “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

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• “Microstructural Characterization of Pressed Octogen via Computer Analysis”, Concluding Debrief
of 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:
• University of West Florida CSEH Scholars - Staff-Student Panel, September 15, 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 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
• 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

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Programming Languages and Instrumentation
• Python 2.7.3
• CSS/HTML
• LaTeX Document
• IGOR Pro Technical Graphing and Data Analysis Software
• C
• C++
• MATLAB
• ASP.NET
• ASSEMBLY 8086
• Stanford Research Systems Residual Gas Analyzer Software
• GnuPlot
• AutoCAD 2011
• CATIA V5
• National Instruments MultiSim
• LabView
• ROOT
• Windows, Linux, Mac OS
Affiliations (professional affiliations)
• APS NMC Mentee (2016-Present)
• InterVarsity Christian Fellowship - Leader (2013 - Present) CrossImpact - Leader (2014 - Present)
Baptist Collegiate Ministries (2014 - Present)
• African American Student Associaton (2014 - 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)
• UWF Men (2015-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
• Liberty Power Bright Horizons Scholarship – 1st Place ($10,000) (2016)
• Bookstore Scholarship (2016)
• MARC-U-STAR NIH Funded Scholar Grantee (2015-Present)
• W.E.B. Du Bois – Honor Roll Award (2015 – Present)
• Financial Aid Grant (2015)
• FL Student Assistance Grant (2015 – Present)
• 21st Century Scholars – Honor Roll Award (2015-Present)
• Who's Who Scholarship Recipient (2015)

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• 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. 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.

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• 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