Science, Photos, and Code

Welcome to my website!

I’m a research engineer with a strong background in THz spectroscopy, imaging, and high-precision measurement systems. Over the years, I’ve worked on projects that blend science and engineering, tackling everything from photonics and magnetotransport to industrial applications of THz technologies.

Photography, however, has been a constant creative outlet for me, and one of the main reasons I built this website. Social media platforms often feel restrictive when it comes to sharing photos, both in how they’re displayed and structured. Here, I’ve created a space where I can showcase my work exactly the way I envision it—optimized and thoughtfully presented.

This site is also a learning project for me to explore modern web technologies. As I wanted a platform to share my photos, my priorities were clear: I needed image optimization tools and the ability to add a lightbox for photo viewing. The first version of this site was on self-hosted WordPress, but the performance left a lot to be desired. I then tried Hugo, which felt too limiting and focused primarily on converting Markdown documents to pages, with key web features baked into themes. It also lacked modern image optimization features like AVIF output.

Next, I explored Gatsby, which had better optimization but felt overly complex for my needs. Finally, I discovered Astro. With its excellent tutorial, built-in optimization (including AVIF and responsive “picture” tags), and flexibility, it was the perfect choice. I’ve since customized it further, adding a lightbox for viewing photos—initially using Glightbox for its lightweight approach, and later switching to PhotoSwipe for its polished experience and ability to load high-resolution images when zooming.

The code for this website, like most of my personal projects, is available on GitHub and GitLab, aligning with my commitment to FOSS (Free and Open Source Software) principles. I believe in the power of open collaboration and transparency, values I inherited from the academic research community, where sharing knowledge for a better future is key. That’s why I also publish my photography on Unsplash and Flickr, making it freely accessible for anyone to use.

When I’m not programming, building tools, or working on my photography, you’ll likely find me cycling on open roads, hiking through nearby trails, or enjoying a good movie. These activities help me recharge and bring fresh perspectives to both my technical and creative pursuits.

If you’d like to connect, check out my code, or just say hello, feel free to reach out. I’d love to hear from you!

Yours,
Aleksandr Kadykov