Our group focuses on using theory, modeling and simulation to  advance our understanding and predictive capabilities of the physics and chemistry of materials. 

We employ a wide range of methods, ranging from electronic structure calculations to atomistic simulations (molecular dynamics and Monte Carlo) to mesoscale methods (dislocation dynamics, Monte Carlo, phase field methods) to coarse-grained methods for dislocations and polymers. 

Recently, we have begun to branch out in new directions in science, in engineering, and in education.  An example is a course that we have begun offering to Iowa State undergraduates on appropriate technology.  Taught in a village in Mali, a country in western, sub-saharan Africa, we focus on introducing students to the challenges of creating sustainable technology in the developing world.  A summary of our recent class can be found at Mali.

Recent photo albums can be found here (password protected)