Project Description: This project studies how defects can affect phase transitions and other properties of matter at high-pressure conditions (such as those existing at the deep interiors of planets or created by planetary impacts, laser shock or diamond-anvil cell experiments). The research is conducted by computer simulations (e.g., ab initio electronic structure methods) using high-performance computing facilities. We work closely with experimentalists and theorists inhouse at UR/LLE and beyond (national labs and other tier-one universities). Students who are interested in learning more are encouraged to see our recent publications (https://scholar.google.com/citations?hl=en&user=Hzbo2JsAAAAJ&view_op=list_works&sortby=pubdate) and contact Dr. Shuai Zhang (szha@lle.rochester.edu) prior to the application.

Requirements/Qualification: Required – motivated and able to commit to research (~4-10 hours/week), willing to learn; having taken classes and performed well in solid state physics, quantum mechanics, physical chemistry, thermodynamics, or similar courses Plus - Experience with Linux, programming, or materials simulations