Seminars
Attending seminars is a great way to expand your knowledge in our areas of physics, astronomy, and materials science. Invited faculty, PAMS alumni, and speakers from the industry give talks on their research/work. Members of the PAMS department are highly encouraged to attend our seminars. The MSU community as a whole is also more than welcome to attend.
Kemper Hall 204 or on Zoom/Teams
Thursdays, 4:00 p.m.*
List of previous seminars. See the CNAS Events for other college seminars.
* Unless otherwise noted
Fall 2024 Seminar Schedule
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 8/22 | 1st week of classes | No seminar |
| 8/29 |
Dr. Darou Han |
In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) on the Moon: From Regolith to Metals |
| Abstract: In this “Age of Artemis” for lunar exploration, we are excited to work on some challenging and interesting projects related to the theme of In-Situ Resource Utilization (ISRU) on the Moon. Particularly, I will present two ongoing projects funded by NASA: 1) a project looking into regolith beneficiation (separation of lunar regolith particles by size and composition) with novel electrodynamic designs; and 2) a concept of producing aluminum in-situ on the Moon through molten salt electrolysis. So come and join the presentation/discussion and … To the Moon! | ||
| 9/5 | Dr. Michael Penwarden Sandia National Laboratories |
Physics-Informed Machine Learning (PIML): Applications and Methodologies |
|
Abstract: Physics-Informed Machine Learning (PIML) has emerged as a mean of solving partial differential equations (PDEs) in computational science and engineering (CS&E). In particular, two paradigms have emerged: dataless Physics-Informed Neural Networks (PINNs) and data-driven neural operators. At the burgeoning of a new field, there is an opportunity to bring in existing methodological knowledge to develop novel architectures for a wide variety of applications. I will cover the fundamentals of these models, examples of new methodologies, application areas, and finally an idea of the direction the field is going and future potential. The talk will take a broad and informative approach since the field is still nascent. |
||
| 9/12 | David Beckwitt (alum) University of Missouri |
X-Ray Diffraction Investigation into CVD-Grown van der Waals Films: Disorder and Structure |
| Abstract: Van der Waals (vdW) materials, characterized by their vertically stacked two-dimensional (2D) layers, exhibit unique electronic properties due to the weak vdW interactions between the layers. Using x-ray diffraction with an area detector, we explore vdW thin films of PbI2 grown by chemical vapor deposition (CVD) as well as resultant 2D perovskite films produced by intercalating PbI2 films with long chain organic cations. Owing to the weak vdW interaction with the substrate, the films grow flat on any substrate. Furthermore, rotational disorder is observed in the film plane, giving rise to a 2D powder. This 2D powder manifests as well-defined diffraction spots, which we have quantitatively modeled. The area detector is particularly effective for observing stacking disorder that is another consequence of the weak vdW interaction between the layers. The interpretation and modeling of the diffraction images will be discussed and represents a broadly useful approach for investigating layered vdW systems which comprise a ubiquitous class of materials. | ||
| 9/19 | Dr. Derek Meyers Oklahoma State University |
TBA |
| 9/26 | Dr. Thushari Jayasekera Southern Illinois University |
TBA |
| 10/3 | Dr. Nirmal Ghimire University of Notre Dame |
TBA |
| Zoom/Teams Seminar. | ||
| 10/10 | Fall Break | No seminar |
| 10/17 | ||
| 10/24 | Dr. Tansu Daylan Washington University in St. Louis |
TBA |
| 10/31 |
Dr. Wan Shou |
TBA |
| Zoom/Teams Seminar. | ||
| 11/7 | Dr. Delower Hossain (alum) | TBA |
| Zoom/Teams Seminar. | ||
| 11/14 | Dr. Andrzej Baran Missouri State University |
TBA |
| 11/21 | Yadira Gaibor (alum) Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
TBA |
| Zoom/Teams Seminar. | ||
| 11/28 | Thanksgiving Holiday | No seminar |
| 12/5 | Last week of classes | No seminar |
| 12/12 | Finals' week | No seminar |
Previous Seminars
Spring 2024
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2/1 | Dr. Carissa Jones Brewer Science |
Development of Sensing Systems for Real-Time, Water Quality Measurements |
| 2/8 | Dr. Bernadette Broderick University of Missouri |
Conformer-specific Desorption in Interstellar Ices Probed by Chirped-pulse mm-Wave Rotational Spectroscopy |
| 2/15 | Dr. Dmitry Ovchinnikov University of Kansas |
Van der Waals Topological Magnets and Superconductors |
| 2/22 | Dr. Rana Biswas Ames National Laboratory and Iowa State University |
Novel Physical Phenomena in Nano-arrays and Nanostructures |
| 2/29 | Gabriele Corso Massachusetts Institute of Technology |
DiffDock: Diffusion Steps, Twists, and Turns for Molecular Docking |
| 3/7 | Dr. Adam Miller Northwestern University |
Mind the Gap: Capturing the Bright and Fast Transient Sky Missed by Rubin/LSST with LS4 |
| 3/21 | Dr. Dipanjan Mazumdar Southern Illinois University |
Theory-driven Experimental Search of Novel Magnetic Materials for Nanotechnology Applications |
| 4/4 | Dr. Tanvi Gujarati IBM Research, Almaden |
Applications of Quantum Computing for Problems in Chemistry and Material Sciences |
| 4/11 | Dr. Xiaofeng Guo Washington State University |
Understanding Thermodynamics of Critical Metal Materials under Extreme Conditions |
| 4/18 | Rajan Khadka (alum) Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute |
Thermal and Mechanical Properties of Organic-Inorganic Nanolaminates |
| 4/25 | Dr. Timothy Jones Craven Community College |
Misconceptions about Teaching, from a Community College Perspective |
Fall 2023
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 9/21 | Dr. Steven Harrellson (alum) Columbia University |
Hydration Solids |
| 9/28 | Austin Shearin (alum) SynTouch, Inc. |
What I thought I learned, what I actually learned, and what I wished I learned from getting a bachelors in Physics |
| 9/29 | Dr. Ariful Haque (alum) Texas State University |
(i) Fully funded Ph.D. opportunities in MSEC at Texas State University |
| 10/5 | Dr. Saikat Talapatra Southern Illinois University |
Emerging Nanomaterials & Composites for Electronics, Energy & Environmental Applications |
| 10/19 | Chenfeng Cao Hongkong University of Science and Technology |
Accelerated Variational Quantum Eigensolver with Joint Bell Measurement |
| 10/26 | Dr. Halya Hodovanets Missouri University of Science and Technology |
Inversion and Time-reversal Symmetry Broken Weyl Semimetal |
| 11/2 | Dr. Kurt Brorsen University of Missouri |
Calculating Vibrationally Averaged Molecular Properties with Multicomponent Methods |
| 11/9 | Dr. Andrew Meng University of Missouri |
Epitaxial AlScN Films and Nanowires for Ferroelectric Random-Access Memory Applications |
| 11/16 |
Dr. Elisabeth Mills |
Hidden Engines: Uncovering the Workings of the Nearest Galaxy Centers |
| 11/30 | Dr. Mohammadreza Momenitaheri University of Missouri, Kansas City |
Stimuli-Responsive Multi-Functional 2D and 3D Nanoporous Materials in Condensed Phases |
Spring 2023
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 2/2 |
Simon Batzner |
Equivariant Interatomic Potentials |
| 2/9 | Dr. Deepak Singh University of Missouri |
Designer Magnet with Fundamental and Practical Implications |
| 2/23 | John Dagdelen University of California, Berkeley |
Natural Language Processing for Accelerating Scientific Breakthroughs |
| 3/2 | Dr. Julia Medvedeva Missouri University of Science and Technology |
Fundamentals of Amorphous Oxide Semiconductors |
| 3/9 | Isaac Laseter University of Wisconsin-Madison |
The JWST Advanced Deep Extragalactic Survey (JADES): The First Results from the Deepest Observations of the Universe to Date |
| 4/13 | Dr. Sheng Ran Washington University in St. Louis |
Spin-triplet Superconducting State in the Nearly Ferromagnetic Compound UTe2 |
| 4/27 | Dr. Yijia Gu Missouri University of Science and Technology |
Phase-field Modeling of Ferroelectrics: Polarization Rotation and Flexoelectricity |
| 5/4 | Dr. Bret Lehmer University of Arkansas |
An X-ray Perspective on the Evolution of Galaxies Throughout the Universe |
Fall 2022
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 8/25 | Dr. Arthur Mar University of Alberta |
Materials Discovery through Machine Learning: Experimental Validation and Interpretable Models |
| 9/15 | Dr. Katharine Flores Washington University in St. Louis |
High-throughput Investigations of Phase Formation and Mechanical Properties in Complex Metallic Alloys |
| 9/29 | Alex Miller (alum) ThermAvant Technologies |
2010 Alumni Update: Career Paths, Thermal Management R&D, and In-state Job Opportunities |
| 10/20 | Dr. Alice Bean University of Kansas |
Experimental Particle Physics and Tracking Detectors |
| 11/3 | Dr. Daniel Moreno Missouri State University |
Exploring the Limits of Electrosorption-Based Electrodes for Capacitive Deionization Using Thermodynamic Principles |
| 11/10 | Dr. Manashi Nath Missouri University of Science and Technology |
The Story of Transition Metal Chalcogenides: Multifaceted Electrochemical Applications for Energy Conversion, Storage, Sensing & Catalysis |
| 12/1 | Dr. Ruma Dutta Missouri State University |
Multiple Attractor in Tumor Immune Dynamics |
Spring 2022
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1/27 |
Christian Stepien (PAMS) |
Analysis of Thorium Ions in Chloride Aqueous Solutions using Raman Spectroscopy |
| 2/10 | Devon Romine (PAMS) | Modeling Atomic Layer Deposition of Alumina as an Ultra-Thin Tunnel Barrier Using Reactive Molecular Dynamics |
| 2/16 | Bandon Decker University of Missouri-Kansas City |
Stellar Mass Properties of Infrared-selected High-redshift Galaxy Clusters from MaDCoWS |
| 2/17 | Emily Justus (PAMS) | Applications of a Combined Approach of Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations and Machine Learning to Model Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of Metal Oxides |
| 3/3 | Dr. Mahmud Reaz (alum) Microchip Technology Inc. |
Reliability of Silicon Devices - Hot Electron Effects |
| 3/10 | Dr. Corrinne Mills University of Illinois-Chicago & Fermilab |
Baryogenesis, Higgs Bosons, and What's Next |
|
3/24 |
Dr. Guang Bian University of Missouri-Columbia |
Cloning of Dirac Electrons in Graphene/SiC Heterostructure |
| 3/29 | Farhan Ishrak (PAMS) | Investigations of Mn-Co-NiO Based Heterostructured Nanocrystals |
| Sharif Uddin (PAMS) | A Study of Bimagnetic CoO/NiFe2O4 Heterostructured Nanoparticles | |
| 3/31 | Dr. Soumitra SenGupta Indian Association for the Cultivation of Science |
Gravitational Wave: The Song of the Cosmos |
| 4/7 | Dr. Xiaobo Chen University of Missouri-Kansas City |
Chasing Clean Energy and Environment Dream with Nanoscience: Photocatalysis, Rechargeable Battery, Hydrogen Production & Others – A Brief Summary of Our Past Research |
| 4/21 | Ripon Saha University of Missouri-Kansas City |
Identifying Large-scale Structures Using Dust-obscured Galaxies (DOGs) as Signposts 9-10 Billion Light-years Away |
| 4/28 | Dr. Tommy Sewell University of Missouri-Columbia |
Predicting Multiscale Responses of Organic High Explosives Subjected to Thermo-Mechanical Extremes |
| 5/5 | Dr. Xiangbo (Henry) Meng University of Arkansas |
Atomic & Molecular Layer Deposition (ALD/MLD) for Emerging Research Studies |
| 5/12 | Dr. Hiro Nakamura University of Arkansas |
Angle-resolved Photoelectron Spectroscopy: 2D Materials and Heterostructures |
Fall 2021
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 9/2 |
Rifat Ara Shams (PAMS) |
Study of Structural, Electrical and Optical Properties of Copper Oxide Phase Mixture Thin Films Grown by Pulsed Laser Deposition |
| 9/9 | Bishwajite Karmakar (PAMS) | Study of Structural and Magnetic Properties of Ni-NiO Thin Films |
| 9/16 | Dr. Adam Brandt (alum) Colorado State University & NIST |
A Measurement of the 2S1/2 - 8D5/2 Transition in Hydrogen |
| 9/23 | Dr. Conal Murray IBM T.J. Watson Research Center |
Investigating Material Improvements in Superconducting Qubits |
| 9/30 | Dr. Shun Saito Missouri University of Science and Technology |
Cosmic Acceleration and the Role of Galaxy Surveys |
| 10/14 |
Dr. Yicheng Guo |
Dissecting Distant Galaxies: How Sub-structures Shed Light on Galaxy Formation and Evolution |
| 10/21 |
Dr. Maria Mills |
Force-based Detection of Sub-millisecond Topo-isomerase IA Dynamics |
| 10/28 |
Dr. Wai-Lun Chan University of Kansas |
Turning Light into Electricity – How Excitons Dissociate at van der Waals Interfaces |
| 11/4 | Emily Justus (PAMS) | Applications of a Combined Approach of Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations and Machine Learning to Model Atomic Layer Deposition (ALD) of Metal Oxides |
| 11/11 | Devon Romine (PAMS) |
Modeling Atomic Layer Deposition of Alumina as an Ultra-thin Tunnel Barrier using Reactive Molecular Dynamics |
| 11/18 |
Dr. Damena Agonafer Washington University in St. Louis |
Bioinspired Evaporative Cooling for High Heat Flux Applications |
| 12/2 |
Dr. Rizal Hariadi Arizona State University |
Understanding Molecular Machines using Protein and DNA Origami Nanoarrays |
| 12/9 | Dr. Jingyi Chen University of Arkansas |
Controlling Three Dimensional Morphology of Nonprecious Metal-Based Nanostructures |
Spring 2021
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1/21 |
Dr. Jason Jackiewicz |
Seismology of Sun and Stars |
| 1/28 | Dr. Michael Gordon Æsir Technologies |
Nickel-Zinc Battery Research Opportunities |
| 2/4 | Kwabena Asante Boahen (PAMS) | Modeling of Argon Bombardment and Densification of Low-temperature Organic Precursors using Reactive Molecular Dynamics Simulations and Machine Learning |
| 2/11 | Dr. Oliver C. Grant Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia |
Virus-Receptor Interactions of Glycosylated SARS-CoV-2 Spike and Human ACE2 Receptor |
| 3/2 | Bikash Timalsina (PAMS) | Development of EAM and RF-MEAM Potential to Study Thermal Properties of Zirconium Diboride |
| Bishwajite Karmakar (PAMS) | Tuning Physical Properties of ZnO for Optoelectronics Applications | |
| 2/25 | Dr. Cathy Wong University of Oregon |
In Situ Transient Absorption Spectroscopy During Materials Formation |
| 3/4 | Dr. Robert Baker National eXtreme Ultrafast Science (NeXUS), Ohio State University |
Watching Electrons Move at Interfaces: Visualizing Charge and Spin Dynamics Using Ultrafast XUV Spectroscopy |
| 3/11 |
Alin Niraula (PAMS) |
Transport Properties of Binary and Doped Diborides |
| Abiodun Odusanya (PAMS) | A Study of Laser-assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Technique to Grow Carbon-based Materials | |
| 3/25 | Shannon Dulz (PhD student, alum) University of Notre Dame |
Cold Exoplanets: Ground-based Direct Imaging and Population Studies Planning for Future Space Missions |
| 4/8 | Dr. Vashti Sawtelle Michigan State University |
Research on Inclusive Practices: Supporting Two-Year College Transfer Students in the Physics Community |
| 4/15 | Dr. Ryan Behunin Northern Arizona University |
Noise in Integrated Photonic Brillouin Lasers |
| 4/22 | Dr. Marilu Perez Garcia Ames National Laboratory |
Designing Ligands with Predetermined Metal Ion Selectivity using Electronic Structure Theory, Machine Learning, and Molecular Mechanics |
| 4/23 | Rifat Ara Shams (PAMS) | Electrical and Optical Properties of CuO-Cu2O Phase Mixture for Solar Cell Application |
| 4/29 | Joshua Kern (alum) Clemson University |
Using ro-vibrational Emission from Protoplanetary Disks in Order to Observe Accretion and Planet Formation in Action |
| 4/30 | Abu Zobair (PAMS) | Effect of Pulsed Laser Annealing on the Optoelectronic Properties of ZnO Thin Films |
| Sajal Islam (PAMS) | Simulation and Fabrication of All Oxide Based Glass/ITO/TiO2/CuO/Au Heterostructure for Solar Cell Application |
Fall 2020
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 9/3 | David Magness (PAMS) | Kinetic Monte Carlo Simulations of Atomic Layer Deposition |
| Tauhidul Islam (PAMS) | Study of Size-controlled CoO@MnFe2O4 Core-shell Nanoparticle | |
| 9/10 | Dr. Matthew Horton Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory |
Democratizing Access to Materials Science with the Materials Project |
| 9/17 | Nadib Akram (PAMS) | A Raman Study of Actinide Complex Species in Aqueous Chloride Solutions at High P-T Conditions |
| Sudha Krishnan (PAMS) | Exploring Topological Weyl Semimetals Isostructural to YbMnBi2 and Co2MnGa | |
| 9/24 | Dr. Andrew Mason University of Central Arkansas |
Do They Care, and Does It Matter? An Analysis of Learning Goals and Perceived Relevance of Introductory Physics to Life Science Majors |
| 10/1 | Dr. Jessica Krogstad University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign |
Exploring the Potential of Concentrated Point Defects: Their Role in Mass Transport, Microstructural Evolution and Material Functionality |
| 10/15 |
Dr. Paul Canfield |
Cooking, Fishing and Jogging through Phase Space: A Practical Guide to Discovering and Understanding New Materials |
| 10/22 | Dr. Dilpuneet Aidhy University of Wyoming |
Properties of Concentrated Alloys Predicted from Atomistic Calculations and Machine Learning |
| 10/29 | Abiodun Odusanya (PAMS) |
A Study of Laser-assisted Chemical Vapor Deposition (CVD) Technique to Grow Carbon-based Materials |
| Sajal Islam (PAMS) | TiO2-CuO Heterostructure Solar Cell for Cost Effective and Better Optoelectronic Properties | |
| 11/5 | Alin Niraula (PAMS) | Predicting Thermal Conductivity of High Temperature Ceramics (Diborides) |
| Abu Zobair (PAMS) | Effect of Pulsed Laser Annealing on ZnO Thin Films | |
| 11/12 | Dr. Alannah Hallas University of British Columbia |
Competing Orders and Phases in Pyrochlore Magnets |
| 11/19 | Bikash Timalsina (PAMS) | EAM and RF-MEAM Interatomic Potential Development to Study Thermal Properties of Zirconium Diboride |
| 12/3 | Dr. Catherine Espaillat Boston University |
A Panchromatic View of Variability in Protoplanetary Disks |
Spring 2020
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 1/23 |
Yuxuan Lu (PAMS) |
Reactive MD Simulation on the Formation of Amorphous Sub-nano Alumina Layer |
| Moudip Nandi (PAMS) | Synthesis and Characterization of Barium Titanate and Carbon-based Core-Shell Nano Particles | |
| 1/30 | Abdullah Shafe (PAMS) | Magnetic Properties of NiO Based Magnetic Heterostructured Nano Crystals (MHNCs) |
| Joy Roy (PAMS) | Fabrication of CFO@C Core/Shell Nanoparticles by Laser Ablation | |
| 2/6 | Dr. Mallory Molina Montana State University |
Resolving Black Hole and Star-Formation Activity in Nearby Galaxies |
| 2/7 | Dr. Mallory Molina Montana State University |
Towards a More Inclusive Astronomy: Building Community for All in Academia |
| 2/13 | Christopher Robledo (PAMS) | Heterostructure of 2D Materials |
| Shahidul Asif (PAMS) | Study of ZnO for Thin Film Transistor | |
| 2/20 | Dr. Bharat Ratra Kansas State University |
The Accelerating Expanding Universe: Dark Matter, Dark Energy, and Einstein's Cosmological Constant, or Why Jim Peebles was Awarded Half of the 2019 Physics Nobel Prize |
| 2/27 | Dr. Wouter Montfrooij University of Missouri, Columbia |
Does Spontaneous Fragmentation of a Magnetic Lattice Lead to Heavy Fermion Behavior? |
| 3/5 | Dr. Ariful Haque (alum) North Carolina State University |
Fabrication of Q-carbon and Diamond Films by Ultrafast Laser Processing and Deposition for Electron Field Emission and Electrocatalysis Applications |
Fall 2019
| Date | Speaker | Title |
|---|---|---|
| 8/29 |
Rajan Khadka (PAMS) |
Study of Amorphous Boron Carbide (a-BxC) Materials using Molecular Dynamics (MD) and Hybrid Reverse Monte Carlo (HRMC) |
| Muztoba Rabbani (PAMS) | Development of Multicomponent EAM Potential for Ni Based SuperAlloy | |
| 9/5 |
Hayley Sohn (alum) |
Active Liquid Crystal Skyrmions |
| 9/12 | Sabila Kader Pinky (PAMS) | Molecular Dynamics (MD) Study of Creep Deformation in Ni-based Superalloy |
| 9/19 | Moudip Nandi (PAMS) | Synthesis and Characterization of Oxide Carbide Core Shell Nano Particles |
| Joy Roy (PAMS) | Fabrication of CFO@C Core/Shell Nanoparticles by Laser Ablation | |
| 9/26 | Abdullah Shafe (PAMS) | Structural and Magnetic Properties of NiO@MnxNi1-xO Core-Shell Nanoparticles Synthesized at Varying pH Values |
| Sinjan Majumder (PAMS) | Development of a CVD Assisted PLD System for Growing Thin Films | |
| 10/3 | Dr. Alexander Kozhanov Georgia State University |
Spin Waves in Structured Ferromagnetic Materials |
|
10/16 |
Dr. Lloyd Lumata |
Hyperpolarized Magnetic Resonance: Enhancing NMR and MRI Signals by >10,000-fold for Real-Time Metabolic Assessment of Cancer |
| 10/24 |
Dr. Marco Cavaglià |
Unraveling the Universe's Deepest Mysteries with Gravitational Waves |
| 10/31 | Dr. Rao Khan Washington University in St. Louis |
Keeping Physics Relevant in Ever-changing Practice of Radiological Medicine |
| 11/7 | Dr. Yew San Hor Missouri University of Science and Technology |
Promising Candidates for Topological Superconductors |
| 11/14 | Christopher Robledo (PAMS) | Heterostructure of 2D Materials |
| Shahidul Asif (PAMS) | A Comparative Study of Characteristics of ZnO TFT for Various Substrate and Fabrication Parameters | |
| 12/5 | Dr. Emmett Redd Missouri State University |
Mathematics and Physics: How to Make Artificial Intelligence More Like Biological Intelligence |