Supercomputer Institute Research Scholars Engaged in Postdoctoral Work at the University of Minnesota

The Supercomputer Institute is pleased this year to sponsor eight Research Scholars who are working in the fields of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics, Astronomy, Chemical Engineering and Materials Science, Computer Science, and Geology and Geophysics. Research Scholars are often postdoctoral associates who work closely with Supercomputer Institute principal investigators on cosponsored research initiatives supported by federal grants and the Supercomputer Institute.

Dr. Valmor Fernandes de Almeida is working with Chemical Engineering Professor Jeffrey J. Derby on research aimed at modeling three-dimensional phenomena in crystal growth systems. This research has applications for the development of large, single crystals of exacting quality which are needed for the fabrication of advanced optical, magnetic, and electronic devices. These devices have a range of industrial, military, and medical applications.

Dr. Byung-Il Jun is beginning his second year as a Supercomputer Institute Research Scholar. He received his Ph.D. at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign in 1995. His thesis work at the National Center for Supercomputing Applications focused on the dynamics of supernova remnants. His previous numerical gasdynamic and MHDexperiences prepared him well for his work with Astronomy Professor Tom Jones on their research project entitled "Astrophysical Particle Acceleration and Dynamics of Supernova Ejecta." This research explores the highly nonlinear interactions between cosmic rays and the shock waves created by supernova explosions.

Dr. Motoyuki Kido comes to the University of Minnesota from the Earthquake Research Institute at the University of Tokyo. He is working with Geology Professor David A. Yuen on research projects designed to model thermal convection in the Earth's mantle.

Dr. George Karypis earned his Ph.D. at the University of Minnesota in 1996 and is conducting research with Computer Science Professor Vipin Kumar. Their research focuses on graph partitioning, a problem that has extensive applications in scientific computing, very large integrated circuit (VLSI) design, task scheduling, geographical information systems, and operations research.

Dr. Junhui Liu has been conducting research at the University of Minnesota for the past ten months. She came to Minnesota from the University of Maryland where she earned her Ph.D. in Mechanical Engineering. Liu is working with Professor Graham Candler in the Department of Aerospace Engineering and Mechanics. Their work focuses on large eddy simulation of turbulent compressible flows. This work has applications in aircraft designs that have reduced drag and lower fuel consumption.

Dr. Sriram Nivarthi earned his Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering in April 1995 at the University of Minnesota. He is working with Professor H. Ted Davis. They are studying fluid flow in porous media by application of lattice-Boltzmann simulations. Dr. Nivarthi is using a fully functional lattice-Boltzmann code that is capable of simulating multiphase and multicomponent fluids. The interactions between fluid particles can be tuned to mimic real physical systems, like oil and water. This work has applications in the modeling of contaminant flow in groundwater.

Dr. Serdar Ögüt is working with Chemical Engineering and Materials Science Professor Jim Chelikowsky. Dr. Ögüt earned his Ph.D. at Yale University in September 1995. Their research uses computational tools and high-performance computing resources to investigate the electronic and structural properties of solids, clusters, and liquids. This research has applications for the structure of large semiconductor clusters and for point defects in semiconductor materials.

Dr. Yu Zhou is beginning his second year as a Supercomputer Institute Research Scholar. He is working with Physics Professor J. Woods Halley on research aimed at studying the adsorption of chlorine at a copper electrode in a model in which the electronic structure of the electrode is represented by density functional theory methods and the electronic structure is recalculated at each step of the molecular dynamics simulation. This research is part of a Department of Energy sponsored program to improve quantitative understanding of reactions, particularly electron transfer, which control corrosion processes at metal and oxide-electrolyte interfaces.

Research Scholarships are awarded in response to nominations and matching funds provided by a University of Minnesota faculty member. Persons interested in a Research Scholarship in 1997-98 should contact a Supercomputer Institute Principal Investigator in their field to discuss the possibility of nomination and cosponsorship. The deadline for nominations is January 15, 1997, so it is well advised for preliminary discussions to begin this fall.

In This Issue:

Electronic Structure Workshop

Two-Electron Problem in Hartree-Fock Theory

Upcoming Symposia

People & Visitors

Research Scholars

Research Reports