Undergraduate Research Opportunities

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Atomistic Modeling of New Materials (2 positions)

Project Description:

In these projects, students will explore the fascinating world of nanoscale materials using modern computational techniques. The work focuses on understanding the electronic, structural, and vibrational (phononic) properties of low-dimensional systems at the atomic level. Students will gain experience with Python programming and apply a range of modeling approaches, from classical simulations to quantum-mechanical methods. As the projects progress, students may also have the opportunity to connect their findings with ongoing experimental work conducted by Professor Meunier’s collaborators at Penn State and partner institutions, bridging theory and experiment in cutting-edge materials research.

Faculty Name and Email:

Vincent Meunier vfm5153@psu.edu

Research Area(s):

Computational atomistic materials

Number of Available Positions:

2

Project Start Date:

Spring 2026

Remote or In-Person or Hybrid?

Hybrid

Estimated Time Commitment:

8

Potential for Summer Research Continuation:

Maybe

Potential for Research Credit (496/497) or Independent Study:

Yes

Required Courses or Skills:

ESC-312

Preferred Student Background:

python, interest in materials