Kristen Fichthorn
Merrell R. Fenske Professor

Ph.D., University of Michigan Office: 164 Fenske Laboratory Phone: (814) 863-4807 Fax: (814) 865-7846 E-mail: fichthorn@psu.edu Lab: 174 Fenske Lab Phone: 863-7975 Staff Assistant: Sandra Brown Phone: (814) 865-2577

Research | Publications

• Summer School on Modern Concepts for Creating and Analyzing Surfaces and Nanoscale Materials
• Thin-Film Epitaxy
• Colloidal Nanoparticle Forces and Dispersion
• Multi-Scale Simulation of Materials and Interfacial Phenomena

Research Summary

The primary focus of my research is on applying atomistic simulation techniques, such as Monte Carlo methods and molecular dynamics, quantum mechanics, and condensed-matter theory to study materials interfaces. Generally, these studies are designed to test, modify, and propose theory, to model experiments so that intriguing results can be understood, and to predict novel behavior encouraging further experimental work. We tend to focus on technological applications in which innovation hinges on detailed molecular-level understanding. We are also interested in developing multi-scale simulation methods that allow inclusion of relevant atomic-scale details in macroscopic simulations relevant for engineering design. A few of our recent efforts are summarized on my research page.

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