Colloquium Calendar


Below is the colloquium calendar for the current semester. All in-person colloquia are located in Malott Hall, room 2074. Colloquium refreshments will be held at the main entrance to Malott (near room 2001) at 3:30 p.m. unless otherwise announced. Talk titles and abstracts can be found in the accordions below the calendar when available. Please visit the department YouTube Channel (external) for recordings of colloquia when available. 

 

Graduate students in the department can submit their attendance by filling out this form.

Spring 2024 Colloquium Schedule
DateFormatSpeakerAffiliationZoom
February 26, 2024 Jian WangWichita StateZoom Link pw: 408508
March 4, 2024 Katia MatchevaUniversity of FloridaZoom Link pw: 408508
March 18, 2024 Omar SafirUniversity of KansasZoom Link pw: 408508
March 25, 2024 J.T. LavertyKansas State Zoom Link pw: 408508
April 1, 2024 Megan MansfieldArizonaZoom Link pw: 408508
April 8, 2024 Stephanie WisselPenn StateZoom Link pw: 408508
April 15, 2024 Konstantin MatchevUniversity of FloridaZoom Link pw: 408508
April 22, 2024 Shun SaitoMissouri University of Science and TechnologyZoom Link pw: 408508
April 29, 2024 Dr. Kai XiaoOakridge National LabZoom Link pw: 408508

Spring 2024 Colloquia

Facile synthesis of two-dimensional (2D) materials to discover new compounds and stabilize metastable modifications


Abstract:

Two-dimensional materials remain one of the hottest research fields for a few decades due to their emerging physical properties existing in a single atomic layer or a few atomic layers. After intensive research efforts, 2D materials started to find their applications in our daily life, such as in batteries, electronics, or even bulletproof vests. To turn on the functionalities of 2D materials, controlled synthesis of 2D materials is the first and most crucial step. In general, high-temperature solid-state reactions, solution-phase growth, vapor deposition, molecular-beam epitaxy (MBE) method, etc. were widely adopted to grow 2D materials. All these methods proved to be very successful to prepare 2D materials. But worth mentioning, many challenges such as requiring high energy, expensive instruments involved, easily producing thermodynamically stable phases, etc. remain and impede the broader applications of 2D materials. In this work, we will present facile synthesis methods for discovering a new phosphorus allotrope, violet-P11, via a low-temperature flux method and stabilization and growth of the metastable 6R-TaS2 phase. Violet-P11 is a large bandgap 2D semiconductor of Eg=~ 2 eV with good ambient stability. 6R-TaS2 is a metastable phase, which is not easily accessed by conventional synthetic methods.

Exoplanets exploration in the era of big data and artificial intelligence
Abstract: 

Transmission spectroscopy is a powerful tool to decode the chemical composition of the atmospheres of transiting extrasolar planets. Our ability to reliably and meaningfully extract information about their physical structure and chemical composition from the observed spectra relies on the complete understanding of the mathematics of the problem, knowing the uncertainties of the observations, as well as, on our ability to handle large volumes of data associated with high-resolution spectra in the era of large planetary surveys such as the ESA Ariel mission. With close to 1000 planets scheduled for observation, Ariel presents us with a new type of challenge: how to quickly process, characterize and understand the exotic conditions on these planets.

In my presentation, I will explore various approaches that leverage astrophysical simulation tools producing vast datasets and harness the recent surge in machine learning algorithms that are fast, robust, and are capable of discerning patterns and correlations within complex parameter spaces. I will discuss the value of simulation-based inference, emphasizing its unique role in advancing our understanding of spectroscopic exoplanet data from both theoretical and observational perspectives.

Howard Hughes Medical Institute Focus Group Discussion


Abstract:

We are excited to announce a focus group discussion as part of our ongoing initiative to improve the educational experience within the Departments of Natural Sciences and Mathematics. The focus group is part of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute grant initiative for our campus. This session is designed to gather insights and perspectives that will help us refine our teaching and learning strategies.

Key Discussion Areas:

  • Creating supportive and inclusive classroom environments.

  • Enhancing faculty support and resources for teaching and research.

  • Implementing cross-curriculum design for a holistic understanding of natural sciences and mathematics.

  • Shaping our vision for desired student learning outcomes and how to support their achievement.

 

Your experience and input are invaluable to us as we strive to foster an innovative and effective educational setting. This is a unique opportunity to contribute to the future direction of our departments and make a lasting impact on our academic community.

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Please follow this link for an archive of previous colloquia.