Research Focus:
Study of Structures
Physicists Priya Vashishta and Rajiv Kalia and computer scientist Aiichiro Nakano combined the strengths of LSU's Department of Physics & Astronomy and Department of Computer Science to create the Concurrent Computing Laboratory for Materials Simulations (CCLMS). The lab uses large-scale computers to investigate the properties of various materials and to simulate the behavior of these materials and devices at the atomistic level.
They are using the CCLMS to develop tougher ceramics for use in engines, aircraft, and other structures and to simulate debris impact in low-earth orbits for improving coatings on satellites and space shuttles. They are also developing undergraduate and graduate programs in computational sciences.
Department of Physics and Astronomy
The last year has been one of growth and development for LSU’s Department of Physics and Astronomy.
Recently, the department’s faculty has grown to 42 tenure-track professors, two research professors, three full-time instructors, and a number of part-time instructors and affiliate faculty. In addition, graduate student numbers increased to 78 students, and undergraduate students now number close to 100.
Facility space has also grown thanks to a four-year renovation of Nicholson Hall. The department now enjoys an increase of 40 percent in its space for research labs, classrooms and instructional labs, conference and common rooms, and office areas.
Since 1999, the department’s faculty members have published more than 700 articles in refereed journals, averaging about 60 citations per faculty each year. Faculty members also occupy positions of leadership on national and international committees, and have received prestigious national awards and honors. As proof of their labors, new sponsored program funds in the Department of Physics and Astronomy totaled $6.6 million for the 2004 fiscal year.
Plans for the future include developing a capstone course for all concentrations, including the new campus “Communications Across the Curriculum” initiative. Other objectives include increasing the number of undergraduate physics majors to more than 120 and doubling the number of graduate students by 2010.
