I am looking for multiple students who are interested in
pursuing a PhD in Astrophysics, Physics, or Computational
Science (or a dual PhD combining aspects of two of those) with
a research focus in computational galaxy evolution,
computational plasma physics, and machine learning applied to
these research areas. Some specific projects include:
- Probing galaxy evolution, star formation in galaxies,
and the flow of gas into and out of galaxies over a wide
range of redshifts, with particular emphasis on (I) using
synthetic observations to connect simulations to
observations (as part of the FOGGIE collaboration) and (II)
the development of an exascale cosmology code (as part of
the Enzo-E collaboration).
- The development of an exascale fluid- and particle-based
plasma simulation code based on the Athena-PK code (which is
a GPU-enabled version of Athena++) and its application to a
range of problems including plasma turbulence, high energy
density plasma experiments (including fusion energy-related
experiments like Sandia’s Z Machine), and spacecraft
propulsion systems. This project includes collaborations
with Sandia and Los Alamos National Laboratories, and
internships at those laboratories are possible.
- Applying machine learning techniques to connect
simulations of physical phenomena on a range of spatial and
temporal scales, as applied to simulations of galaxy
formation and terrestrial plasma experiments. A particular
focus is on the development of methods that maintain
physical consistency and stability across regimes (for
example, ensuring energy conservation). This project
includes collaborations with Sandia and Los Alamos National
Laboratories, and internships at those laboratories are
possible.
No prior experience with any of these subjects is expected
- only interest in learning about them! Depending on their
interests and background, students pursuing one of these
projects at Michigan State University would be a PhD student
in either the
Department of Physics and Astronomy or the
Department of Computational Mathematics, Science, and
Engineering (which is a unique department focusing on the
development of new algorithms and their applications across a
wide range of disciplines). A Fall 2024 start
date is desirable. My
research group is highly
interactive, with students and postdoctoral researchers often
working together on projects within the group as well as with
other researchers at MSU and collaborator institutions. I am
delighted to strongly support PhD students and postdoctoral
researchers in the pursuit of the career path that most
interests them, and former members of my group are in a range
of positions in academia, industry, and the U.S. national
laboratories.
If you are potentially interested in one or more of these
projects or would like to know more about my research group or
one of the departments I am affiliated with, please reach out
to me at oshea@msu.edu.