Our projects involve experimental, theoretical and computer modeling activities. Diagnostic methods involve the use of magnetic probes, particle detectors, and optical-emissions detectors. Student participation in a particular project will be determined based upon their personal interests. The research in my group focuses on nonequilibrium systems. Nonequilibrium systems are systems that are driven out of thermodynamic equilibrium by some external force, such as pressure gradients, temperature gradients, or external voltages.
Pattern formation is concerned with the formation of regular or irregular spatial structures.
The experiments are focused on furthering our understanding of spatio-temporal chaos. The study of complex fluids focuses on the behavior of technologically relevant materials such as foams, emulsions, and granular materials. These are surfactant molecules that are confined to the air-water interface. A student working in this area would learn how to make the monolayers, use our two-dimensional Couette viscometer, and also be involved in image processing. The instrument is currently being used to make a precision measurement of the gravitational constant G, and operates in a former Nike missile bunker in the state of Washington.