Prof. Thonhauser selected as 2011 - 2013 KITP Scholar

Prof. Thonhauser was selected by the Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics (KITP) to be a KITP Scholar for 2011 - 2013. The KITP is located at the University of California at Santa Barbara and is directed by Nobel laureate David Gross. The KITP is the first and foremost scientific research facility where theorists in physics and allied fields congregate, for sustained periods of time, to work together intensely on a broad range of questions arising from investigations at the leading edges of science. The KITP has routinely attracted the best scientists not only from the U.S., but also from around the world to participate in its programs. It has, consequently, become the preeminent international center for advancing theory in science. Each year the institute selects approximately 7 scholars nationwide to become KITP Scholars based on their research accomplishments and future research potential.

Prof. Thonhauser's research is devoted to the application of condensed-matter theory to currently outstanding problems in physics, biophysics, chemistry, and materials science. His motivation is the desire to advance the exploration of materials in these fields by developing and applying new electronic-structure approaches, methods, and computational tools. Currently, he is working on an approach to calculate ab-initio NMR chemical shifts, and the description of van der Waals forces within density functional theory. Both research fields have direct applications to nano-, bio-, and energy-related materials.