Overview

Current Work

<b><a href="#supervision">Click here for information about HDR projects</a></b>

I use computers to study quantum systems, and use pen and paper to make accurate models of the quantum world. Accurate models allow us to simulate materials, molecules, and even drugs on computers. Computers let us develop better batteries, more efficient solar cells, and (hopefully) to one day kill cancers (see article below). My work spans mathematics, physics and chemistry, and fits in a field known as quantum chemistry, theoretical materials science, or electronic structure theory.

I focus on:
* Understanding van der Waals forces in 2D materials
* Improving density functional theory approximations
* Degenerate and excited state ensemble density functional theory
* Conceptual density functional theory

A summary of my general research interests written for a broad audience can be found in my <a href="https://theconversation.com/welcome-to-lab-2-0-where-computers-replace-experimental-science-57271">Lab 2.0 article at The Conversation</a>
 

News

Expertise Keywords

  • 2d heterostructures
  • Computational chemistry
  • Computational physics
  • Quantum chemistry
  • Quantum correlations
  • density functional theory
  • electronic structure
  • materials science
  • organic chemistry
  • quantum mechanics

Subject Area Codes

  • CHEMICAL SCIENCES
  • PHYSICAL SCIENCES

Country Affiliations

  • United Kingdom

Research Publications and Outputs

Recent Publications

Publications: 52 (Other: 52)

Funded Griffith Research

Engagement and Impact

Learning and Teaching

Teaching Philosophy

I believe in creating learning spaces that engage students with material as an ongoing process. I focus on integrating activities with traditional and non-traditional teaching methods. I am at heart a pragmatist and will use whatever techniques work for a given course, class and delivery constraints.  

Current and Past Courses

  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Teacher, Mixed Model, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Intro Mathematical Modelling (2204BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2018.
  • Intro Mathematical Modelling (2204NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2018.
  • Lin Algebra & Diff Equations (2201BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Lin Algebra & Diff Equations (2201NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Teacher, Mixed Model, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Teacher, Mixed Model, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Topics in App Mathematics 4 (6208NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2018.
  • Intro Mathematical Modelling (2204BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2018.
  • Intro Mathematical Modelling (2204NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2018.
  • Lin Algebra & Diff Equations (2201BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Lin Algebra & Diff Equations (2201NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2018.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2018.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Teacher, Mixed Model, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Convenor, Online, Online, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Teacher, Online, Online, Semester 1, 2018.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Convenor, Mixed Model, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Teacher, Mixed Model, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Intro Mathematical Modelling (2204NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2017.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Convenor, Mixed Model, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Teacher, Mixed Model, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Convenor, Mixed Model, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Teacher, Mixed Model, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Eng Mathematics 1 (1010ENG)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Topics in App Mathematics 4 (6208NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2017.
  • Intro Mathematical Modelling (2204BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2017.
  • Intro Mathematical Modelling (2204NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2017.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2017.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2017.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2017.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2017.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Convenor, Mixed Model, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Teacher, Mixed Model, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Convenor, Online, Online, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Linear Algebra (1201SCG)
    Teacher, Online, Online, Semester 1, 2017.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Prof Practice in Science (3991SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Hons Quantum and Class Physics (6353NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Hons Quantum and Class Physics (6353NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Topics & Research Meth in Phys (6303BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Topics & Research Meth in Phys (6303NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Prof Practice in Science (3991SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2016.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2016.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Life. Universe and Everything (2403BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Life. Universe and Everything (2403NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Hons Quantum and Class Physics (6353NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Hons Quantum and Class Physics (6353NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2015.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Hons Stat & Cond Matter Physic (6304NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2015.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2014.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2014.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2014.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2014.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2014.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 1, 2014.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Convenor, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2014.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Gold Coast Campus, Semester 2, 2014.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2014.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2014.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2014.
  • Relat. Particles & Sym in Phys (3302NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2014.
  • Life. Universe and Everything (2403BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2014.
  • Life. Universe and Everything (2403NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2014.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2014.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303BPS)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2014.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2014.
  • Classical & Quantum Physics II (2303NSC)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 1, 2014.
  • Acc Physics 1 (1300BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Summer semester (Jan/Feb), 2014.
  • Acc Physics 1 (1300BPS)
    Convenor, In Person, Intensive, Nathan Campus, Summer semester (Jan/Feb), 2014.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Convenor, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2014.
  • Physics 1B (1032SCG)
    Teacher, In Person, Nathan Campus, Semester 2, 2014.

Research by Higher Degree Supervision or Scholarship

Supervision Overview

My work suits students with interest in physics or chemistry who have a strong background in computers and/or mathematics. Possible projects include:
* Fundamental theory - You will develop new conceptual approaches to quantum chemistry that borrow from statistical mechanics and quantum information
* Theory and method development 1 - you will work on improving the understanding of dispersion (van der Waals) forces in real systems with the goal of better simulation of nanosystems
* Theory and method development 2 - you will work on novel approaches for practically simulating diabatic pathways directly from first principles
* Material science projects - you will study materials like 2D heterostructures, PdH and others with the goal of better understanding their material properties using computers

Background

Bio

I started my research career as a potential mathematician, earning 1st class Honours in Mathematics from Melbourne University. I then made the switch to theoretical physics for my Ph.D. at Griffith University after Prof. John Dobson introduced me to the very elegant Hohenberg-Kohn theorem of density functional theory. During my Ph.D. I wrote one of the first codes capable of solving linear response time-dependent density functional theory (the now-popular ACFD method) for atoms, and submitted my thesis within three years.

I then pursued similar interests in bulk systems for a short Post-Doc of one year and a half at the University of York, England. My intellectual wanderlust then got the better of me, and I switched to applied physics/mathematics at Lancaster University, studying the mechanical and elastic behaviour of MEMS systems in work with industrial and defense partners.

After taking some time off for illness after my second Post-Doc, I returned to Griffith University. There I became heavily involved again in density functional theory research, with a focus on the weird quantum mechanics involved in van der Waals forces in 2D materials such as graphene. This led me to a new question - how can we cheaply approximate most of the weird physics? I'm getting to an answer.

In more recent years I have also expanded my long-standing interest in potential functional theories to study the properties of quantum state ensembles. These very interesting systems offer practical advantages to quantum chemists, and formal advantages for studying quantum systems through conceptual density functional theory.

As a result of my recent work on ensembles I no longer have quite the same love for the Hohenberg-Kohn theorem. But this has been made up for by an increased love and understanding of its better behaved children.
 

Education and Training

  • BSc Bachelor Of Science With Advanced Studies, Griffith University 1995 - 1997
  • BSc Hons Math Bachelor of Science (Honours) (Mathematics), University Of Melbourne 1998 - 1998
  • PhD Doctor Of Philosophy, Griffith University 1999 - 2003

Professional experience

  • Grant assessor, Australian, US, Polish and Flanders (Netherlands, Belgium, Luxembourg) research councils 2014 -
  • Referee, Nature Comm., Phys. Rev. A, B, Lett., X, Carbon, J. Chem. Phys., J.C.T.C., P.C.C.P., others 2007 -

Internal service roles

  • Chairperson of Examiners, Griffith University 2014 -

Visiting appointments

  • Visiting scientist, Weizmann Institute 2015 - 2015

Editorial roles

  • Regional Editor, Molecular Physics Journal 2018 -