Professor of Physics & Mechanical Engineering
Colorado School of Mines
(303)-273-3675
mlusk@mines.edu
Director: Golden Energy Computing Organization
Hot Topics in the Physics Department
Education:
California Institute of Technology
Ph.D. Applied Mechanics, 1992
Colorado State University
M.S. Electrical Engineering, 1988
Navy Nuclear Power School
U.S. Navy's one-year training program in nuclear engineering, 1984
U.S. Naval Academy
B.S. Electrical Engineering, 1982
Research Overview:
My research group uses computational quantum mechanics methods to explore molecular and nanostructured assemblies. This can be driven by a desire to design a configuration of atoms which performs specific functions, but our atomic-scale explorations are often curiosity driven as well. We draw on electronic structure theory, mechanics and chemistry to address fundamental questions in collaboration with colleagues who emphasize experimental methods of inquiry. The associated calculations are demanding, so high performance computing is an important component of both research and instruction in my group.
Current Projects: