As a theoretical physicist, my primary interest lies in the development of physics-based descriptions of defects and damage in materials, and deformation and failure, using tools in statistical thermodynamics. A key theme of my research is to identify microstructure-property relationships through mesoscale and multiscale modeling. Past work includes granular matter, geomaterials, amorphous solids, crystal plasticity, adiabatic shear banding, and thermomechanical behavior of metals. My current focus is microcracking and fission gas release in nuclear fuel materials. I received my PhD in physics from the University of California, Santa Barbara, under the mentorship of Jean Carlson and James Langer.
