KENT STATE PHYSICS PROFESSOR RECEIVES NSF GRANT TO RESEARCH NOVEL STATES OF MATTER
Maxim Dzero, Ph.D., assistant professor of physics in Kent State University’s College of Arts and Sciences, has been granted $302,796 from the National Science Foundation (NSF) for his project titled “Spins and Knots: The Rise of Topology in F-Orbital Materials.” The focus of this project is to conduct theoretical research aimed at better understanding electron-electron interactions and how they can create novel states of matter.
Of particular interest to Dzero is finding new materials with topological properties, similar to topological insulators, which conduct electricity on the surface while the rest of the material acts as an insulator. These novel types of materials are difficult to produce, but have a variety of potential applications like high-speed computing and ultrasensitive magnetic devices.
The grant will allow Dzero to hire a postdoctoral researcher and financially support two graduate students who will be able to focus solely on research.