Jenel Vatamanu Post-doctoral Research Associate
University of Missouri-Columbia Department of Chemistry 125 Chemistry Building Columbia, Missouri 65211 Tel: 573-884-3829 Fax: 573-882-2754 vatamanuj@missouri.edu

Education:

• Ph.D., Chemistry, Queen's University, Canada, 1999-2004
• MSc., Chemistry, Al. I. Cuza University, Romania, 1995-1996
• BSc, Chemistry, Dunarea de Jos University, Romania, 1989-1995

Professional Experience:

• RA/TA, Physical Chemistry, Al. I. Cuza University, Chemistry Dept., Romania, 1996-1999
• Post-doc, Theoretical Chemistry, Dalhousie University and University of Calgary, 2004-2006

Research Interest:

• Methods that extend the time-scale and space-scale (hybrid/interfaced molecular dynamics / finite element, and hybrid/interfaced molecular dynamics / phase field theory) for systems that are at threshold of size limit for MD but still too small to be treated as a continuum.
• Stochastic methods (e.g., kinetic Monte Carlo) for further extending the time-and-space scales of investigated non-equilibrium systems and processes.
• Faster parallel algorithms for large-scale MD simulations (e.g., oct-tree recursion / fast multipole methods).
• A multi-scale approach to crystallization; computer assisted design of crystals.
• Far-from-equilibrium processes from molecular details to macroscopic continuum; highly nonlinear processes; shockwaves in materials.
• Combustion process and propellants; computer assisted engineering of rocket engines starting from molecular details of propellants.
• Expitaxial crystal growth and diffusive processes on (metallic) surfaces.
• Solid-solid phase transition simulated from atomistic details.
• Burning ice.

Selected Publications:

• Vatamanu J., Kusalik P.G., "Microfaceting and its Implications in the Non-random Staking in FCC Crystals," submitted, Physical Review Letters.

• Vatamanu J., Kusalik P.G., "Molecular Dynamics Methodology to Investigate the Steady State Heterogeneous Crystal Growth," Journal of Chemical Physics, accepted (2007).

• Vatamanu J., Kusalik P.G., "Unusual Crystalline and Polycrystalline Structures on Methane Hydrates," J. Am. Chem. Soc., ASAP, (2006).

• Vatamanu J., Kusalik P.G., "Molecular Insights into the Heterogeneous Crystal Growth of sI Methane Hydrate,"Journal of Physical Chemistry B, vol.110, pp. 15896 (2006).

• Vatamanu J., Cann N.M., "Evaluation of Bridge Diagrams for Molecular Fluids,"Journal of Chemical Physics, vol.121, pp. 6922 (2004).